This is a good place to mention I'm infatuated with design. I've always loved art and dabbled in it as a hobby, but as I've gotten older I've gotten particularly interested in architecture, interior design, and industrial/furniture design. I pore over the pages of my Dwell and ReadyMade subscriptions when they come and fantasize about going to design school. But having two small children to care for at home, and a part-time career established as a writer, always recalibrates me to focus on the projects that are already right in front of me.
When it comes to both architecture and industrial design, I'm ultimately wooed by sustainable and recycled solutions--objects and structures that are made from recycled or salvaged materials (including the reimagining/reuse of old structures when it comes to architecture), as well as things that are recyclable or reuseable after the fact. My favorite furniture line, and the type I'd love to build myself, is Piet Hein Eek's pieces made entirely of recycled or found materials (see NYT Mag article about him here: The Imperfectionist). But I'm also especially intrigued by modular design, the streamlining and flexibility of it all.

I thought he meant a mock-up on his computer and followed him to his table, but he gathered his things and headed for the door. I had a mug from the coffee shop and hadn't even doctored it with cream yet, but I really wanted to see where this would lead. Turns out his comment that his office was here was literal--it was in the same building, and was more of a soaring hangar than an office. He unlocked the door and there in front of me was a gleaming duo of aluminum cubes with giant glass doors and a walnut patio, nestled under the beams of a giant workshop, as if they had been plunked down there with minimal ceremony by a visiting spaceship (this impression may have been influenced by the fact that when I asked him how he learned to do this, he mentioned seeing UFOs as a kid in upstate NY and claimed to be guided by "extraterrestrial direction").
A gaggle of incredibly streamlined and colorful bikes lined the wall (apparently he designs and builds these, too). He gave me a complete tour of the "house" and explained all the materials and process to me. Not only were the materials all non-toxic, but the entire structure is recyclable, right down to the mind-boggling German-engineered plumbing drains that actually turn to water and evaporate when melted. (Holy high notes!) A one-unit washer/dryer (does the whole process in something smaller than a dishwasher), a countertop range that cooks by use of magnets rather than heat (holy friction!), and a whole host of other things I didn't know existed. Seeing my obvious awe and enthusiasm he said I was welcome to help and get involved with the project. He reiterated the oft-imparted wisdom: don't go to school to learn this, just start doing it.
And apparently I shall. Right place at the right time? Coincidence? I have a hard time believing so.
Extraterrestrial experiential learning...only 1 small step to osmosis. Sounds like a kismet meeting for sure!
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