Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 31
Occupation: Designer.
Instagram: @stevenbukowski
Hometown: Buffalo, NY.
Studio location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Describe what you make: I design furniture and products.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The Bubble Side Table. It led to a new collection and thinking towards making more sculptural, rhythmic objects. In retrospect, the Bubble also pushed me to take more risks and a more playful approach toward developing ideas in my studio and design process.
Describe the problem your work solves: Ultimately, my work does not solve any of the pressing issues that our world currently faces. However, the role that my design work plays is one of joy, which is such an important counterbalance to the world we live in. Aside from the more sculptural elements I’ve been enjoying, the user and functionality is always a forefront in the decision making when designing a new piece.
Describe the project you are working on now: Lately, I’m focused on the business development for my studio. I’ve been working towards both licensing designs and outsourcing production to domestic producers in order to focus more on design and less on making. This will allow more time and flexibility to prototype in-house, which is my favorite part of the process.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I recently collaborated with Bi-Rite Studio to design a small formed metal desk tray which will be launching this holiday season. We have a few other things in the works, and I’m very excited to see where this takes us. I’ve also begun working with New Works, a furniture company based in Copenhagen, to produce my Bellbottom Chair, which launched earlier this year at ICFF. They will be marketing and distributing it worldwide, which is a first for me.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Seltzer, corn chips of any variety, and bodega coffee. Even bad coffee is better than no coffee.
What you do when you’re not working: Lately I’ve been practicing chess and getting really into it. I’m not very good but if anyone reading this wants to play, HMU.
Sources of creative envy: Be wary of envy; it never serves truth.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Instagram and the news cycle.
Concrete or marble? Concrete.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Forget.
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens exist.
Dark or light? Equal doses of each.
