As a child, what did you want to become (profession-wise)?
As a child, my first memories focused on wanting to be a chemist or some type of scientist. I loved biology and figuring out how things worked. I was always pulling my toys apart and putting them back together, and if I wasn’t doing that I was mixing something up with my chemistry kit to see what kind of reactions I could get -- either chemical or from my family.
In which town did you grow up? Gainesville, FL.
Do you think your background has influenced your current design style? If so, what specific element in your background is most pervasive in influencing your current design style?
In a way my journey in life has influenced my current style. The organic way of life can take shape and move in directions you never will expect. To blend different elements together combining the calm with chaos in an environment that creates living in harmony. I love to try to relate to those elements to design juxtaposing materials and styles that seemingly bring polar opposites together in an environment where they thrive off each other.
What inspires you in the job of being a designer?
What doesn’t inspire me would be an easier question? The ability to create something and to interpret whatever is bubbling up from your sole is incredibly inspiring in itself. In this context I can suggest from my life experience to live with all the struggles and you will find love along the way.
In which way do you consider yourself an innovative creator?
Each piece used in my design creates an environment for all of the materials, design styles, and stories in order to co-exist no matter how different they are. Everything I have done so far has bridged the gap between modern and traditional, whether in a stylistic way or by using materials. My friends and I started to see the idea behind most of the designs – Reclaimed/Synthetic – the juxtaposition of reclaimed materials with modern synthetics.
Do you have any other creative ambitions or dreams to which you aspire?
My creative ambitions and dreams can be described as just to continue the journey I have already started and to see the reflection of my success in the eyes of the people who find as much joy in my designs as I experience myself. Then one day, hopefully, I will have a chance to see one of my daughters grow up and take what I have learned and develop the philosophy behind and in my designs even more.
Which basic elements of creativity did your family teach you?
My family taught me to never stop exploring and to keep on dreaming.
How did you get the idea for this design style?
I would dig around salvage and reclaim lumber yards looking for lumber or relics that still had a story to tell, but I wanted the context of the new story to be told with a modern ascetic. Basically, combine it with modern design to make it relevant but keep it grounded in history.
Do you have a favorite designer yourself? My favorite designers are Marcel Wanders and Jaime Hayon.
Are you ever afraid you will run out of inspiration and creativity in your job?
No, I find myself constantly inspired, and I can’t see why my inspiration will stop. With today’s technology and the rate at which we can be indicated with information, there is more out there to explore and to become inspired by every day.
What is the most difficult thing in your job? I will let you know when I have found that out.
What is the most fun part of your job?
I love it all, but I would have to say working in the shop, fixing problems with prototypes and watching the object before you taking shape in order for it to find its own story right in front of you, is a very fun part of my job. It becomes an extension of the moment.