Founded by up-and-coming designer Otis Weis, Otis Textiles is a boutique fabric house renowned for its richly textured, luxurious materials sourced from artisanal mills across Europe. Otis Textiles specializes in mohair, linen, velvet and other rich materials that add warmth and texture to upholstery, drapery and soft furnishings. Each fabric is crafted with versatility in mind, designed to layer beautifully into both modern and classic interiors. The brand currently offers six curated collections for both indoor and outdoor applications. Otis’s fabrics are frequently sourced by top designers, including Clements Design, Martyn Lawrence Bullard and Jeffrey Alan Marks, among others, further cementing the brand’s reputation within the design industry. Learn more about Otis and his design philosophy in today’s Maker Monday.
Andrew Jospeh: What inspired you to become a designer?
Otis Weis: My first job out of college was actually in finance, but I saw an opportunity to help restructure my mom, Kathryn Ireland’s, fabric business. That experience opened my eyes to the industry, and I realized I wanted to create something that reflected my own taste and vision. I’ve always had a love for interiors and fabrics, so starting Otis Textiles was a natural step. It allowed me to combine my business background with my creative passions.
AJ: How do you stay organized while working on multiple projects?
OW: Structure is key. I came from a finance background, so I apply that same discipline and systemization into my creative work.
AJ: What design trends do you think will be popular in the coming years?
OW: I think we’ll see design moving toward fabrics that feel a bit earthier and more organic. Materials like raffia and crochet yarns are becoming more appealing, and I expect to see more natural, grounding color palettes as well. People are moving away from stark.
AJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a designer?
OW: Offer what the market calls for, but don’t lose your personal taste in the process. That balance keeps your work authentic while also making it relevant.
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
OW: Warm. Contemporary. Textiles.
AJ: What’s your favorite aspect of your job?
OW: Seeing how a fabric can transform a space. There’s something rewarding about knowing that a texture or color you created is helping someone feel at home.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
OW: Think about what you’re passionate about early on. It’s so important for your career to align with what you love.
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