When was the company started? Who else is involved and what are their roles?
Squared Furniture came about in 2008 albeit under a different name... At the time I was working multiple jobs, one full time and one part time, while attempting to foster the furniture and design business. In the early months of 2011 I transitioned into what is now Squared Furniture full time. For the most part it has been a solo venture but recently I’ve brought in a designer and friend, Ross Stangler, who I’ve collaborated with in the past. We are currently working on some designs to be released in the spring of 2012.
When did you first know you wanted to be a designer?
It never really occurred to me that I was considered a designer until recently. Honestly I never had it in mind, never once did I say “I want to be a designer.” It just sort of happened. I really just fell into this by sheer accident.
What is your current workspace like? What do you love the most about it and/or what would you change?
Currently it’s a dimly lit, cramped space with lumber stacked to the ceiling in spots and barely enough room for two people to be working simultaneously. There are small projects in every corner, paper and acrylic samples are scattered all over the bench with a few small models here and there. I’m planning on moving the operation in the coming weeks to a larger space.
How do you decide on a new products?
That is a tough question to answer. Its an ebb and flow of sorts...a lot depends on my own personal context, with consideration given to material and a bit of product viability. And to be quite candid, sometimes if something strikes me as interesting I’ll make several and see if they catch any attention.
What’s been the shortest time to develop a product from concept to final product? What took the longest?
I can’t really say. I’m constantly redefining and trying to refine the designs that are released from the shop. Some designs take months and others will sit for a year or more.
What’s been the most difficult design problem you’ve solved?
I can’t say I’ve really solved anything yet. To be brutally honest, I’ve not changed or seriously impacted a fundamental part of life or culture with or by designing furniture. Case in point: I haven’t changed how one sits in a chair, or sets a cup of coffee or tea on a table or places a book on a shelf. I strive to make some of the every day objects that surround me have more/less of a physical presence. By that I mean I want them to stand out a bit, and then disappear. I think of the pieces that I design as an ellipsis. More specifically as a “trailing off into silence...”
What’s been your favorite project to work on so far?
My favorite thus far has been the midAL coffee table. I played with that for about a year or so in various forms and materials. When the design was solidified and came back from the coatings company I nearly pissed when I unwrapped it. I added the solid wood under carriage and it was complete. Sadly the piece is
so simple it doesn’t make enough of an impression at first glance. Situated in context it’s a striking piece... On a sunny day it blends in with the highlights and shadows all but disappearing. It plays very well with the space it occupies.
What tool, device or process made your job much easier?
I would say the web and online marketplaces have made the greatest impact. Making it easier to advertise and even sell products. As a result I was able to quit my day job(s) to pursue furniture full time.
What inspiration comes from the city you live in, or where you grew up?
After having pondered this question for a bit I find myself falling short of an answer. I’d like to say that I like the weather but its cold 9 months of the year. I will say this: I find that I’m most inspired by the frustration induced by my current locale. It seems to provide the impetus for creating new things.
What is your favorite part of the work day?
I really enjoy the “getting started” portion of the day. It’s nice to sip a cup of tea and inspect the previous days labors. And of course the days when works are finished... there is nothing like applying a coat of lacquer to a form and seeing it change. It brings a smile to my face every time.
What materials do you like working with the most?
I really enjoy the properties of acrylic, glass, aluminum and wood. Together they work quite nicely.
What famous or unknown designer do you admire?
I can’t mention only one, but I will say I really dig Chris Held and the boys of Von Tundra design house out of Portland. They keep it simple, quiet and very well crafted. I also enjoy the bent works of David Trubridge. I would be remiss if I left out Architect(s) Steven Holl, Mies van der rohe, Le Corbusier, Tadao Ando and Ralph Rapson. As well as artist(s) Andy Goldsworthy, Robert Irwin, Doug Aitken and Christopher Wool. The list goes on and on so I’ll just leave it at that.
Which of your designs came out a specific need, or something you couldn’t find elsewhere?
Thats a tricky question to answer. We are a consumption based culture, which contains both positive and negative aspects. But briefly: None of the designs were a result of necessity per se... rather pieces arose out of a desire for simplicity, a desire for warmth of material and depth of design.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be doing?
I would hopefully be designing - but doing less fabrication. I would love to eventually be selling my designs.
What’s next?
That’s a big question... A pop up shop is in the works for Spring 2012, working out issues with some designs, finishing several collections, putting together a short hardcover book that will hopefully help to establish a design firm that is in the works and moving the shop to a larger more adequate space in the coming weeks. 2012 is looking to be a busy year.
What’s your personal motto?
“Keep it simple stupid,” and if you don’t fail every now and again you’re not taking enough risks and not working hard enough. And when that doesn’t work I tend to work on something until it fails, leaving me with a pile of dust and bits of metal. At that point I can say I accomplished something, even if I have nothing to show for it. The experience was worth it.
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