“It started over an epic dinner a decade ago when four friends, each ready for a significant life change, realized that they shared a common viewpoint about the way they wanted to work. By the end of the meal they had decided to join forces and create ‘a collective focusing on enhancing life through design’ – a laboratory of ideas that they named Commune.”
– Hamish Bowles, Vogue, May 2013
And wow, have they ever done this.
The founders of Commune, Roman Alonso, Steven Johanknecht, siblings Pamela and Ramin Shamshiri, and their worldwide creative collaborators are responsible for some amazing design projects, from shops to stationery and all sorts of things in between.
“…we always wanted a studio that felt like the Eames studio, where there were all sorts of different things happening: film, photography, product, or an interior – this interdisciplinary thing.” – Roman Alonso of Commune
I haven’t had a chance to visit most of the commercial spaces they’ve designed, but I have spent some time at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs and I loved it. The space felt relaxing and energizing at the same time, which is the same way I feel when I see inspiring art exhibits.
I haven’t visited these yet, but they’re on my list: Heath Ceramics in San Francisco, The Standard in NYC, and Farmshop in Brentwood. Anyone know if the Farmshop space is the old City Bakery spot in the Brentwood Country Mart? I loved that place.
Seeking Creative Collaboration
I love seeing the type of projects that can come to life when people with a different point-of-view come together to build something awesome. The more I read about companies like Commune, the more I crave being part of something bigger. I want to use my own eye, style, and skills as part of an amazing group effort. I’m not sure exactly what this project is, but I’ll know it when I hear about it or dream it up. I’m open to invitations, so email me if you have a cool creative project and want a contributor.
Here’s one of my own shots of the Ace Hotel and Swim Club designed by Commune.
I hope you have a super creative week! xo