For our recently released summer issue, aspire gathered nine industry professionals to discuss their personal design ethos, stance on superior building materials, and what role sustainability plays in contemporary design.
“We come from a culture of sampling. I’m just out there in the world, picking out and reusing things – sampling from my experience and from what other people have already invested a lot of time and energy in. I think there’s a tremendous amount of richness out there.”
– Adam Kalkin | Artist, Architect, Innovator, Author
Photo by Peter Aaron/OTTO
“With every project, I seek to incorporate furnishings and materials that are local, reclaimed, reused, recycled and/or rapidly renewable. I believe in biophilic design and connecting people with nature in interior environments as a way of experiencing physical and mental well-being.”
– Carrie Moore | Interior Designer and Co-Founder of Carrie Moore Interior Design
“The materials used for The Residences at the St. Regis Cap Cana Resort are reminiscent of our design ethos and the current trend in organic, pure materials – such as natural stones, precious woods, marbles from various corners of the world and reeds woven with great skill – which provide elegance and sophistication. In short, a constant dialogue with the energy that emanates from the place itself.”
– Alexander Guzman | Interior Designer, Founder of AGA Interiors
“Our design ethos at The Brooklyn Studio integrates expansive glass, lush gardens, and innovative rooftop features to foster a harmonious connection between urban living and the tranquility of nature. We place an architectural focus on maximizing greenery and sunlight by transforming brownstones into havens where a glance out the window or step onto a green roof is a refreshing escape from the cityscape. From rooftop pergolas to verdant garden sanctuaries, we design to bridge the gap between indoor comfort and outdoor serenity.”
– Brendan Coburn, FAIA | Founding Partner, The Brooklyn Studio
Photo by Christian Torres
“In response to the dynamic intersection of social, economic and environmental challenges, ARRCC is committed to crafting spaces that harmonize aesthetic brilliance with sustainable practices. By embracing innovative materials, energy-efficient technologies and community-centric design principles, we strive to create environments that not only reflect our clients’ unique visions but also contribute positively to the well-being of occupants and the planet at large.”
– ARRCC Interior Design and Décor Studio
“What’s more natural than tile? It’s made of the forces of nature – water, earth, wind and fire.”
– Juan Molina | Executive Vice President of Wonder Porcelain discussing his company’s ever-deepening commitment to sustainability
“The challenge of building in drastic environments is both a test of skill and a testament to human ingenuity. One of the foremost problems faced by architects in frozen environments is the slow drying time of traditional building materials. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) not only provide excellent insulation but also accelerate drying. In regions where traditional wood is scarce or vulnerable to decay, synthetic wood shake roofs offer an attractive and durable alternative. Through strategic site planning, advanced construction techniques and the use of resilient materials, we can transform rugged landscapes into thriving habitats that withstand the test of time.”
– Brian Gille | President of Brian Gille Architects, Ltd.
Photo by Adam McDonald
“We think through ideas holistically and at every scale, but what we love is combining architecture and narrative. When designing spaces, we begin with materials and stories – our ethos tends to be: use or invent a new material that has a new process or significance (avoid trending materials or details, they may quickly go out of fashion); bring something old – something that can be reused or reappropriated, bringing new life into a project from an object’s past life (recycle, upcycle and rejuvenate).”
– Eric Clough | Founder, 212Box
Photo by Jody Kivort
“My design practice is rooted in defining American modernism with a focus on craft and sustainability. The Join Bedroom collection embodies this ethos, combing innovative design with precision engineering. By reducing bedroom case goods down to their essential elements and expressing their connection, the collection celebrates the space between elements. Whether it’s the bedside drawer suspended on runners that highlight the joinery, or the headboard panel that appears to float, Join’s unique construction is both evocative and timeless.”
– Joel Edmondson in collaboration with Grayn
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