Name: Emily

Where do you live? Phoenix, Arizona

What do you do? Co-owner & graphic designer at Two Birds Creative, Inc.

DP Purchase/s: upper playground Dora Drimalas Bike Love Women’s Tee

What’s your favorite DP product and why? My “Bike Love” tee! I recently wore the shirt when I visited some friends in Portland, and to New Belgium’s Tour de Fat in Tempe, AZ. Basically, I love anything bicycle. It fascinates me that the bike is the only mode of transportation that improves with use.

Four sites/blogs you visit daily: I’m a graphic designer, but I love interior design and revamped old furniture.I feed that side of my design-self with Design*Sponge . The graphic designer in me loves all UnderConsideration‘s blogs. My fave is Brand New . I’m currently planning our wedding so I visit many wedding blogs these days. One of my favorite is Once Wed . And finally Good reminds me daily that the world is an ever-evolving entity and we need to take care of it and each other.

Tell us about your home, office, workspace, or favorite nook and cranny. I spend most of my days in our home office. Design-wise — it’s a work in progress. It’s a mish-mash of both our (my fiance and my) design styles — natural wood mixed with “modern” IKEA purchases marked with found objects from around the world. I would love for it to one day morph into a photo out of DominoMag. Most of the time, our office is a mess, but it is cozy and bright, and we love it.

Do you collect anything? Tell us of your treasures…. I’m a bit of a collector and a major garage saler—it’s a little ridiculous. Garage sales are where I find most of my collectibles. I have a collection of small frog figurines, and a nice collection of retro flower-power ceramic stackable coffee mugs. Recently, I’ve started a bird collection for our company Two Birds Creative.

Movies you can watch over and over: One summer vacation as a teen, I got really sick and was stuck in my aunt’s “computer room” with no cable and one dvd You’ve Got Mail. Every since then, whenever I feel really sick, You’ve Got Mail makes me feel a little better. Add to the list the Sandlot and That Thing You Do.

Random Fact: We have a 3-legged Australian Kelpie mix named Hopalong Dixie. She also has a blog :::> http://dixileta.blogspot.com/. And she’s famous. The AZ Humane Society liked a photo of Dixie so much they asked if they could blow it up and hang it in their new pet boutique. We’ve yet to go see it if it’s up, but they had us sign a model release and everything!

Thanks, Emily!

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I’ve read that you have a background in both architecture and furniture design. What was the turning point that led you from architecture and furniture to soft goods?

I started doing furniture design in architecture school because they had a woodshop and I’ve always enjoyed manual work. As a design process I liked the simplicity and perfection of furniture as a counterpoint to architecture, which is so complicated and messy (sometimes in a good way). After I finished school I continued making furniture while I did freelance architectural work. My intent was to turn the furniture into a business that would go along side my architecture, but it proved to be very difficult to come up with commercially viable pieces. So I decided to experiment with soft goods because they’re easier and less expensive to produce. And the success of my UM bags eventually pulled me away from architecture and into the product world.

I get a sense that you let the material drive the design. Is this true? The UM bags certainly push this notion as do the leftover felt rounds from the UM tote and Wine Pocket that make up the Cut Coasters set. Can you tell us a little about the design process that went into creating some of your pieces?

Yes, I do start with a material and a study of its intrinsic qualities. I liked felt because of its stiffness: unlike most woven fabric it’s very structural. But I also think about different manufacturing processes at the beginning. For example, die cutting material leads to different possibilities than hand cutting. And there are different ways of sewing things. I take those things into account and then just play around with things and see what comes out of it. It’s a fairly structured process though. Although I usually don’t have a specific product in mind, I’m always thinking about a basic utility such as holding, covering, opening and closing, etc.

The aesthetic element is certainly evident in each design yet everything seems to offer an “experience” for the customer. How important was it that each piece allows for a chance for the customer to interact with the material?

It’s very important. I think all products give the user an experience of some kind. A lot of mainstream products give the user an associative experience, such as belonging to the right group, feeling like they have reached a certain status, etc. I don’t really know how to do that kind of work so I can’t compete with the Pradas of the world. As an architect, I’m trained to think about the interaction between a user and his or her physical environment so I try to push that as a way of differentiating my stuff from everything else.

How would you describe your design style/philosophy? How has it evolved over the years?

My philosophy is to maintain an ongoing design process and let product come out of that as they may. I have a lot of experiments sitting around the studio that never turned into products. I have to admit that as the realities of running a business have caught up with me, I’ve become a little more product oriented. For example, I’m currently working a slipper only because I’ve been asked for one a number of times and I think it would sell. I wasn’t too excited about the project until I made it my own and turned it into an experiment.

What do you use as inspiration for your designs?

My inspiration usually isn’t too abstract. It’s mostly just the qualities of the materials I work with, different making processes, and different basic uses. I look at those things the way an architect looks at a site and a program.

I admire that you use felt made from factory excess and rubber made from recycled tires. Was it a challenge to find the quality recycled materials that you use?

Actually I started working with felt because of its properties and I wasn’t even thinking about sustainability issues. And the rubber has many of the same qualities as felt, so it fit into what I do. So it wasn’t like I made huge sacrifices to be responsible about my materials. And the things I do like trying to use off-cuttings for new products just save me money. I like to think of my practice as ahead of its time in that efficient use and recycling are matter of fact.

What advice would you give aspiring designers?

In terms of design, be rigorous. Make things, don’t just think of ideas. It’s hard work but it’s satisfying. In terms of business, I would say that having good products, good manufacturing, and good prices are the most important thing. If you have those things, sales will take care of itself. But… think long and hard before quitting your day job because success doesn’t happen over night!

What is next for Josh Jakus?

I’m working on a second brand that will keep what’s special about my stuff yet have a bit more mass-market appeal and a lower price point. Stay tuned!

Thanks, Josh!

View all Josh Jakus pieces on Design Public

Wallpaper actually gets me all riled up so I apologize in advice for my lengthy list of questions with Susie Mendive. Enjoy!

I know a bit about your background…a graphic designer with a graduate degree from North Carolina then to LA then to NY as art director with stila cosmetics…but I think there are some holes, especially in how you transitioned from branding cosmetics to designing modern wallpaper. Tell us more! How did SUM come together?

It happened very organically. I very much wanted to design and produce my own product and call all the shots. It just made sense at that point in my career. There is a lot of hard work involved and it can be consuming but I like taking it one step at the time.

Tell us about the name, SUM. How did you come up with this?

My husband and I were in Tokyo and it just hit me, Su is from Susie and M from Mendive but more than that it was the idea of a total home concept…SUM of all parts. A total approach to design and living.

The female silhouettes of your Floral Femme Fatale prints are an amazing graphic. They have a significant presence let alone bring movement, style, femininity, character and a sense of a couture-ness to a room. I would guess that your time with stila cosmetics may have carried over into the inspiration for these designs, is this right or was it something else?

Yes, that’s right. The silhouettes are something I started with at stila. They have a very universal quality and allow you to project your own thoughts on to them. I am always more intrigued by what is left out of an image or illustration.

Many of the modern wallpapers we see are meant to be an explosive replacement for traditional wall art which I find very refreshing and exciting, but also a bit of a challenge! I love the colors and graphics of the Vespertine Wallpaper in Twilight but am not sure I could pull it off in my space (maybe the black option would be better for me). What tips do you have for creating a harmonizing space when using bold/graphic wallpapers?

It isn’t as difficult as it might seem. I think Vespertine Twilight would be great in a powder room, kids room or a small kitchen. It uses bold colors but you can paper a single wall if you are unsure and pick an accent color from the pattern for rest of the room. Items like lampshades or rugs will help unify the scheme and wood and chrome or bronze elements will add a little luxe to the mix. I try to stay away from a too done, matchy matchy look or it seems like a set rather than a lived in space.

Was it a challenge to create a line of wallpapers that are made in the USA, constructed of recyclable paper and hand screen printed with water-based, non varsol inks? I can’t begin to image how long your screen printing stations must be!

Too long for a Manhattan Apartment! I actually use a company out in California who share the same values as I do about the environment. They have been hand screening wallpaper for over 20 years and converted to water based inks about 5 years ago. We try our best to maintain the highest quality product and still be kind to mother nature.

I always appreciate getting a glimpse into a designer’s work space and adore the photos of your loft on hgtv. Any difficulties to living/working in the same space?

I don’t actually live in that apartment anymore but still do the live/work thing. For me work and life are not separate. Living is by design. I have an enormous bedroom now (with a door this time!) and carved out two spaces with a beautiful, white modular folding screen. I then built in a storage/desk unit and of course wallpapered the space in Underwater Bamboo Pink. The whole color scheme came from the wallpaper so its silver and soft pink. It got a little too girly so I peppered it with earthy accents of walnut wood. The whole space feels very glamorous but warm and grounded…what’s more inspiring than that.

If you could paper someone’s walls, whose would you choose and which design might you use?

Frida Khalo
Diane von Furstenberg
Bjork
an Obama White House

…all custom designs of course!

I crave an opportunity to experiment with wallpaper, but I also fear it because: 1.) Of the expansive range of possibilities 2.) It is wallpaper and I don’t trust myself to be able to successfully apply it to my walls. But, I want to try so badly! What do you suggest for someone who is venturing into this arena for the first time…especially if the possibilities are as customizable as your wallpapers?

I think all the options available actually make it easier to find something that will work with your existing decor or serve as a jumping off point for a revamp. I understand the fear of installing yourself, many of my clients feel similarly. Wallpaper is really not that hard to put up and there are so many DIY sites out there with step by step instructions… in the end there is very little guesswork. I hung my very first Femme Fatale strike offs so I could learn how to do it and see how the paper performed, not the easiest, but definitely not hard. Having said that, if you are still hesitant, hire a painter or wallpaper installer. Many professional painters have experience hanging papers and the necessary tools in their arsenal. The most important thing is to be bold and experiment! Most of my clients are like you, saw it in a magazine and wanted to try it for themselves. All of them have been thrilled with the results. And remember nothing in this life is permanent!

How do you get out of a creative rut? What most inspires you?

Travel, travel, travel. It is the single most inspiring thing I can do. Floral Femme came together after a trip to Shanghai, Animalia after spending time in Holland. Places seep into me and become creative output.

What is next for SUM?

More wallpapers! I have one in the design stages that looks like painted canvas on the wall and another that is very male. I don’t see a lot out there for the boys so I thought it the perfect thing to design. SUM is now available in Utrecht, the Netherlands at Springers Wonen, in Malmo, Sweden at Tapetorama and we are looking to expand further in Europe and of course stateside. We are also moving into Fabrics and are looking to add other designers under our moniker… more parts to SUM total.

Thanks, Susie!

View all of Susie Mendive’s SUM wallpaper collection on DP.

Photograph: Alain Levitt
Makeup: Melissa Silver

Where are you from? I am a Boulder, CO mountain girl at heart, but I lived in a small town in Illinois for a few years during my formative years where, like Joe, I learned to appreciate the taste of Midwestern cuisine (meatloaf, corn, frozen peas, Jell-O with marshmallows, etc.). I also lived in Saudi Arabia and Alaska shortly after I was born, but I don’t really remember either spot so I guess they don’t count.

Where do you live now? I have been a bit of a nomad during my 9 years in Nor Cal. Currently I have nestled myself into a corner in Oakland and love it but I have to continue my nomadic ways…as of next week I’ll be moving into a loft space in Emeryville. Expect lots of photos oh-so-soon!

How did you get interested in design? I have always had a passion for crafts, design, and art in general. As a child I would make intricate dioramas for book projects and they would typically be scenes in a home (and no, my parents didn’t make my school projects for me). In college one of my majors was in art with a focus on mixed media painting. I took a couple photography classes and while other students did their final projects taking pictures of people or landscapes, I was off photographing chairs.

What’s your favorite DP product and why? I have major love for the Blu Dot Nick Table. The character of the woodgrain and the rounded edges make me melt. Some may call me a “DP addict” since I have a slew of items on my wishlist. My fist DP purchase ever was the Matteo Due Stitch Duvet in brine and I looooove it.

If you weren’t doing this what would you do? Probably sit at home and eat beef sandwiches while watching daytime TV…kidding. Actually, I’d most likely try to pursue creating my own line of items. Although, this would require some start up, and that means saving some money, and that would require finding a job. I then would probably resort to finding any job off Craigslist and then get stuck working in a cubicle for 20 years.

What do you do in your spare time? I don’t really have a lot of spare time. My side gig is as a second photographer for Cooper Carras Photography which requires working weekends shooting and editing photos. We do a lot of destination wedding photography so we have to do a good amount of traveling. Luckily, traveling is my thing so I can’t complain. If only there were 10 days to each week…

What do you like most about our Design Public? Why do you work here? The office cactus named Kelly Clarkson.

Who was your favorite member of the A-Team?
Although I am pretty quiet, a little on the scrawny side and a really fair-skinned gal, I would have to say I am a lot like B.A. Baracus at heart. I idolize Mr. T.

Where are you from? Nebraska! The great land of beef, corn, and Football – with a capital F.

Where do you live now? Last year I moved from a fabulous sprawling penthouse in Oakland to an equally lovely shoebox in SF. It’s all about location, baby!

How did you get interested in design? I worked at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art for years and found myself attending as many architecture and design lectures I could get into. It is fascinating for me to learn about the process a designer goes through in order to realize their ideas. It is also interesting for me to see how people can interpret the same object in so many different ways. I think that’s where the line often blurs between art and function.

What’s your favorite DP product and why? Love my Area Jewel duvet and Area Theo coverlet. I always tell people its my ‘fancy’ bedding.

What do you like most about our company? I mostly work here for the free food. People say we have a great team and that we are doing something different and exciting in retail. That’s all great, but its mostly the food that keeps me here.

If you weren’t doing this what would you do? Sushi chef or Zen gardener. Same art, different mediums. (p.s. the rock garden to the left was Joe’s former desk creation. I hear that soon he has plans to spell his name with the rocks…I’ll keep you updated).

What do you do in your spare time? I used to call myself a marathoner, but lately have been spending a lot more time in the kitchen than on the trails.

Favorite member of the A-Team? Definitely MacGyver.

Thanks, Joe!