Hey, Maker! 8 Quick Questions with Colin of Paramorph

Welcome to Hey, Maker! our (sometimes) weekly feature showcasing the awesome artisans we carry at Apartment 528. Follow along for Q+As, home & studio tours, and instagram takeovers. 

This week we're getting to know Colin Deckner of Paramorph. His original, geometric designs have been transformed into shelves, tables, stools, and more. Shop Paramorph at our Chicago storefront or online at apt528.com. And don't forget to follow along as Colin takes over our instagram.

MORE MAKER FEATURES:

   === Paramorph Apartment Takeover on instagram

   === past maker features, Q+As, and tours

   === past instagram takeovers

First important question, what word do you hate and why?

It’s more of a term. I absolutely hate “like­-minded.” For me it’s a pretty good tell that the person I’m talking to has no idea what they’re talking about. As soon as I hear someone talk about the desire to bring together the “like­-minded” I run, because the next thing that person asks for is free work. Even though I agree with the sentiment, I much prefer “competent” people who aren’t afraid to speak their minds and disagree.

When you're not busy working, what do you do to relax?

I eat! I work a full time job, a part time job, and Paramorph in between. Since I don’t have much time off the clock, I eat well on my lunch breaks and dinner and I eat as much as I can. I try to cook 2­ to 3 times a week, mostly pizza. The other day I made my own paneer for the first time. It’s so easy I’ll probably do it again soon. I also found a good portobello burger recipe that I’m sure to make again.

If you could learn any craft or skill in minutes, what would it be?

How to pour a leaf in a latte. I say this because I tried it every day for a year and still couldn’t do it. After a while I started posting a bunch of my fails to annoy my friends but then the captions got too real about the artist struggle.




You're an architect by trade. What led you to start Paramorph?

Paramorph started in my last year of architecture school. I have a studied architecture at CCA in San Francisco. I was in a relationship with my college sweetheart and we were building our nest, I really enjoyed building things for us. Finding a job sucks, you might have had the same experience. For every 4 jobs I applied to I’d get 1 interview. I was told those were good numbers. Most of the jobs I applied to said things like “wow this is really cool work but we just want more clean line modernism, because that’s what our clients ask for.” Hearing that so many times really drove it home that the majority of people’s tastes haven’t come around to “parametric” design yet. This is where the ethos of Paramorph comes from - the goal was to build parametric design culture from the bottom up by making small scale work that people would want in their homes.

The piece that started Paramorph - a custom bar table in his San Francisco apartment.

What was the first piece you ever designed and built? Do you still have it?

I have a small wooden box I made in elementary school. I still use it. The first thing I ever drew out then built was a really really terrible quarter pipe so me and my friends could drop in on our razor scooters. This was like 1999 or 2000. This was not the last really awful skate­ ramp I built. (HAHA!)

The lines and shapes you use in your work are so natural and organic. How do you keep coming up with new, original forms?

I created a process of branching forms, so rather than creating a drawing with dimensions, I set up parameters and let the forms play themselves out. After making enough of the shelves, I started seeing patterns emerging, so it’s not completely random. In production right now there are many products that use digital fabrication techniques to mass produce the same object over and over. This misses the point of the technology which was to allow us to customize each product to the user’s needs. Paramorph is 100% pro digital fabrication, but with an emphasis on the human element of parametric design thinking and the proper use of craft, I don’t CNC (computerized wood cutting machine) unless it is the best use of my resources.

When you're creating a table or shelf, do you often imagine it in one of the buildings you designed, or vice versa?

No never. I’m more inclined to think of how these things could fit into existing homes. I try to make things as functional as possible. I see my shelves in someone’s kitchen holding spices, or utensils with oven­ mitts or towels hung from the bars. Or maybe in the bathroom holding towels and a candle on the shelf. Or even a shelf in the bedroom next to the mirror with make­up on top and the one or two outfits you’re thinking about wearing being hung from the bars.

What's next for Paramorph in the coming year? Any new products or projects in the works?

I’m just gonna make a list:

1. Bookcase
2. Guitar Stands
3. Media Console
4. Pot­Rack
5. Table Legs
6. Desks
7. More Coffee Tables

_____________________________________________

Thanks for following along, and thanks to Colin for letting us pick his brain! Head to apt528.com to shop Paramorph shelves. After that, check out our past maker features:

   === Paramorph Apartment Takeover on instagram

   === past maker features, Q+As, and tours

   === past instagram takeovers

   >>> SHOP apt528.com

Aaand, we're back!

So, um, it's been awhile. My last blog post was almost two years ago. Oops! Don't worry, I have a good excuse - WE FINALLY HAVE A STOREFRONT!! 

Yep, we finally did it! For the first five years, Apartment 528 was an online shop but we dreamed of opening a brick-and-mortar location. After years of searching and not finding what we were looking for, we came across the perfect little Humboldt Park shop and fell in love. With a bit of elbow grease and help from our handy friends and family, we knocked down walls, built new ones, and got everything just as we wanted.

BEFORE: the day we got the keys to the new shop!

AFTER

  
Since our grand opening in September 2014, a lot has happened. We've added tons of amazing makers to our roster, started selling handcrafted furniture, and switched off most of our vintage inventory to focus more on our handcrafted lineup. We also launched Crombe & Co, our own line of completely custom sofas and chairs at affordable prices. 

BEFORE

AFTER

So what's next? Well, we're adding a new collection of high end furnishings this summer. And we're hoping to expand the storefront within the next year. We also have a few top secret business ideas in the works. And now that the storefront's up and running, we're committed to keeping the online shop, apt528.com, updated with new products and getting this blog back up and running! Look for maker interviews, house and studio tours, and features about our favorite artisans. We may even sneak in a DIY post or two! You can check out our first feature today with Change Soap Co., an awesome, all-natural skincare brand based in Michigan. 

Here's to many, many, MANY more posts. We promise!

New In the Shop: Family Fun

This week's shop updates are all about kids and family. From durable furniture built to withstand family dinners and cozy movie nights to toys that inspire the imagination to notebooks that bring out the kid in us all.

Don't forget, blog readers get 10% off their first order using the handy dandy code you see in the sidebar. Just enter BLOG10 at checkout.

And as always, there's tons more handmade and vintage on the website and even more available in our Chicago studio.

1. Fence art by iamhome (various colors and sizes available); 2. 3-String Guitars by Loog (3 styles); 3. Custom Mid Century Coffee Table (available in 5 colors); 4. Plastic Vintage Insects; 5. Buckstaff Library Chairs, Set of 4; 6. Creatures by Mr. Sogs (many colors and style available); 7. Blank Notebooks by My Zoetrope; 8. Jalopies by Tree Hopper Toys (3 styles); 9. Metal Storage Cabinet from Swell Machine (2 sizes)

8 Questions With: Amelia of Vectorcloud

Today we welcome our newest designer, Vectorcloud. We've been following Vectorcloud for over a year now, waiting for the perfect moment to bring them over to Apt528. I'm a sucker for anything mid-century so their retro-styled bamboo desk and wall clocks immediately caught my eye. But my current Vectorcloud favorite has to be the custom engraved, wood floppy disk coasters. The 80's-inspired coasters are perfect for keeping for yourself or giving to friends as a personalized housewarming/wedding gift.

 Now it's time to get to know Amelia, the woman behind Vectorcloud, with a little Q+A.

1)  We always start with the good stuff. So, if you could die your hair any color under the sun, what would it be? Hmm. Purple has always been one of my favorite colors. My hair has always been black, but a little highlight of purple may be cool. 

2)What design trends are your most and least favorites? I'm currently loving all the retro inspired patterns and color blocking. I'm very glad that big shoulder pads never made a return.  

3)  Everyone has a favorite room or piece of furniture. What's yours? I love our danish inspired hutch. It was actually left behind by the previous tenant, which makes it even better :D 

4)  How did you get started in woodwork and laser-cutting in particular? I took woodworking when I was at Parsons studying product design. I'm always fascinated with furniture especially wood. One time I worked at a non-profit organization, teaching kids how to use CAD programs and all the different design projects that you can create using CNC router and laser machines. I became very familiar with the process and was inspired to start a line of products myself. 

5)  Vectorcloud's such a neat name. Where'd it come from? Does it have a special meaning? I wanted a name that gives a little insight of what I do, yet at the same time, doesn't sound too serious or 'techy'. Vector is a type of drawing that I have to create to run the machine and cloud just sound so 'light and playful'.

6)  What's your favorite thing to watch or listen to while you work? Because I work from my home studio, I usually watch my son play while I'm working on the computer.  

7)  Your designs are so neat and fresh but with a retro spin. Do you consider yourself a mid-century lover? What's your favorite design period? Definitely. My work is very much inspired by mid-century design. I love how wood was utilized and transformed into beautiful furniture during that period of time.  

8)  What's next for Vectorcloud? Any new products on the horizon? At the moment, half of my work is based on custom orders and I am exploring the different ways I can expand that. I'm looking into wedding decorations among others.


>>>SHOP VECTORCLOUD

Introducting: Sublet

We love scouting far and wide to find the perfect handmade artisans and vintage wares to add to Apartment 528's inventory of colorful, quirky, and affordable products. But like you, we love a range of styles and are constantly editing ourselves to make sure our look is cohesive. So for the past 2.5 years, whenever we fall in love with something that doesn't fit the overall aesthetic, style, or pricing of Apt528, we put it into a special file, taking a peek every so often to drool over its awesomeness.

Plastic horse from the Talisman collection

But we finally got tired of just looking. We want to continually bring you new, fresh design no matter the style. So today we're launching a new monthly series called Sublet. Each month, we'll introduce a new product line from our favorite artists, designers, and vintage collectors whose style showcases our ever-expanding taste. You'll only have a month to snag these collections before they're gone so move quickly our you'll miss out!

Our first Sublet: Talisman, a selection of object d'art from artist Christophe Gauspohl.

>>>SHOP SUBLET

Around the World

I've been totally obsessed with maps lately.  I think it started after our wedding when my mom gave us an old framed chess board with a map of Boston as the background.  We had the chess board for years growing up in the midwest, never knowing that one day I would wind up living there as an adult.  Whowouldathunk?!

Then last month, we came across a US map at the Vintage Bazaar.  One of our booth neighbors was selling it and gave it to us after they saw how much I liked it.  Over the past month, we've found a few more maps at random garage sales and thrift stores.  Now we're slowly building a collection!  All we need are maps of Ireland and Italy to represent Jerome's heritage and one of my namesake India.  Until we find the perfect ones, I'll be drooling over these awesome maps.

{via LeSueur Interiors}

Map cut and modge podged over canvases {via Little Birdie Secrets}

Map wallpaper {via Decor Pad}

Framed map hearts {via Everything Fabulous}

Hanging map.  LOVE the lamp too. {via Design Sponge}

Old map covering French door panes.  Great idea! {via Pink Wallpaper}

Chalkboard Globe {via Design Sponge}

India Map Pillow Cushion, $55, My Bearded Pigeon

Hand-Stitched India Map Necklace, $54, Il Gatto Selvatico


For more awesome maps, check out my "Navigate" Pinterest board.

Are You Pinterest-ed?

Have you heard the word about Pinterest?  It's a social sharing site where you can create inspiration boards by pinning all your favorite photos from around the web to your own custom albums.  You can create boards (albums) for whatever you want...food, fashion, decor, travel, or whatever.  It's a great tool for gathering decorating inspiration, recipes, or party ideas, or just admiring all the great things in this world.  Like other social sites, you can follow people and the pictures they pin will show on your home page.  If you like one, you can like it, leave a comment, or repin it to your own board.

"In the Kitchen" - I have so many ideas for the day when I finally have a kitchen of my own to remodel.

"Getting Dressed" - Deep down there's a part of me dying to go back to wearing dresses and pumps instead of sweatshirts and sneakers!

Let me tell you right now, once you get started, YOU CAN'T STOP!!! Pretty soon every time you see a new picture you'll have an urge to pin it to a new board.  Pinterest auto-updates so your home page is constantly filling with new pictures from all the people you follow.  The most addictive pins are food.  Seeing all the yummy pictures that people post almost sends you into a food coma!  It's also inspirational...you can click on the images to go to their original websites.  That's how I found the S'Mores in a Jar recipe!

"Yum" - Hungry yet?!

The best part about Pinterest is that you often find your true sense of style through your boards.  After pinning several pictures, you usually start to notice a certain furniture style pop up multiple times or that you continually pin rooms that have deep blues in them.  It's neat to see how you subconsciously put things together.  I've learned that I'm definitely color obsessed and that industrial decor and graphic patterns tend to catch my eye.

"Work Work Work" - I think I'm addicted to work spaces.

Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest.  I've got 34 boards going so there's always something new coming up!

The Votes Are In!

You voted for which Valerydesignwrks pillow cover you wanted to see in the Apt528 Store and now the votes are in.  The winner is:

The Pit Pat Pillow Cover, available in brown, black, and white.  The pillow will be up in the store later this week.  In the meantime, shop other Valerydesignwrks products!

Etsy Shop of the Week: HelkatDesigns

No matter what country you hail from, you'll love Helkatdesigns.  The soft, vintage-inspired prints have a modern twist that makes them perfect for any style apartment.  The folksy animal pillows are great for cozying up to on a warm night while the flag pillows will have you feeling patriotic in no time.  Grab one for a friend and another for yourself!

 

 

{images via Helkatdesigns}

Used Friday: Color Color Everywhere!

A few colorful vintage finds to brighten up your weekend!

Clockwise from top left: Gas Station "2" Sign, $18 (Lackluster Co.); Norleans Bowl, $6 (Granny's Thimble); Metal Button Collection, $20 (Orit Dotan); Red Purse, $6.50 (Cheeky Vintage Closet)

Toolbox, $20 (Ask Alice Vintage)

Rainbow Striped Bathing Suit, $22 (Dirty Birdie's Vintage)

 Clockwise from top left: 1980's Microdex, $8 (Half Pint Salvage); Olive Green Planter, $18 (Callooh Callay); Houndstooth Decanter Set, $32 (Vintage Zen); Pyrex Bowl Set, $39.95 (Lagelle); Eyeglass Case, $14 (Ephemera And More); Purple Pumps, $27 (go XO)

Totes from Bonjour Mon Coussin!

Not only do the wonderfully inventive folks at Bonjour Mon Coussin have new pillows, but now they make totes as well! My love of Bonjour continues...