Alt Spec hires Tollesan Design.

Alt Spec has retained top-ranked firm Tolleson Design to create the first edition of its eponymous architectural industry sourcebook. Debuting in June 2001, Alt Spec will streamline the research, archiving, and browsing functions for the architecture and design end user, by pulling together visual product information from thousands of manufacturers into a single, searchable resource, available in print and online.

"Alt Spec's conceptual design and user-friendly format will raise the bar within the design resource community," explained Alt Spec co-founder Kyle Bergman. "The industry has never had a tool like this available."

Alt Spec will employ Tolleson's expertise to develop a single, universal resource that consolidates extensive visual information across virtually all product categones -- commercial, contract, retail, and residential -- with high-quality printing and thoughtful, conceptual presentation. Tolleson will oversee the design process from slipcover to shipping carton.

"Designing for the design community is the ultimate challenge," said Steve Tolleson, founder of Tolleson Design. "Alt spec is one of the premium showcase vehicles in its category, and we look forward to embarking on the assignment."

The charter edition of Alt Spec will include three volumes of full-page, full-bleed, four-color product information and advertising, printed on 80-pound paper stock. The fourth volume will be a comprehensive directory of manufacturer and product information available to the combined trades. Alt Spec will be distributed exclusively to 70,000 architecture and design firms across the country.

The online component, Altspec.com, will distribute electronically all the visual information contained in the printed books.

Advertising sales for Alt Spec will close in February 2001, with distribution scheduled for the spring of 2001.