We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Brooke M Davis ("BMD").
Brooke M Davis Design blurs the line between artisan and designer by combining artistic expression with design precision to produce luxury craftsmanship. The collections range from one of a kind art to limited run production pieces. With high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail every piece is made to order.
Brooke M Davis Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Brooke M Davis.
Designer Interview of Brooke M Davis:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
BMD : I have always been creative and studied art in primary school through college. I switched to design for my masters degree. I have always wanted to be a designer. I love creating objects!
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
BMD : Brooke M Davis Design blurs the lines between contemporary craft and luxury design. Specializing in art, luxury furniture design and interior surfaces, all of our work is crafted with a high level of attention to detail to create beautiful objects that are transformative experiences. We work with a wide range of clients from architects and interior designers to custom client commissions. All projects are crafted on an individual basis; please inquire directly for prices, lead times, and customization options.
DI: What is "design" for you?
BMD : To me design is about intention whether it is problem solving, function, interaction, material choice, or form. Designers must be intentional about what they gift to the world.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
BMD : I really enjoy furniture and home decor
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
BMD : Georg Jensen- Silver water pitcher designed by Johan Rohde- Scandanavian Design I love the sleekness of the design and the perfection of the craftsmanship that beautifully combine design, function, and craft together. I have only seen this once in real life at a client’s house- it had it’s own spot light! As it should!
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
BMD : A side rack for a kitchen
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
BMD : I love playing with digital tools to create new and unique forms. Specifically I like using cnc technology as part of my working process. I usually start with sketches , that I then translate into forms in clay to understand my ideas better. Once I have a grasp of the forms , I then turn to the computer to model the forms in CAD. From here I have a variety of options for iteration from 2D images to 3D prints or 3D carvings. I use an iterative process where I go back and forth between the hand and the computer until my designs are complete
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
BMD : in the morning...
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
BMD : I love designing and can get very focused until my ideas are fully developed
DI: What makes a design successful?
BMD : Promotion makes a design successful- if it’s a great idea hidden in your closet, the world will never get a chance to see it
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
BMD : Craftsmanship and execution of design. I often ask what is the intent of the designer and how well did the execute that intention
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
BMD : I recently exhibited at Wanted Design in New York City during design week.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
BMD : I often am intrigued by form and wonder how I can challenge myself to design within that context
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
BMD : Austin, Tx
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
BMD : I think companies need to be open to a design process and select a designer that shares their design vision and values
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
BMD : I usually am trying to work out a form or texture in my designs by hand, so my process includes a lot of hands on and then transforming it into CAD. I move fluidly back and forth across sketching, modeling, and computer modeling
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
BMD : My 10’ steel rocking couch, my rocking chair, a sputnik chandelier,
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
BMD : Everyday is different but I try to make a habit of sitting down and doing something creative everyday
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
BMD : Take the time to give due process, great design is not made overnight it needs time to simmer in the subconscious and be discovered, evaluated and refined
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
BMD : Bad design is everywhere- when you have a critical eye, it can be a burden to simply enjoy frivolous objects
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
BMD : Take the time to do it right, be true to my design vision
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
BMD : Communication and knowing when to walk away
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
BMD : I use Rhino CAD as part of my go to computer programs, however before I get there I really try to sketch and do quick and dirty 3D moedls out of clay and other materials let an idea evolve.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
BMD : Balance life and work so that I keep a positive attitude
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
BMD : How much does it cost?
DI: Who are some of your clients?
BMD : Interior designer, Furniture Manufacturers, private clients
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
BMD : I do booth. A lot of my high end luxury furniture is done as solo design, but I also work collaboratively with clients to give vision to their ideas.
DI: How can people contact you?
BMD : www.brookemdavis.com via my contact page