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Talking to...Ken Wilson & Diana Horvat for HBF

Staff -- Interior Design, 8/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

This company's Trace collection, the first fabric line by Envision Design principals Ken Wilson and Diana Horvat, comprises six eco-friendly patterns that would add interest to any workstation panel. Crumble is a textured 100 percent recycled polyester. Gesture, a 100 percent eco-intelligent polyester, features a weave pattern. Imprint, a high-low pattern with an opaque repeat, is 64 percent recycled polyester and 36 percent polypropylene. Inspired by Peruvian Nazca lines, Intersect is 100 percent recycled polyester, as is Overlay, which combines matte and satin finishes for a subtle moiré effect. And Stipple, 75 percent recycled polyester, is piece-dyed using two colors in a basket-weave pattern. Wilson and Horvat take us behind the scenes.

What's your firm's stance on eco?

KW: We believe that good design must address environmental responsibilities, and we include common-sense sustainable strategies in all our projects—whether it's a client requirement or not. Once we've explained the benefits, we've never had a client who didn't agree.

Where does the name Trace come from?

DH: From the architectural quality of our process. It was reminiscent of how designers use tracing paper and colored pencils to create a series of variations on a common theme.

How do the patterns reflect your architectural work?

DH: We often combine bold colors with neutrals, so the collection includes a range of both. The different patterns can be matched or contrasted through pattern scales and coordinated colors.

Why active vertical fabrics as opposed to textiles for drapery?

KW: Our goal was to develop textiles that could be used in architectural applications—upholstered walls, systems furniture—because we felt that the current choices were limiting in design, color, and scale. The line developed less as a collection of individual statements, more as interconnected elements that could support larger architectural schemes.

What inspired you?

DH: We began with an exploration of randomly occurring patterns found in both nature and man-made environments. The patterns then evolved into studies and abstracted renderings, which we executed in a linear or textural form.

Did fashion trends play a part?

KW: Perhaps a little, but we were looking for something timeless. The Overlay pattern could be interpreted as slightly retro, but its inspiration actually came from a photograph of tar-filled cracks in an airport tarmac.

How did you choose colors?

KW: We never shy away from color, so some are very fresh. But there are also subtle and sophisticated offerings.

What did you enjoy most?

DH: The collaboration. The people at HBF couldn't have been better to work with. We also included our staff in the process, which was fun for everyone. All the experimentation helped us put a lot of interesting ideas on the table.

And your greatest challenge?

KW: We realized that a good textile pattern is ultimately instinctive. It shouldn't be overintellectualized. Though it's hard to define what a good pattern is, we all know one when we see it.