Maker Monday: An aspire Exclusive Interview With Brad Ford

With a highly edited vision and a strong hand, New York-based interior designer Brad Ford has developed a spare, modern aesthetic with a warm soul. Originally from Arkansas, he moved to Manhattan in 1992 and established his own firm in 1998 with an emphasis on residential spaces. His interiors showcase signature designs that are understated yet sophisticated, straightforward, elegant and functional. Balance, light, space and color factor into every design, creating a timeless effect. Clean lines and simple but well-crafted furnishings, with an attention to texture and the highest quality materials, are Brad Ford ID essentials. Ford is also the founder of the Hudson Valley Makers Market, Field+Supply. Learn more about Brad Ford and Field+Supply in today’s Maker Monday.

In 2014, Ford created the event Field+Supply, a modern interpretation of a traditional arts and crafts fair in the Hudson Valley. It consists of a carefully curated selection of makers highlighting goods, old and new, from a variety of studios and workshops representing a wide range of crafts.

Andrew Joseph: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
Brad Ford: Modern with a warm soul (how about 4 and 1/2 words?)

AJ: What is the most important element in a successful interior design?
BF: To nail scale and proportion.

AJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a designer?
BF: Decoration is about addition, design is about subtraction…

AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
BF: Don’t sweat the small stuff.

The fair takes place twice a year at the Hutton Brickyards in Kingston, NY. In 2019, Field+Supply expanded to include Spring MRKT, a craft fair that will take place this year Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2, in addition to the fall edition over Columbus Day weekend.

AJ: What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
BF: Nature… always!

AJ: What is your favorite design element to incorporate into your projects?
BF: I always like to have something handmade in a room. It instantly injects a level of soul into any project.

AJ: What is your favorite type of space to design?
BF: Any room or house that has a sense of place that feels authentic.

AJ: What is the most important skill for a successful designer?
BF: Being diplomatic.

AJ: What is your favorite design-related quote?
BF: Less is more expensive!

As the founder of Field+Supply, Brad Ford ensures that his interior designs feature the finest artisanal products.

AJ: What’s your favorite cocktail?
BF: Casa Migo’s Blanco on the rocks with a slice of orange…

AJ: Style (or design) icon and why?
BF: George Nakashima. He had such an incredible eye and usually let the material he worked with speak for itself. Timeless, thoughtful and beautifully made

AJ: What’s a new hobby/skill that you have learned recently?
BF: I’m teaching myself how to DJ.

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