Q: Unexpected Inspiration

Mark McMenamin -- Interior Design, 3/1/2009

Hey, you never know. We asked these designers, “Where did your last unexpected inspiration come from?”

“My 6-year-old daughter’s lost-button collection. Buttons capture the essence of good design. They’re noticed only when one is broken or missing. If they do their job right, no one notices at all.” —Adam Weintraub of Koko Architecture + Design

“Our young staff’s optimism. These tough economic times continually challenge us to grow in our thinking.” —Amy Shakespeare of Redtop Architects

“A window frame on a subway train. I translated it into a table for Bernhardt Design’s latest Global Edition, which launches in April at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan.” —Marc Thorpe of Third Eye Studios NYC

“Snooping at a friend’s party, where I saw a red silk-covered jewelry box, beautifully proportioned, in the bathroom cabinet. I returned to the gathering, thinking how the box would affect my future furniture designs, such as an ottoman with storage.” —Kathryn Waltzer of Kathryn Waltzer Interior Design

“A heartfelt compliment from one of our first corporate clients about why they continue to hire us. It reminded us why we’ve enjoyed our work and ourselves for all these years.” —Tom Marquardt of Design Collaboratives

Next Q: For our office issue, tell us: “If you could have any view from your desk, what would motivate you most?” E-mail us at q@interiordesign.net.