Jessica Davis, founder of Nest Studio, joins us to discuss the brand’s Deco Series. The industrial hardware showcases Art Deco and geometric influences, modern curves and clean lines.
Raymond Paul Schneider: What was your initial inspiration, and where did the idea(s) come from?
Jessica Davis: I am really inspired by art deco architecture and design. I think I was walking down the street in New York City and past a little curbside planter with a tree and one of those decorative fences around it. It was deco to match the associated building and I loved the idea of these interlocking racetrack shapes.
Raymond: What was the overall timeline from conception to achieving the final design?
Jessica: From conception to launch it was probably 2+ years. There is always a lot of tweaking and the prototyping process is quite lengthy.
Raymond: Please describe your overall creative and design process.
Jessica: I always start with some sort of shape inspiration whether it’s something I see in art or architecture or even in nature or jewelry. I am a traditionalist in that I hand sketch everything to get the overall look and feel. Then I’ll do scaled drawings so that I can understand the dimensions. I always think of my hardware collections as a suite so I try to come up with a collection of various items in different sizes that work together. Once the sketches are done we will model them on the computer and oftentimes, send them off to be 3D printed to double check sizing and proportions. After that, it’s on to real metal prototyping and testing out different finishes. Sometimes we do a few rounds of this to get it right. Then it’s off to the races with a production run.
Raymond: Did you have a specific audience or theme that you had in mind?
Jessica: I wanted something that felt classic, but also current and modern. Maybe a young couple living in a New York co-op.
Photo by Emily Followill.
Raymond: Please describe the methods, tools, and materials you used to develop and prototype this design?
Jessica: This particular series is made by CNC machining brass. Depending on the design we might suggest forging, sand casting or investment casting as the production method. Once the items are made they are finished (lacquered, plated, oil rubbed) and assembled.
Raymond: Did you utilize a new technique or technology to conceptualize this product?
Jessica: Yes – 3D printing has been such a life saver with bringing products to life. It is much faster than using traditional production methods and more cost-effective when we print in plastic so that we can just see something in real life, in hand and test out the sizing and scale. One day, I hope to actually 3D print my production hardware.
Raymond: Please describe any challenges that affected the design and perhaps steered you to an entirely new final design?
Jessica: I am always thinking about how an item is produced and how that affects the design. The Deco Series is made in parts that are then assembled which makes it easier to polish the inside edges.
Design by Jessica Davis/Atelier Davis; Photo by Emily Followill.
Raymond: Describe your overall brand DNA and Ethos
Jessica: I actually launched Nest Studio after I was unable to find knobs and pulls for my own interiors projects. The range draws on a wide range of design inspiration, including my personal heritage, and is especially influenced by the textures and dimensions found in architecture and art. We tailor-make pieces that are not only beautiful, but functional as well and develop innovative products by working with artisans in their own field. We are able to produce small runs, unique finishes and bespoke items that are at the forefront of design. We’re also owned and operated by a team of hard-working moms, and are socially conscious in who we source from.
Click here to see more of our “Anatomy of a Design” series.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.