How would you describe your personal style? Its a mix of everything that's made me who I am. I grew up in a small town in the midwest doing lots of boy things as a teen - camping, offroading, river things, skating. My time NYC has been more about downtown.
Do you remember the first thing you made? Once summer my dad and I learned stained glass and made this craftsman style lanterns for the house. I was maybe 10 or 11. It was a buried memory that came back after I was already working in design.
Before I started making I… I was working in design in more of a marketing capacity. I worked for The Future Perfect and was a pretty early hire at Apparatus, I went on to establish their marketing department.
If I weren’t a maker I’d be... Growing up I wanted to be a director. I went to film school and was working in design for years before it dawned on me that I was probably not ever going to be a filmmaker. That really allowed me to focus on what was in front of me and was probably when I first started thinking about being a designer.
Favorite quote or words to live by: If you stay within your budget noone knows what your budget is.
If I could run away I’d go… Sardinia. I went on a trip last summer in the south of Sardinia and it was so so special. I think about it every day. It feels like the place someone could run to and never have to encounter their old life.
What would be on your maker’s soundtrack? Rolling Stones, The Clean, Bob Dylan, T Rex
Favorite movie? To Die For, Basic Instinct, Scream, Mystery Train
Last meal? A gyro
Favorite scent? Nag Champa
Favorite artist? Tabboo!
What do you see outside your bedroom window? I live on Chrystie Street and look out onto the park. I love the light and the treeline. Its the first time in NYC I have had anything to look at out my windows.
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met? I met Jodie Foster once and we briefly talked about a scene in Interiors, was pretty fab. We talked about celadon vase scene.
If money was not a factor how would you live your life? Pretty much how I live now but I would buy more art and travel more. I am very grateful for what I have at this moment.
Best piece of advice you have ever received? Dress like the trade you want to bring home.
What is your most treasured possession? I have a painting my grandmother painted. It reminds me more of my mother though, art was a link between the three of us. Its a small portrait of Olivia Hussy from a Life Magazine article. The painting is dated 1971. Its so beautiful and a bit odd, haunting. It was the one thing I got from my grandparents when they passed. It hung in their entryway my whole childhood and now it's above my sofa. My grandma had 6 kids and used to paint in the kitchen while she cooked.
What is your favorite family tradition? Sharing music was a big part of growing up and still feels like a bit way I try to connect with people.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Singing.
What is your favorite aspect of your job? I have been such a fanboy of design, ever since I was a kid. It's incredible that I get to participate in this great big thing that I love. It's amazing that there is room for me here to pursue a vision.
What are you most thankful for? My family, my friends, my team. New York City. Getting to wake up every morning and listen to music and drink coffee and look out my window. Getting to do something I love.
To see more from Blue Green Works visit, FAIR Design.
