Local architects make a show of the home

Residential Design 2005 isn't the first building trades show the Boston Society of Architects has organized; the group has been doing that for a couple of decades. But it is the first time the architects have devoted a show to residential design, and it is the first time they've invited the public in, albeit for only three hours of a two-day event.

''There have always been residential-design workshops in Build Boston and having a specific convention about it felt like an important undertaking," said Nancy Jenner, deputy director of the BSA. ''There's a lot of excitement about it in the industry."

Build Boston is the BSA's annual show, which was started in 1984 and typically lasts three days in November. Residential Design 2005, an outgrowth of Build Boston, will be a two-day event beginning Wednesday.

Jenner said Residential Design 2005 is not just for people who live in houses; it will also focus on home designing for apartments, lofts, and condos. The show will have about 200 exhibits that will feature home theater and entertainment products, tiles, windows, decorative hardware, cabinet-making, and bath systems. Many of the products in the exhibits are focused on sustainable design and energy efficiency, said Richard Vendola, the show's vice president of sales.

This event is different than a home show, Jenner said. ''This is for the consumer who wants to understand the process of what goes into products. It's a different thought process. It's more than picking out colors for the wall. It's more about 'should the laundry room go near the family room or the master bedroom?' There's an emphasis on designing a space and building," she said. Forums will allow homeowners to meet architects, ask for advice, and get background information.

More than 4,000 professionals and homeowners have registered for the event so far, Jenner said. Residential Design 2005 anticipates as many as 6,000 altogether, with perhaps 1,200 of them being homeowners, she said. If the show's deemed a success, Jenner said, Residential Design 2005 could be expanded. ''I would like to see more workshops for the public. They would be minitalks with architects so it's not just people walking around and talking. It's people signing up for certain discussions. I think that would be great," she said.

Residential Design 2005 is being held at the Seaport World Trade Center. It will be open to the public on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Entry into the exhibit hall costs $15.

Registering can be done online at www.buildboston.com or by calling 800-544-1898.