Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 40
Occupation: Interior/furniture designer.
Instagram: @mandy.graham
Hometown: Los Angeles
Studio location: Los Angeles
Describe what you make: I consider designing furniture as yet another opportunity to create functional architecture. The artistry is within the details. Every joint and stitch is taken into consideration and all pieces embody craftsmanship and materials of the highest quality. Sandblasted European oak, American walnut, Italian leathers, cashmere and chambray ensure a timeless palette of colors and textures. With frequent editing and such refined detailing, my collection of geometric and curved silhouettes embrace timeless sophistication.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The Alfred Collection. It’s a balance of both masculine and feminine proportions. I was inspired by the classic 1928 Le Corbusier LC2 “cushion basket” chair. The Alfred celebrates a modern classic but with a sense of warmth. Encasing leather cushions in a solid tubular sandblasted oak or walnut frame, the low-slung seats float within the external architecture. It’s one of those pieces of furniture where I cannot decide which angle I like best.
Describe the problem your work solves: Most importantly, I always end up addressing the architecture in any given space. Simply adding a sofa will never transform a room. Unfortunately, timeless and classical moments in architecture and design don’t always exist. More often than not, I tend to see potential in spaces that are odd or imperfect. And of course the art of living in a small space has always inspired me to design functional integrated and concealed storage concepts.
Describe the project you are working on now: I’m in the process of gutting and re-building a private residence built in the 1980’s. I’ve never been especially fond of the 80’s (aside from the music and shoulder pads, of course). However, I couldn’t help but embrace the dramatic ceiling heights, curvature, and asymmetry. I’ve added a theme of arches, concealed storage, and solid stone architectural accents. Plaster walls will serve as a minimal backdrop to that of the open shelving concept comprised of oak storage boxes. All interior furnishings are being designed specifically for the project.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: My next furniture collection is my interpretation of cane furniture. It is a nod to Scandinavian design and the 1970’s. I love both. Additionally, I’m working on an Art Deco–inspired lighting collection as seen in the Palos Verdes Estates project.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: I’m most productive when music is playing (usually jazz), coffee in hand and my surroundings are in order. My English lab, Norman, is the office mascot and continually reminds me to keep calm.
What you do when you’re not working: I wouldn’t dream of turning down a glass of wine, or an opportunity to enjoy my friends and 14-year-old twin boys. Beyond that, I love food and travel. I’m not one to lounge poolside. Give me a city and I’ll walk for miles. However, most recently I’ve been sleeping under the stars in Death Valley.
Sources of creative envy: Architecture all day long. And nothing inspires me more than cathedrals and libraries. A special thank you to Candida Höfer for such pleasures.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Indoor plants, fish tanks, and baskets. No thank you.
Concrete or marble? Limestone.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse please.
Remember or forget? I remember almost everything visual. It’s both a curse and blessing.
Aliens or ghosts? Ghosts are always welcome.
Dark or light? My wardrobe is black and my walls are white. Always.
