Incollect Magazine - Issue 6

Your Hotai lamp and related lighting is much sought after by connoisseurs, what do you consider is the distinctive appeal of this design model? The design is very sculptural; whether the stone sphere is made of crystal quartz or another mineral. The light it gives off is like light from a candle, so is intimate and somewhat sexy. It is very sophisticated. What do you regard as your inspiration? We like exploring our creativity first to develop as many ideas as possible. In the case of the Hotai lamp, I knew exactly what I wanted right away, but for some other designs we experiment for ages and then we just go with the flow of the final design. We like to be spontaneous in the studio without starting a project with any constraints or limitations. Is customization possible for your pieces, and do you do commissioned work? Yes, we do and we have worked with a very renowned fashion brand. We have made commissioned pieces for its stores in LA, Miami, and NYC and also for other brands in LA. We love challenges, and sometimes the custom projects are the ones that challenge us more as a studio. What sets your designs apart from other designers and makers? The material selection and the constant process of thinking of design in new and creative ways. We have an identity now as an innovative design studio, and many people already love crystals and stones, so these things together are powerful. Top: The Volcanic Shades series of five stools/side tables was designed as a visual metaphor for the volcanoes of Mexico, the base of lava stone encasing different colored stones: red travertine and pineapple onyx to symbolize rivers of lava, and blue calcite representing volcanic crater lakes. The materials were all sourced in Puebla, Mexico, a location with high volcanic activity.  Bottom left: For the new Volcanic Shades of Marble collection, Golden Calacatta marble brings an entirely new feeling to the original Volcanic Shades design.  Bottom right: Volcanic Shades V combines matte lava stone with intricately veined red travertine. Incollect Magazine 91