Maker Monday: An aspire Exclusive Interview With Zachary A

Zachary A. is driven by the joy of the unexpected. Founded on a spirit of curiosity and “why not?”, his self-named studio brings a sense of discovery to every product it creates. Fifteen years ago, Zachary A. began a collaboration with a family-owned Chicago statuary whose roots trace back to Napoleonic Italy. Working alongside artisans who cast fiberglass molds using age-old techniques, the studio saw a new design opportunity: a way to reimagine stone as something lightweight, durable, and adaptable for modern needs. This partnership gave rise to a material and process that feels both timeless and of the moment. Each piece is developed within the statuary’s vibrant, sensory-rich workspace, where old-world craftsmanship meets contemporary vision. The result: products that reflect a balance of art and utility, refinement and resilience. Zachary A.’s evolving collection includes sculptural seating, surfaces, and site furnishings that bring bold punctuation to indoor and outdoor spaces. See how Zachary A. turns the unexpected into unforgettable design in today’s Maker Monday.

Bilbouquet in Sonoran Yellow

Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Zachary A: I’ve always been an “idea alchemist,” weaving unexpected connections between disparate elements to create something entirely new. The thrill of spotting a hidden relationship where others see none drives me every day.

AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
ZA: Unexpected. Elegant. Surprise.

AJ: What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on and how did you overcome it?
ZA: Designing Cerise, the Virgin Hotel rooftop installation, pushed us into uncharted territory: a bespoke finish applied across custom cabinetry and stainless-steel doors. We navigated every technical hurdle by forging a true partnership with our artisans, respecting their expertise, pacing development thoughtfully, and collaboratively refining each detail until the surface performed exactly as imagined.

AJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a designer?
ZA: “Raise your prices or you’ll struggle to feed your family.” It stung in that moment, but it taught me to value my creative worth and charge accordingly.

Yolk in Santa Fe Clay

AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
ZA: I give myself permission to pause. Inspiration can’t be summoned on demand, so I resist perfectionism, let ideas percolate, and trust that fresh perspectives emerge when I step back.

AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
ZA: The day we opened our own factory in Chicago was surreal. Watching raw molds transform into finished pieces under one roof, knowing we’d built that capability from scratch, still gives me chills.

AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
ZA: I love surprising people with the unexpected. I live for that split-second of delight when someone lifts what looks like solid stone furniture only to discover it’s effortlessly light. Crafting forms that feel monumental but move like a feather captures the very essence of our philosophy.

High Brow in Walla Walla Wine

AJ: How do you keep up with the latest design trends?
ZA: The real education happens in person: gallery openings, trade events, and late-night conversations with fellow designers. There’s no substitute for hearing directly what fuels their creativity.

AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
ZA: I embrace the tension between apparent hardness and actual comfort. Our pieces look cold and monolithic at first glance, then reveal soft, ergonomic curves that cradle the body. It’s this juxtaposition of durable material rendered supremely livable that defines our aesthetic.

AJ: How do you incorporate client feedback into your designs?
ZA: Client insights are our compass. Over the years, we’ve heard a clear call for more nuanced neutrals, warmer tones for desert landscapes, cooler grays for urban retreats. Their feedback shapes every new palette we explore.

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