Maker Monday: An aspire Exclusive Interview With Matt McKay

Matt McKay’s sense of adventure and deep curiosity are the foundation for his approach to design and the types of projects that he strives to deliver to his clients. For him, the process is deeply personal, a journey of observation, listening and understanding. Each project deserves its own cinematic narrative and Matt recognizes the importance of the untold backstory, of choices made and the many learnings he can take from the experiences shared with him by his clients, experiences he acknowledges and weaves into his designs. In 2024, leaning on his experience designing custom furniture for his architectural and interior projects, Matt launched his first furniture collection, as a partial expression of his own personal story. See some of Matt’s best creations in today’s Maker Monday.

Brig Chair

Andrew Joseph: How do you stay creative and inspired?
Matt McKay: Travel, music, and film are my biggest inspirations. When traveling there is constant stimulation touching all the senses: color, texture, sound! I am always listening to new music, it frequently paints a picture, informs a vibe or evokes an emotion, and in film I am taken away, most recently in “Poor Things”, what a visual journey!

AJ: How do you approach designing for a client with a specific style in mind?
MM: This is my favorite challenge. I aim for each project to clearly reflect its inhabitants. I begin the design conversation by studying the clients, the landscape or setting and pulling inspiration to better understand and visualize where we need to go.

AJ: What is your favorite thing about being a designer?
MM: No two days are the same and there is always an opportunity to learn something new!

Cap Coffee Table

AJ: What is your favorite type of furniture to design?
MM: My recent furniture collection includes pieces that I designed from clay models. This was a new medium for me, a brilliant way to bring ideas to life!

AJ: How do you approach designing for a specific location or cultural influence?
MM: I think a sense of place is important to a successful project and I like to study the geography, local aesthetic and culture, to ensure it’s part of the dialogue we are creating for the interiors. Looking to the past and identifying historical precedents is also helpful in telling the story.

AJ: What is your favorite design tool to use?
MM: I use my iPad daily, specifically to sketch and compile images into presentations.

Ahoo Lounge Chair

AJ: What is your favorite design-related quote?
MM: “Do it nice or do it twice” has long been one of my favorite quotes and is applicable in all aspects of design! When we are working with clients and they hesitate on an item because of budget, or when we are working with a contractor, and they are installing tile for the third time because it wasn’t done properly the first two.

AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
MM: Don’t let anyone tell you that something is too competitive, or too challenging. If you know what you want to do, go out there and get it, don’t look back.

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