Maker Monday: An aspire Exclusive Interview With Alex Lohn

Alex Lohn brings together a background in architecture, a life of prayer and service as a former Franciscan Friar, and a deep commitment to hands-on craft as a furniture designer and maker. After earning his degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, he founded Alessandro & Maria Design in 2019 with the desire to create meaningful, lasting furniture and home goods by hand. He has trained at the prestigious Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine and worked with makers including Nakashima Woodworker, Shota Yamaguchi Design, Fox Furniture, and Louis Fry Furniture. Today, he creates one-of-a-kind furniture from his studio in northern New Jersey, with a focus on timeless design, lasting quality, and simplicity with purpose. Learn more about Alex Lohn and his woodworking in today’s Maker Monday.

Custom walnut nesting coffee tables.

Andrew Joseph: What’s something unexpected about you?
Alex Lohn: I thought I was going to be a Franciscan Friar. That’s somewhat like a monk, but a little bit more public. I spent that year in Harlem living a life of prayer and service to the poor. That life of prayer and simplicity still plays a big role in my life.

AJ: Can you describe a project you’re particularly proud of?
AL: Holy Family HTX Episcopal Church. Fr. Jacob contacted me about designing the furnishings for converting a meatpacking plant into a new church. He gave me tremendous design freedom, and it was the largest-scale project I’ve done to date. I designed 64 movable pews, a processional cross, credence tables, a tabernacle, candle stand, entrance desk, lectern, and art gallery bench. Attending the opening service was a high point of my career.

Custom maple wood pews.

AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
AL: Delivering a piece of furniture myself to an excited client. The real relationships are where it’s at.

AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
AL: Functionality is non-negotiable. Ultimately, I am not an artist; I am a craftsman who makes practical pieces of furniture. However, the piece’s beauty is inseparable from its success and is a critical aspect of sustainability. People don’t keep ugly things.

AJ: How do you incorporate client feedback into your designs?
AL: Since almost all of my work is custom commission, client feedback is a critical part of the whole process. They created the prompt, and ultimately, I am building something to meet their needs and wants. That doesn’t mean I won’t push back if I believe their ideas won’t actually serve their goals.

Custom white oak queen bed with carved pendant detail.

AJ: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be and why?
AL: A barber. I love the craft of it and the relationship with the client. It’s a timeless thing.

AJ: What’s your favorite cocktail?
AL: Gin and tonic.

AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
AL: Reminding myself that I play a service role for a real person. It ultimately isn’t about me being the next great designer, but about creating something that will be part of real people’s everyday lives. Prayer and walks in the woods help me stay grounded in this way.

Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.