How did you get your start designing and building furniture?

After taking a look into my past I've discovered that I'd inadvertently been designing objects since my early college days.  Since I was about 16 I wanted to be a potter, make simple functional objects and live a simple craftsman lifestyle.  Furniture came a bit later but by some convoluted means its seems to have been a natural progression.  Starting a career in furniture was not exactly graceful...rather full of confusion, stress, and design challenges. The most major challenge was the reconciliation of the object.  I think that the hardest part was getting past my hang ups with the object.  I'll admit that I've had a checkered past with object d'art.  You could say it was a love hate relationship for the majority of my adult life.  But alas I was able to admit that I love objects, their function or lack thereof, how they're capable of altering a space and especially how people are capable of "coveting" something so simple...like a favorite chair that has been passed down from generation to generation.  Its amazing how they (objects) are perceived by their caretakers, how they absorb meaning and are imbued with memories...its amazing when you start to think about it; how an object is capable of taking on characteristics of place. 
I could go on and on about that, but to answer the question properly of how I got my start:  I had a small art fabrication and frame service business that handled everything from installation, gallery services, custom framing, art surfaces and supports to fabrication of art objects.  It was during this period that I started designing and building furniture. Shortly there after I closed the shop, left my studio and began the transition into what is now Squared Furniture.  

Tell us about your design process?  Where do you draw inspiration?

The majority of my process involves a lot of looking, seeing, doing....and frustration!  Great things are arrived at as a result of being dissatisfied.  I spend a lot of time just looking, thinking, more looking, more thinking and then starting sketches or writing down various materials, needs, thoughts etc. I draw a lot of inspiration from architecture.  As we are a consumer based culture, and as we are afforded choices, I think we have become incredibly lax with our consumption of goods.  We no longer seem to make or care about the connections or relations pieces have in common. We also do not often consider the changes our goods are capable of having with respect to our most intimate of spaces i.e. the home.  I believe there needs to be a shift in paradigm, a drastic change in what our society values.  This is relevant in regards to where I draw inspiration from...these disparities in value, i.e. the things we surround ourselves with, should be carefully curated, considered and pondered.  When you sit down to write or read, to open mail etc, that context you're operating in is bering upon your activities subtly influencing your mood, comfort, affecting possible outcomes, reactions etc.    Why do we continually disrespect our homes, our intimate spaces that provide shelter, comfort, relaxation, revitalization, pride with sub standard, made in who knows where, only going to last until I decide to move it then falls apart, ill considered trendy goods? This is where I draw my inspiration from...the potential to influence a change in values.  

What are you most excited about in the next year?

Partnerships!  Lost of partnerships.  I've just partnered with Bobby Burke Home, the Modern Shop, Forage Modern Workshop to mention a few and will be filling their stores with product in the coming months.  Some other very exciting relationships are in the works and will hopefully come to fruition this year, but that is all I'm able to say at the moment.  

What is your favorite part about living in the Midwest?

I'll defer to an earlier interview for my response: After having pondered this question for a bit I find myself falling short of an answer. I’d like to say that I like the weather but its cold 9 months of the year. I will say this: I find that I’m most inspired by the frustration induced by my current locale. It seems to provide the impetus for creating new things. 

It's raining and you can only pick one song to listen to, what would that song be?

Hmmm...thats a great question.  Is this one of those 3 minute and 30 second rain storms?  Or can I choose an entire album?  I would say if I can only hear one song... Atmosphere by Joy Division.  Yep that song could be on repeat for an hour and I probably wouldn't mind.  

What's the best meal you've had in the last year?

Tilia, hands down!  Amazing food, great ambiance, beer selection, wine etc... If you haven't had the pleasure of eating there I would highly recommend it.