Designer Crush: Gabriel Scott
Author:Michelle Konstantinovsky1. Who is your biggest role model?
The great minds of the mid-century modern movement – who have introduced a whole new philosophy of design, production and use. Depending on the pieces we create, we often find inspiration through the works of such greats as Calder, Aalto, Prouvé, to name a few.
2. Which movie or play do you wish you could have designed the set for?
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover.
3. What is the best way to gauge a client’s personality before starting a project?
Eye contact. We often meet with clients at our Broome Street showroom and we’ve noticed that good eye contact can help carry productive and meaningful dialog. With that usually follows a good rhythm in our work relationship.
4. What new design elements are you excited to integrate into your work?
We’ve been exploring, what we call “Double Blown Glass” – an intricate glass blowing process, during which colored glass is enclosed in a solid clear body and then expertly polished and shaped to its recognizable form. We loved the result and have been exploring ways to introduce this process to new products in our collection.
5. How did you two meet and what made you want to work together?
We are brothers in law – Gabriel’s sister is Scott’s high school sweetheart. Our common education and experience in architecture brought us close, but our individual experiences in industrial design (Gabriel) and jewelry design (Scott) is what we considered meaningful and special when coming together to launch GABRIEL SCOTT.
6. Who’s your dream client?
We’ve recently discussed an interest in hopefully working with Alexandre de Betak one day. A great producer and creator of environments for some of the greatest names in fashion and the arts – we’d love an opportunity to work or collaborate on such a project.
7. How do you completely unwind?
Scott: Ironically, I personally unwind best when doing something that requires complete physical and mental engagement. Surfing does this quite effectively for me, as does painting… So if I am too far from a beach which is the case most of the time, then I head to the studio.
8. If you hadn’t become a designer, which career would you have pursued?
Gabriel: Most probably would have pursued my career in architecture. Photography would be a close second.
9. What’s the worst pre-designer job you’ve ever had and why?
S: I had a bunch of odd jobs, most of which worked out well, but I’d have to say that the worst was when I was a waiter for a brief period of time. I was terrible at it… I think it just didn’t work with my personality.
10. What’s your favorite recipe?
S: I must admit that the most consistent favorite at home is really not that exciting. Grilled whole fish mediterranean style…On the barbecue, summer or winter. Just stuff with a little salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, lemon, and throw on the grill. Pure simple, delicious.
11. Create your perfect playlist for us.
12. Who is your designer crush?
S: That’s a particularly tough question. Mostly because I’ve never followed the work of any particular designer, or architect as much as I have certain mixed media artists. In that spirit, if I may, I propose they be considered designers in their own right. In that case, I am currently very interested in the work of the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson.
Lightning round!
13. Would you rather shop new or vintage?
S: I’m assuming that we are talking about furniture here. Personally, and I know this sounds crazy, but I have pretty much made most of the furnishings that would be found in my home.
Since I have been designing and producing furniture for more than a decade, many prototypes (successful or failed), usually find their way into my environment. That said, I usually tend towards inspiring vintage pieces that I can mix with what I have made, which is obviously new.
14. First celebrity crush?
G: Rick Astley – don’t ask!
15. What’s your hidden talent?
G: Short-film editing
16. Best restaurant in your area? Where is it?
Genuine Superette in NY (on Mulberry, corner Grand) – conceived by the talented team of Avroko, this California-inspired diner, makes the best ‘grub’ in Nolita. And it conveniently being one block away from our showroom, we have truly become loyal regulars.
SF or LA?
Definitely LA – we’ve got a soft spot for the city.