matt young furniture and graphic design

TDN: Who are some people you admire and have impacted you as a creative person?

MY: Michael Graves stands out for me. As an influential architect, he was one of the first to design a line of teapots for Alessia in the 80's -- and I think that was the catalyst that started his long line of product designs. Just as Frank Lloyd Wright transferred his creativity into furniture, I think Graves realized that he could successfully apply his vision into a myriad of different design aspects -- not just designing buildings. Because of a design conference that I chaired, I was fortunate enough to spend the day with him; and I found him to be one of the most genuinely kind, humble and brilliant people I've ever met. He inspired me to think outside the box and push the boundaries of my design capabilities.

I am 44 and have been in the business for over 20 years. I appreciate my profession and the creative world that I am involved in but I tend to find my inspiration through literature, the arts, and especially music. These are the things that move me in an ethereal way.

TDN: It's clear that there is a similar modern sensibility in your work, from a logo to an annual report to the chairs that you've designed; do you find that you have more creative freedom to use that modern sensibility in one area than another?

MY: I've often asked myself if I have a certain "style" or not. I have a certain sensibility: modern and minimal -- but this does not limit me or my work. I think as a designer it is my priority to solve my client's problem and that should not be style-driven. There are certainly some designs that call for a minimalist approach, but my flexibility enables me to appeal to a broader variety of clients. Through furniture design, I have the freedom to have my own stylistic approach - a clear and direct work ethic that establishes what the pieces look like. I design what is most appealing to me, so my "style" is much more evident in my furniture than in my graphics.

TDN: What are the biggest technical or logistical challenges in furniture design?

MY: Having the right tools. Most of the furniture designers during the mid-century modern design movement had a vision of what they wanted to accomplish but had to develop the processes to achieve it. For instance, Eames used molded plywood (a process he did not invent but perfected) to mass-produce furniture. Trying to follow through with a design relies on the ability to manufacture it. Designers need to be able to push themselves in terms of creativity but with the understanding of what can actually be accomplished. I have used elements in my furniture designs that I can work with, such as plywood, stainless steel and galvanized metal.

TDN: How are clients incorporated into the picture? Do you actually have clients or commissions? Or, is the process different than a "work for hire" arrangement?

MY: Regarding furniture, I have worked on many different levels. I've designed furniture on commission for an established client. I've built models for a furniture company to explore the manufacturing possibilities. I have also designed pieces for my friends and myself. Each approach is different. If you are working with a company that has manufacturing capabilities -- all technical and engineering kinks have to be worked through and solved in the beginning. Building one piece is easy; building 200 is where it becomes problematic.

TDN: What are you currently working on?

MY: We currently have a diverse clientele. We still maintain strong relationships in the paper industry while also working with banking institutions, food service packaging, annual reports, identity and branding projects. Our favorite projects have dealt with poster design. We recently acquired a new office and I have designed two new chairs that are being built for the space. My wife and I are also renovating a house -- and I have a cabinetmaker building three pieces I designed for our addition.

TDN: What's next for you?

MY: It will certainly involve furniture design. I'm not a painter, I'm not a musician -- furniture is my passion and I would like to be able to devote more time and energy to it. I will continue with the success of Chung until it no longer makes sense to me.

In terms of graphic design, I have done almost everything that I ever wanted to and more. I am looking for an opportunity to start doing more work for myself. One of my designers and I are currently working on a couple of product design ideas that we will launch from our website. This is an exciting new venture for us. I have also thought about returning to teaching design, one of my greatest loves. But whatever path I take, furniture design will be paramount in my personal work.

TDN: What kind of products?

MY: There are two or three different items. One is an adaptation of a paper frame that we created for a previous paper promotion and we are also working on an innovative household product. We have a line of posters that we designed that will soon be online. We are going to see what it is like to sell products and that is the next big step for us.

TDN: In all of our interviews, we finish by asking this simple question: What does design mean to you?

MY: Design is problem solving. It utilizes art, but is not art in itself. Design is the resolution of obstacles -- either existing or imposed. Design is emotional, but that emotion takes a back seat to communication. It is useful. It unites. It projects. When design has done it's job it makes you feel happy, sad, angry -- these things are set in motion to achieve a specific outcome. Design has a purpose. Isn't that what we are looking for? I know I am