Designer of the Day: Caleb Ferris

Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.

Age: 32

Occupation: Furniture artist.

Instagram: @calebferris

Hometown: Oklahoma City.

Studio location: Oakland, CA.

Describe what you make: I make sculptural tongue-in-cheek furniture that reflects my personal approach to design which is less serious and more light-hearted.

The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The Noodle Throne, which just won the 2023 ICFF Editors Award for Seating. My brain is still processing this.

Describe the problem your work solves: The world of design often takes itself way too seriously. It's my personal mission to bring a sense of humor to design and to remind people not to be so boring and robotic, especially in the creative field.

Describe the project you are working on now: I just launched a new body of work at WantedDesign/ICFF. I developed furniture and lighting that seeks to discover why we’re drawn to certain objects, whether it be nostalgia, animal instinct, approachability, or curiosity. This is explored through the use of expressive form and finishing.

A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I’m really excited to build on this collection and expand the idea even further into other furniture piece types and finishes. The showing of this work is TBD, so keep your eye on my Instagram. 😉

What you absolutely must have in your studio: A tackle box of dried pasta, cappuccino at 2:30, natural light, clamps, clamps, clamps.

What you do when you’re not working: I love going on adventures. I do this in big and small ways like going out of my way to try a new restaurant or traveling to a faraway city that I’ve never been to. I’m always searching for new experiences and inspiration.

Sources of creative envy: I draw my inspiration from everyday objects, such as the ruffled curves of noodles, the tempting glint of fishing lures, and the bounce of inflated cartoons. I greatly respect anyone who has a creative practice that feels authentic and comes from the heart, but envy seems a bit strong of a description. I try my best to carve (literally) my own path.

The distraction you want to eliminate: Being on my phone right before bed. I have recently stopped doing this and I highly recommend!

Concrete or marble? Marble.

High-rise or townhouse? Brownstone.

Remember or forget? I’m sorry, can you repeat the question?

Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.

Dark or light? What is dark without the light?