Tell us about yourself and your work: what you’re passionate about, what inspires you, and where you’re going. I focus on responsive, future-friendly, front-end design and development. This means I design and code websites that flex and adapt to the device the user is viewing them on. Progressive enhancement ensures that users visiting a site from their phone on a congested mobile network aren’t forced to download the same site assets they would see on their 30″ display at the office. Future-friendly development means writing flexible, modular code structure that is mindful of what’s next in tech.

I’m inspired by quality craft, regardless of medium. It is endearing to witness a maker who is good at what he or she is making. I’m also inspired by my city and the people who call it home. Winnipeg has an incredibly rich arts and cultural scene, especially for a city of relatively small size. In the past few years our downtown has seen some really cool architectural installations, like a huge steel/LED sculpture called “Emptyful” that’s shaped like an Erlenmeyer flask, and OMS Stage, an open-air performing arts venue that looks like it’s straight out of a science-fiction movie. When the rivers freeze in the winter, we clear the longest skating trail in the world and line it with warming huts designed in an annual architectural competition. I think there’s something to be said for the resilience and outward thinking this city embraces.

Tell us about your space. What’s your aesthetic? What do you like or dislike? My space is a bit of an audio playground, with instruments and recording gear and a life-size cardboard cutout of Raj Koothrappali from the TV show ”Big Bang Theory” (he’s camera shy). I have a flawless Fender Rhodes piano that was built in March of 1972, and will forever be the coolest thing I own.

The studio monitors on my desk sit on foam/steel wedges that isolate the speaker vibrations from my work surface. These are my go-to for listening to most music, but if I’m listening to a concert recording I’ll also bring up the mono speaker stack for a different timbre. If I’m listening to something with poor quality sound, I’ll route the audio through an old GE stereo I modded a few years ago that can plug directly into my mixer. This is kind of like the aural equivalent of taking a mediocre picture of your feet with Instagram and applying a filter to make it “better.”

The big white pillow things on my walls are broadband absorbers that help eliminate sound reflections and frequency nodes. Each panel is 4″ of rigid fiberglass insulation and an open wood frame that is wrapped in fabric and hung with picture frame wire.

My window treatment (if I can even call it that) is several layers of translucent plastic tablecloth, held in place with binder clips and magnets. It turns my basement window well into a big softbox. When rabbits hop in the garden above it’s like a shadow puppet show without the puppets.

I’m constantly exploring ergonomics, and love finding new ways to make working better. Currently my wrists rest on a water-damaged piece of hardboard from an old drawer. This sits atop a stack of dollar-store craft foam that raises the leading edge of my keyboard and trackpad so they parallel my desk. I think most people have increased fidelity in their fingers and thumbs with their wrists either parallel to their desks or relaxed forward, instead of pulled back as most keyboard designs imply. This is in part why pianists are trained not to drop their wrists while playing.

My display sits on a 3″ roll of black duct tape, the underside of which is covered by parchment paper. Parchment paper has a low coefficient of friction, so slides around my glass desk with ease.

If I could change anything about my current setup, I definitely wouldn’t be working on a black glass desk. It is an incredible pain to keep clean. I’d like to try a sit-stand desk with a wood surface and motorized legs.

You have both an Embody and an Aeron in your space. Why did you choose them, and how do they differ for you? I like them both, and they are very different. I typically start the work day in the Aeron because I love its forward tilt. It arches my back and keeps my body in attentive posture, which helps me kick-start productivity if I stayed up too late writing code or playing hockey. The Embody feels more relaxed to me, and I’m most comfortable in it slightly reclined. I usually tackle less intensive tasks in the Embody, like long-form reading or answering email. The Embody’s arm rests adjust closer to my body than the Aeron’s, which I find helpful in reducing shoulder strain.

It may seem excessive to have two high-end chairs in such close proximity, but an investment in design and comfort is easily justifiable to someone who spends as much time at a desk as I do.

Photos: Brad Cerasani

Your living and working spaces shouldn’t be a stranger to variety either. Each has its own purpose, needs, and style. Here’s six great options for adding that Herman Miller touch everywhere you live and work.

*Don’t forget to play ”Everywhere in Your Day.” You could win great prizes, including a chance at the grand prize, an Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman!

1. Stool_One, Konstantin Grcic - In your kitchen, space can be a premium. Keep seating stylish and compact at your breakfast bar with Kostantin Grcic’s Stool_One. Sold conveniently in sets of two, the stools come in two heights and in all-black anodized aluminum, or finished aluminum in red or white. Get a couple at Herman Miller.

*No breakfast bar? Pair two Stool_One stools with the Everywhere Standing Height Table for a simple, standalone dining solution.

2. Aeron Chair, Bill Stumpf - The Aeron is the ergonomic support superstar of the office chair world. Create the perfect workspace for mind and body with its breathable mesh upholstery. The Pellicle suspension conforms to your shape while keeping you cool and collected throughout your day. Find all the Aeron options at Herman Miller.

*Need to bring in a collaborator for a bit? Sit them beside you on a Nelson Pedestal Stool, ideal for a quick brainstorm.

3. Eames Sofa Compact, Charles and Ray Eames - Despite its modern, minimalist profile, the innovative Eames Sofa Compact conserves office space without sparing any comfort. Sit three colleagues across from you and pitch your ideas in a comfy, casual review meeting. Add in a Nelson Platform Bench as a showcase surface ideal for layouts, foldouts, or whatever your working on. Configure the perfect Eames Sofa Compact here.

*After the review meeting, celebrate your victory or regain your momentum with a spin in the Spun Chair.

4. Everywhere Flip-Top Table, Dan Grabowski - Of course, not every workspace has the real estate for a dedicated conference room. Enter the Everywhere Flip-Top Table, which enters on wheels naturally, and folds down to create the perfect mobile meeting space. When the meeting is done, fold it back up and roll it on to its next big pitch down the hall. Get yours at Herman Miller.

*Don’t forget to offer cooling comfort and support to your clients and coworkers around the table with a quartet of Setu Chairs.

5. Nelson X-Leg Table, George Nelson - Subtle and uncomplicated, the X-Leg Table is the epitome of elegance through simplicity and function. Choose from multiple depths, heights, and leg finishes, as well as veneer and laminate tops. Its clean design pairs easily with everything – try a white laminate top and surround it with pops of colors from Eames Molded Plastic Side Chairs. Configure your X-Leg Table here, and don’t forget the Eames Chairs.

6. Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Charles & Ray Eames - With the goal of designing a “special refuge from the strains of modern living,” Charles and Ray Eames created the enduring symbol of lounging comfort. The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman symbolize the union of design with innovation and style with pure comfort. Make it your own with a selection of five striking veneers and a wide array of upholstery materials. You’ll forget all about those modern living strains. Get one at Herman Miller.

* You might need to set down some refreshments nearby – try pairing the Eames Lounge Chair with another iconic design, the Noguchi Table.

Photos linked within text.

Original post and photos by Pablo Enriquez. Used in partnership with Apartment Therapy Tech.

What do you listen to while you work?
It really depends on what I’m doing. If it doesn’t require heavy thinking, I usually like to catch up on podcasts, mostly from NPR. If it is somewhat design oriented, I tend to prefer down-tempo electronica or classical music.

How do you listen?
Depends on where I’m at. If it is in the office, I usually listen with headphones either plugged into my computer or iPod. I use a Bluetooth wireless headset so I don’t worry about accidentally yanking out my earbuds when I get up or move around.

Do you have any favorite music websites/providers?
I have several Pandora stations and I’ve been meaning to check out Grooveshark.

Does music influence your work?
Not at this point in my design career, but it does help me slow down and pay attention. For songs that I’ve listened to over and over, there have been several occasions where I’ve noticed a particular sound, beat, or rhythm that I didn’t notice before and I try to carry over that awareness to my design process.

Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste?
Pandora or the iOS App Shazam if I’m out in public and hear something I really like.

What song or artist best represents the work you create?
I am just beginning my career in design, so I don’t have a body of work to represent. But I wouldn’t be able to narrow it down to one song or artist, it would depend on the type of space. For example, if it were personal space, like a home or private office, I’d like it to be calming, minimalistic, and relaxed, something like “In the Waiting Line” by Zero 7. If it were a public or social space, it would be something much faster and more upbeat.

The ideal place to sit and listen to this playlist is the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman if you’re relaxing at home or the Aeron Chair if you’re listening at work. I’ve had an Aeron in my home office for almost a decade now. I got it because it was the perfect balance between form and function.

Ray’s Playlist:
1. Viejo Abasto, G-Spliff
2. Gotta Be Love, Joey Youngman
3. Arrabal, Gotan Project
4. Dunk, Noiseshaper
5. Mi Swing Es Tropical, Quantic & Nickodemus
6. Reality Check, Stigmato Inc.
7. Get Enough, Telemark
8. Transcendence, Thievery Corporation
9. Intro, The XX
10. A Little Soul, Pete Rock
11. Yachts, A Man Called Adam

Photos and renderings: Ray Tam

Give us a little information on your background. I’ve been a freelance illustrator and letterer since graduating from Sheridan College’s renowned Illustration program in 2001. Like most young illustrators starting out I needed a day job in order to make ends meet. So for a few years, I worked full-time as a wiretapper with one of Canada’s largest police forces and moonlighted as an illustrator. Talk about a contrast of worlds. Eventually the illustration gigs picked up enough that I could leave the day job and completely focus on my career.

Tell us about yourself and your work: what you’re passionate about, what inspires you, and where you’re going. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been drawn to vintage things that have character, good design, and a story, whether it be a guitar, tools, products, or random found objects. I like keeping myself surrounded by those types of things because I find them inspiring and they’re kind of like a receipt for a good story. I guess that’s the artist in me coming out, as well as my upbringing. Coming from a family full of carpenters and woodworkers has heavily influenced the way I create; layering and meticulously working with my chosen materials. The deeper into the digital world we get, the more I desire to produce hand-crafted work. Lately, my focus has been on combining the illustrator side of me with the carpenter side of me, hoping that I can satisfy both of those needs while still making the kind of art that I enjoy making. I’m not sure where it will lead to, but that’s the direction I’m currently heading.

Tell us about your space. What’s your aesthetic? What do you like or dislike? What would you change if you could? For years my workspaces were always tucked away in a corner of my living room. So when I bought my house four years ago, it had an unfinished basement which I renovated in order to give myself a dedicated studio. I also built a larger work area for miscellaneous projects, as well as a workshop. My actual studio space is fairly basic but I love it because it’s comfortable enough to hold everything I need to create work and to relax when I need to. As much as I love having my studio in the house, it’s getting tougher and tougher as my young family grows.

You have an Aeron Chair in your space. What do you like about it? Why did you choose it? I love the Aeron. Without a doubt, it saved my back. The vintage wooden secretary’s chair that I used to use looked amazing, but it was causing damage to my back. A friend turned me onto the Aeron convincing me a good ergonomic chair was a wise investment; he couldn’t have been more right. I also use an Eames Molded Plastic Chair at my painting station.

Photos: Darren Booth; bottom photo – Todd Fraser

Tell us about yourself and your work: what you’re passionate about, what inspires you, and where you’re going. I recently finished directing and producing my first documentary film called “Linotype: The Film.” It is about the Linotype typecasting machine and its impact on communication and the modern news media. It is also about a bunch of awesome old guys that work with crazy machines.

As trite as this answer will be, I find my inspiration all around me. I love travel and find my clearest thinking at 30,000 feet with my computer off. Most of my favorite projects have started as a result of traveling.

I am currently teaching typography and letterpress classes at Missouri State University and working on freelance design and video projects. I just finished two years of traveling around the world with the film, so I am trying to slow down and decide what is next. I have a few ideas about upcoming films, but I don’t have a direction just yet.

Tell us about your space. What’s your aesthetic? What do you like or dislike about it? I share the office with filmmaker (and “Linotype: The Film” cinematographer) Brandon Goodwin. It is in an old brick building in downtown Springfield, Missouri and we share the building with a few other creatives.

My aesthetic is a mix of trying to be clean and modern but also accepting that I am a collector of vintage ephemera and objects. I decorate with many letterpress-printed posters along with objects found at flea markets.

Brandon and I built our own desks using solid-core doors and legs. This kept our costs down as well as gave us a hand-built feel to the space. As a collector, I can never have enough flat files to organize and sort my vintage finds.

One perk of the office is our single-malt scotch collection that everyone shares. This keeps things relaxed around the office. My current favorite is Lagavulin 16 or Glenmorangie Finealta.

Photos: Doug Wilson. See the short film of the office’s Mirra vs. Aeron competition here.

There’s a quiet battle brewing in Springfield, Missouri, where designer and filmmaker Doug Wilson shares an office with Brandon Goodwin, also a filmmaker and Doug’s co-conspirator on “Linotype: The Film – In Search of the Eighth Wonder of the World.” When we asked Doug to report in from the scene, he not only sent over an explanation, but also gave us a first-hand look with the above short film.

Doug states: “I worked previously in an ad agency with Aeron chairs and learned that a good chair is worth the investment. When we moved into our office, Brandon and I went to our local Herman Miller dealer to test out chairs. I thought I would simply purchase an Aeron, but I found the Mirra chair to be more comfortable for me and I ended up choosing my own colors and features. Brandon purchased an Aeron.”

Since the purchases, their workspace has been enthralled in an unending contest. “Any time we have friends visit the office, we have a competition to see which chair they prefer,” Doug says. “It is a friendly rivalry, but obviously I think I made the better decision. Currently, Brandon’s Aeron is winning, but the Mirra is staging a comeback.”

Which chair do you prefer? Weigh in with your comments or tell us about it on Twitter.

Video courtesy Doug Wilson and Brandon Goodwin

A number of years ago, Herman Miller conducted research on the “natural preferred habitat,” which are places that our prehistoric ancestors sought to settle in while they were hunting and gathering. In these spaces, they looked for certain features with benefits. One of these was a wide, distant view. With this view from your habitat, you would get a lot of information, like where your resources were located; whether or not danger was approaching; and if there was a clear path available if you needed to move.

As part of the research, we applied this attribute — a view from the natural preferred habitat — inside that of a built environment. We found humans still have this longing for a wide, distant view, just like our prehistoric ancestors. We still want to put ourselves in a place where we can see out and not be seen. This is due to all the helpful information that a view can give you.

As humans, we are also innately attracted to nature (biologist and researcher E.O. Wilson coined the term “biophilia”)—it’s in our genetic makeup and our genetic memory. We have an affinity to and seek comfort in nature, and when we have views of it, it enhances our well being. In fact, there have been studies done in the healthcare arena that indicate that when patients have a view of nature, they heal a lot quicker and don’t need as much medication.

There may be more attention given to nature nowadays because our lives are more hectic. We are always online, always connected, always on, 24/7. It has put us in this continual state of partial attention to everything, without focusing on anything. And that does cause stress. Anything you can change in your surroundings to alleviate stress is healthy — and making sure you have a window view to nature is one of the best, most human things you can do.

- As told to Amy Feezor

Find the above featured Nelson Swag Leg Desk, Eames Molded Plastic Chair, Aeron Chair, Setu Chair and other inspiring furnishings for an elegant and intelligent office in the Herman Miller Store.

1. “The Untold Story of How the Aeron Chair Was Born” at Co.Design.

2. 12 backyard office pods from Inthralld.

3. Designs by Charles and Ray Eames (molded plastic chairs, an Eames Aluminum Group Side Chair) found by Automatism.

4. Jauntsetter’s tour of Zubehaus, the upstate New York home owned by Fab.com founder Bradford Shellhammer.

5. This clip from 1967 featuring Walter Cronkite previewing 21st-century technology — and his foreshadowing of how it could change the way we work at home — via FORA.tv.

6. Six things to know when setting up a home office from Kiplinger.

7. The light and airy home of Jesper and Majbritt in Copenhagen, Denmark, spotted by Lovenordic Design Blog.

8. ArchDaily’s look at Interstice, a settlement house from the 1930s rehabilitated by Fabi Architekten BDA in Regensburg, Germany.

9. The just-opened AETHER shop in San Francisco made entirely of shipping containers (and decorated with a pair of Eames Lounge Chairs) via The Fox Is Black.

10. Normann Szkop’s inspiring aerial photos of tulip fields in the Netherlands at Colossal.

Featured in photo: Eames Sofa; Eames Wire Base Elliptical Table; Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair with upholstered seat and back

Tell us a little about your background. Prior to starting Basik Design a decade ago, I worked at various movie studios in LA. I started as a photo editor, but through the years, gradually transitioned my position into an in-house designer before eventually going out on my own. Liz also worked as a photo editor at several film studios, her final position being a Senior Photo Editor at Paramount Pictures prior to our move to Nebraska. She continues to edit photography for studios but on a freelance basis.

What are you passionate about, what inspires you, and where are you going? Liz and I both love design in the general sense, as in we just like well-designed stuff. Whether it’s a car, clothes, a room, a poster, a house, a computer (we’re huge Apple fans, surprise) or a piece of furniture (also huge Herman Miller fans, surprise), anything that is well designed is interesting to us and inspires us. We truly feel fortunate to make a living in a creative field.

Tell us about your space. What’s your aesthetic? What do you like or dislike about it? What would you change if you could? I’m a little neurotic, so less is more for me. Liz likes to fill a room with lots of stuff, so we’ve had to do some compromising! But living in the Midwest means having more space, which means having more of the furniture and accessories we love without cluttering up the room. If we could just do something about all the cords, it would be awesome.

You have quite a collection of Herman Miller pieces in your space. What are some of your favorites? One of our favorite possessions is our Nelson Marshmallow Sofa. It’s iconic, fun, comfortable, and it just makes us smile. I also love my Aeron Chair. It’s super comfortable and looks great. It’s an office classic. Liz has a SAYL Chair that she loves. It’s also very comfortable and totally unique — there’s no mistaking it. I would highly recommend any of these pieces — the design, the build quality, the classic nature, and the general feeling of delight you get from using (and staring at) them make it all worth it. And as a bonus, they’re made in America.

Photos: Paul David

Last week, just before “Shatner’s World” was wrapping up the latest leg of its national tour, we got word that the truck carrying all the show’s equipment had broken down — and Mr. Shatner’s team needed to rent one of their regular props, an Aeron Chair, for his East Lansing, MI, performance. Like any good crew, we, of course, got to work immediately. And quite quickly that same day, thanks to the help of Herman Miller Certified Network Member WorkSquared in Lansing, we were able to deliver an Aeron to the stage right on time.

The show must and did go on. But it just proves that, even if you’ve made your living off helping save the universe, you still need a little support yourself sometimes.

“Shatner’s World: We Just Live In It” has finished its national tour for the time being, but will show again in 20 more cities in December 2013 and January 2014. Stay tuned to shatnersworld.com for details.

Photo: Joan Marcus, taken on the show’s opening night on Broadway, February 16, 2012, at the Music Box Theatre in New York City.

Shared office space in Atwater Village, Los Angeles, CA

A group of like-minded creatives (a photographer, videographers, graphic designers, and a DJ) call this loft studio in LA their work home. With its “mid-century modern meets the desert” style, it features a brightly-hued array of designs by Charles and Ray Eames, such as their Molded Plastic and Molded Plywood Chairs. (Photos: Bethany Nauert)

Curiosity Shoppe, Austin, TX

Distinctively-cool downtown Austin gets a little more curious with the arrival of this collective space, a multimedia outfit housed in a converted warehouse that’s packed with timeless Eames pieces, including a Wire Chair and Wire Base Elliptical Table. (Photos: Chris Perez)

The Design Office, Providence, RI

Independent designers work side by side in this downtown-Providence-based studio, which features a vintage-modern look led by designs like the Aeron Chair and the Eames Hang-It-All. (Photos: Sarah Rainwater)

Original post by Chris Perez. Used in partnership with Apartment Therapy Tech.

New York City graphic designer and illustrator Christopher Dina‘s work ranges from identity and print work to wayfinding and environmental graphics, including a recent collaboration with his wife – herself an interior designer – on a children’s clinic in Japan. Chris draws inspiration from his love of illustration and painting, travel, and music like the eclectic pop and indie tracks of this week’s Playlist.

What do you listen to while you work?
I listen to whatever is inspirational and anything that serves as a good backdrop to the work I am doing. If I’m coming up with ideas or sketching I prefer something softer and melodic, perhaps with some electronic or jazz influences – and if I’m cruising along then I can really listen to almost anything. There are also times when I choose music based on the type of project I am doing.

How do you listen?
I prefer computer speakers – I can step away from the desk and move around freely without disrupting the tone I’ve set. The iTunes Radio is nice for a little randomness and I’ll use headphones when I want to listen to music more finely.

Do you have any favorite music websites/providers?
iTunes is really great for seeing what’s new and sampling artists.

Does music influence your work?
The music I like to listen to relaxes me, its creates a space for me to think and generate ideas and sketches when I design. It allows my thoughts to go places which can lead to some pleasant surprises creatively.The influence is usually more direct if I am painting or drawing since sound, emotion, movement and physically making the mark are more closely connected.

Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste?
I find music recommendations everywhere, friends, other designers, the outside environment. I think for me it has always been about exploration and being open to new artists and sounds.

What song or artist best represents the work you create?
I don’t know if there is one artist but I can say that pop music may best represent the work I create. I seem to gravitate toward pop-art sensibilities, bold colors, geometric shapes, and pattern in my work. The Pet Shop Boys are definitely at the convergence point of music I enjoy and design I love; their packaging, set designs and costumes have always been incredibly inspiring.

Ideal place to sit and listen to your playlist:
Although I have many favorites – the Aeron chair which I sit in at the office is simply amazing, both on a comfort and aesthetic level – the ideal place to sit and listen to my playlist is on an Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (Black Cow Leather with Walnut Veneer). The Eames Lounge Chair is sophisticated and iconic in its form, a timeless modern classic which I think makes it a great match for my mix. Also perfect because it will totally elevate your level of comfort and listening enjoyment.

Chris’s Playlist:
1. Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt. 1, Flaming Lips
2. Photograph, Air
3. Carrion, British Sea Power
4. The Origin of Love, Mika
5. Fake Plastic Trees, Radiohead
6. Hoppipolla, Sigur Ros
7. Girls, Death In Vegas
8. History Chimes, Echo And The Bunnyman
9. You Don’t See Me, Keane
10. The Wanderer, Johnny Cash
11. Home And Dry, Pet Shop Boys

Photos: Chris Dina

A balance of health and harmony in your workspace reduces aches and pains, increases your mental well-being, aids productivity, and can even increase creativity. Sit up straight and take notice of these six ways to a healthier new year.

1. Embody Chair, Bill Stumpf and Jeff Weber - By maintaining your physical alignment, Embody’s ergonomic support reduces pressure and stimulates blood and oxygen flow. A little extra of both goes a long way to keeping you relaxed and focus. Customize yours at Herman Miller.

2. Flavor It Water Infuser Bottle - Staying hydrated is key to your health, but it can get a little, well, dull. Freshen up your fluids with this flavor-infusing, glass water bottle. A harmonious addition to your desktop. They’re popular, find yours at Overstock or Uncommon Goods.

3. Envelop Desk, Bill Stumpf and Jeff Weber - Posture care is no longer just the dominion of your chair. Do your work seated with pin-height adjustable legs or opt for a standing posture with Envelop’s electric adjusting legs. Find both at Herman Miller.

+ Envelop Desk pairs perfectly with an Embody or Aeron Chair, too.

4. Flo Monitor Support - Flo’s adjustable monitor arm brings your display into clearer focus reducing eye strain, reducing clutter on your desktop, and encouraging healthy sitting posture. High or low, Flo puts your work right where you want it. Single and double monitor arms available at Herman Miller.

5. The Big Happy Family Kit, Urbio - Along with staying hydrated, staying oxygenated has unlimited health benefits. Add a little flora to your field of vision with The Big Happy Family Kit. Originally designed for urban gardens, the modular wall system can be used for both planting and office organization. Find yours at YLiving.

6. Flute Personal Light, Tom Newhouse - Simultaneously good for you and the environment, the LED Flute delivers affordable, high quality light, and a tiny carbon foot print. You won’t even need to replace a bulb, the LED light source has a lifespan of more than two decades. Find it at Herman Miller.

Photos linked within text.

TP1, “Montreal’s Coolest Office Space,“ showed us around, while explaining their company’s connection to Shaolin racoons, Apaches, magic, Jedis, and our SAYL Chair (get the explanation here). (Photo: TP1)

So Design Consultants shared their bright, airy space — a converted barn in Bristol in the southwest of England. (Photo: So Design Consultants)

We stopped in our tracks when we discovered the impressive collection of SAYL Chairs that filled the lively workspace of boutique Web and business development studio Bento Box in Toronto. (Photo: Bento Box)

David Bridges, president and CEO of media arts company thelab, gave us a tour of his company’s space in NYC’s Terminal Warehouse Company Central Stores Building, formerly a railroad freight terminal and location of the infamous Tunnel nightclub. (Photo: thelab)

We took to The Neighborhood, a colorful, collaborative workspace in a refurbished a historic 19th-century building in Manchester, England. (Photo: The Neighborhood)

Architect, designer, and eco advocate Michelle Kaufmann told us about the sustainably-minded studio she created along with her team in San Francisco. (Photo: Michelle Kaufmann)

Graphic designer and painter Ricky Watts shared a memorable story of the workshop he once shared in Sebastopol, CA, with his grandfather, Arthur. (Photo: Ricky Watts)

Our Embody chair fit right into the personality-filled design of Fotobia studio, the headquarters of editorial and advertising photographer Daniel Goncalves in Jacksonville, FL. (Photo: Fotobia)

Book cover designer and lifestyle blogger Anna Dorfman showed us not one, but two home offices: the first in a small rental apartment in Brooklyn, and the second in upstate New York, where she and her husband are slowly renovating an 1891 Victorian row house. (Photo: Anna Dorfman)

Architectural photographer David Lauer gave us a tour of his new mid-century-built home in Denver, complete with a home office centered around bold color choices, like his green Mirra Chair. (Photo: David Lauer)

This weekend-getaway workspace belonged to J3 Productions and Happy Mundane’s Jonathan Lo, who is normally based in Orange County, CA, but instead opted to rent a “second office” near the beach in San Diego for the summer. (Photo: Jonathan Lo)

A sunny view and an original Eames Wire Chair passed down by her grandparents made up this tour from photographer-turned-designer Jennifer Levy of CAVdesign. (Photo: Jennifer Levy)

Artist Laura Hughes let us take a look at her combination home/workspace (Aeron Chair included) in the middle of Manhattan. (Photo: Laura Hughes)

Makoto Mizutani and Ben Luddy — better known as the brains behind multidisciplinary design practice Scout Regalia — let us take a peek at their living space/company headquarters in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Photo: Scout Regalia)

We found out just how organized the workspace of a professional organizer can be with this step inside the home office of Justin Klosky, founder and Creative Director of O.C.D. Experience, a bi-coastal organizing service. (Photo: Justin Klosky)

Photographer Clark Lara introduced us to a space filled with modern Herman Miller designs — check out the Embody Chair, Eames Molded Plastic Chairs, and Eames Storage Unit just in the one photo above — as well as his scene-stealing dog, Cooper. (Photo: Clark Lara)

Singer, songwriter, producer, photographer, cinematographer, and director Thomas Piper Jr. showed us around his home workspace in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. (Photo: Thomas Piper Jr.)

Food writer and co-author of The Kimchi Cookbook Olga Massov gave us a glance at her Brooklyn home office (as well as her well-stocked kitchen). (Photo: Amy Feezor).

Our SAYL chairs fit nicely in the newly-built backyard office shed shared by organizer Vanessa Hayes and her husband Dan, a technology/marketing/media consultant, in San Antonio, TX. (Photo: Vanessa Hayes)

Kiwi-born and London-based designer and illustrator Marcia Mihotich — who collaborates with the likes of Industrial Facility and other arts-related organizations — opened the doors to her live/work space, which includes a cushy Eames Soft Pad Management Chair. (Photo: Marcia Mihotich)

Tell us about yourself: what you’re passionate about, what inspires you, and where you’re going. I’m inspired by people who roll with the punches and who aren’t afraid to constantly reevaluate where they are in life and where they’re headed. The older I get, the less I worry about making plans or setting goals for myself, and the more I focus on making sure I’m happy and comfortable with where I am right now. Working in the book publishing industry right now means having to constantly adapt my skills as a designer to constantly-evolving formats. Ultimately, my job is to get people to read more books — whether that means a printed volume on a shelf or something that’s downloaded to an iPad. My heart will always lie with the physical, printed book format, but I’m also excited to see where we’re headed in the world of digital publishing.

How are your spaces set up? Where do you do most of your work? And what would you change if you could? I work for a publishing company in an office building all week long at my 9-to-5 job, so I don’t have a lot of control over my primary workspace. Fortunately, my department is set up in a big, open space surrounded by windows overlooking midtown Manhattan — I think I’d have a hard time being shut in an office or sitting in a cubicle all day.

If I’m being honest, most of my freelance work and blogging time happens on the sofa. I have a desk set up in the apartment that doubles as a dining table, but I seldom sit there unless I really have to concentrate and do a lot of writing. At the house, we have an office set up that doubles as a recording studio for my husband, a technologist and musician. The desk is made from my father’s old drawing table, and sitting at it to work always feels very special.

As I get older, my back doesn’t really appreciate how much time I spend working on the sofa, so I really need to be better about working at a proper desk! The one thing I can’t do is work amongst clutter. I know a lot of artists and designers like to be surrounded by inspirational images, but I find that kind of stuff distracting — aside from my computer, I really just want a notepad, a glass of water, and maybe a dog or two nearby.

You have several pieces by Charles and Ray Eames. Why did you choose them? I’ve been collecting vintage Eames shell and wire chairs since we bought our house — there’s an embarrassing number of them stacked up in our basement. They really do look great in old houses! I love the contrast between the ornate Victorian details of our house and the smooth, rounded curves of the shell chairs. I’m always on the lookout for new (old) Eames chairs to bring home and rehabilitate. They’re classics, and they go with everything. They’ll never go out of style.

Aside from the vintage Eames chairs, we also have a large Eames Storage Unit (ESU) in our dining room. It holds everything — extra cups and plates, candle holders, placemats, cookbooks, our telephone, magazines, tools, office supplies, you name it. And, of course, we have a couple of Eames Hang-It-Alls, which truly do function as their name promises.

Do you have other Herman Miller pieces? At my day job, I sit in an Aeron chair for hours on end. The Aeron really has become the gold standard among ergonomic office chairs, and for good reason. As someone with various joint and nerve issues, I can’t say enough good things about what a difference it has made in terms of comfort in my daily life.

Photos: Anna Dorfman. The Brooklyn apartment appears in the first two photos; the remaining are from the home in Newburgh.

What year was your business established? What led to that point? I technically have been organizing since I could walk . . . no joke. I will have some stories about that in a book I am writing that comes out in December 2013. My business, the O.C.D. Experience, was founded in 2008 with the vision to help people find clarity in their lives through my own OCD practice — thus birthing “Organize & Create Discipline,” a bi-coastal service teaching organizational discipline in every area of your life.

With some hard work, despite days waking up not knowing what city I was in, and with an incredible group of supportive friends, the business continues to grow every year. When Oprah was in her heyday, very early on in my business, I got to work with her go-to organizer, Peter Walsh, who lent me some wisdom along the way (basically telling me to stay out of this crazy world!). After working with Peter, I continued to build out different divisions of the O.C.D. Experience. I launched O.C.D. Events (Original & Creatively Designed) with Heather Schertz and started discussions on other aspects of the business. O.C.D. Experience also just finished working with Saks Fifth Avenue, Joss & Main, and the Container Store to develop strategic partnerships and product services. We are proud to be growing into a recognized national brand and taking on organizational consultants throughout the country while upholding a solid reputation.

Tell us about your space. Any special considerations that influenced its set up? What do you like or dislike? What would you change if you could? I consider everything when it comes to the way I setup my personal space. It is part of my OCD.

Our entire place has a specific purpose for living. It has been that way since I was a child. My favorite space right now is the O.C.D. Experience office. On the ground, I put in an red area rug, which fuels me, and an ottoman that doubles as a two-person window seat and storage for all our office supplies. Cork boards line the walls for organized visions, goals, and creative expectations. I brought in a large citrine crystal to add life and career energy, as well as “El Jeffe,” our security guard — an office plant of five years, who has traveled from NY to LA, LA to NY, and NY back. The best part of the office is the desk system I built from scratch; I’ve labeled it the “O.C.D. Desk System.” (Did I mention that you can’t see one wire, as the desk hides them all?)

I always like bad news first, so what I dislike about my office is how obsessive I can be about maintaining its structure and flow. Constantly thinking about space, not just outer space (which I love), can take up a lot of time and energy. It also affects the people around me, sometimes causing a little more stress than necessary.

The redeeming fact of this is that I have managed to make sure the positive moments of my space-obsessing outweighs the negative. My office is always clean and my desk never has piles. I then get to help clients throughout the world make stronger choices about their personal space, thought process, and decisions through my practices.

What I would change? I would revamp the desk system, which is in its second prototype process! I have some new organizational solutions that will be incorporated into the next one.

You have an Aeron Chair in your space. Why did you choose it? I have three, actually. I got my first Aeron because I used to work for a talent agency and I remember all the agents having these big, comfortable, ergonomically-correct office chairs. I was 18 and wanted one so bad. The moment I had my own working office, I got one. A few years later, I needed more chairs and had no choice but to buy two more because they all had to match.

It’s the final day to get 15% off everything you need to furnish your home or office (or any space in between). Click here to shop our storewide Holiday Sale now and save!

1. Digital Design Magazines - The digital publishing revolution is in full swing. More and more magazines have taken to the tablet with compelling, richly detailed digital editions. It’s an affordable design experience at your fingertips. Check out the Edition29 series of architecture, art, and lifestyle magazines, including explorations of the modern dwelling in Edition29 Housed. Or click over to DesignBureau for a bi-monthly dialogue of design inspiration.

2. Join an Art & Design Museum - Are you near a design museum? An architecture or historic home museum? Annual museum memberships yield a year’s worth of education and inspiration while simultaneously supporting the creative community (and saving you money, too). Try the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, the Chicago Atheneum – Museum of Architecture and Design, or the Architecture and Design Museum in Los Angeles.

3. Renegade Craft Fair - Throughout the U.S. and even across the pond in London, the Renegrade Craft Fair brings together hundreds of artists, designers, and craftspeople showcasing their work. Explore an incredibly broad range of design products (and prices) in cities like Austin, Chicago, Brooklyn, and more. Keep an eye out in your town for other indie craft fairs, too — it’s a huge and exciting movement.

4. Design in Your Community - Do you live near a college with a design or architecture school? Does the AIA or AIGA have a chapter where you live? Is there a Design Within Reach… within reach? Identifying the design institutions and even retailers in your area is a fast-track to all kinds of affordable — even free — events, lectures, classes, and more. Learn, network, and see what’s out there.

5. Herman Miller Sale - Find your favorite of the most quintessential modern designs, for less, during the annual Herman Miller Sale. Enjoy a storewide 15% off everything from Aeron office chairs to the Magis Tavolo XZ3 Table. It’s all on sale now until December 10, so visit Herman Miller today.

6. Find & Fund Design - Online funding platforms like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo are overflowing with new and innovative design projects looking for partners and supporters. You get in on the ground level of new designs and instantly become a part of their development. Plus, each project you support offers a range of great design dividends depending on how much you’d like to contribute. That’s a great design deal.

Photos linked within text.

Don’t Forget To Blink
Many of us dramatically slow down our rate of blinking when we’re staring at a glowing computer monitor. Blinking helps to naturally lubricate your eyes, and not doing so makes you dry out and feel uncomfortable. Force yourself to blink frequently as you’re working on the screen. You can even get some help blinking if you must.

Drink (Water)
Help your body by staying hydrated. It’s even easier when you’re working from home, where you can use your favorite glass and always get chilled water instead of a drink from a communal water fountain. If you’re finding yourself hankering for a drink, it’s already been too long. Set “hydration nudges” to remind yourself if you’re not getting enough liquids.

Posture and Ergonomics
If you’re going to be sitting at your desk for a while, make sure you’re comfortably and properly doing so. Find yourself a good ergonomic chair and sit properly at your desk. Keep your wrists and hands comfortable as well with an ergonomic keyboard. (Check out this roundup of ergonomic keyboards highlighted by Apartment Therapy several years ago.)

Clean Air For All
If you’re seeing floating dust particles in the glow of your computer monitor, it’s time to get yourself an air purifier. If it’s stuffy and dry, you’ll need a humidifier. You can even bring a little green into your office to help with the air quality and make yourself feel better.

Get Up And Walk Around
Don’t just sit in your chair all day. Move and stretch a bit. You can even exercise directly from your chair. Keep your body healthy and your blood flowing to your head for a healthy day at the office. Here’s got a great set of 10 exercises you can easily do in the office in just a few minutes.

For more tips on ergonomics and staying healthier in the office, click here.
Original post by Jason Yang. Used in partnership with Apartment Therapy Tech.

What do you listen to while you work?
Mostly we listen to music, but in the mornings we listen to NPR. I spend so much time in the glass shop that that is usually my main source of news for the day.

How do you listen?
A laptop hooked up to our stereo system with four Klipsch speakers and a Velodyne sub. So we can listen to CDs and the radio, or Internet radio, and music over our network or from the interweb.

Do you have any favorite music websites/providers?
I have a love/hate relationship with Pandora. We used to listen to Slacker Premium Radio but switched to Pandora because it was cheaper. But you get what you pay for. I’m so frustrated that I think we will switch back to Slacker — I mean how many times do I have to tell Pandora that we never ever want to listen to a John Mayer song again?

Does music influence your work?
Absolutely, but in an abstract way. I always listen to music when I work. It helps set the tone and pace of the day. Glassblowing is very physical; it’s a dance that needs rhythm and music helps provide that. If you look at my work I think you’ll see the flow everywhere thru it. I try to capture the lyrical qualities of glass as a molten material in the curves and line quality. A really beautiful piece should sing to your eyes. I included pics of a couple of my new favorite pieces.

Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste?
My favorite sources of new music come from my assistants Ally and Nicole. They are really on top of everything hip and new, but they also love old-school stuff that I’ve never heard before. Sometimes NPR will have great suggestions, too. I love checking out their end-of-the-year “best of” compilations. The music we play during the day definitely depends on our mood and what we are making, and sometimes on the weather outside. We’re in Michigan, so it can be sunny and 60 one minute and cloudy and snowing the next, so you’ve just got to adjust your music to match — a little of this a little of that, you know, mix it all up.

What song or artist best represents the work you create?
This is so hard to decide. I feel like my work is always changing and growing in different directions, but that it has a distinct style, is technically well crafted, is beautiful, appeals to a lot of people, and ultimately is feminine in its balance of fragility and inner strength. So who is that? Madonna or Aimee Mann or Norah Jones or Amy Winehouse maybe (but without the drug problem and untimely death — she had so much more to give the world). I guess the answer is a little bit of each of these wonderful, creative, successful, and passionate women.

Ideal place to sit and listen to your playlist:
In the Aeron Chair. I love the Aeron and since I hate office work it really helps to have something comfy to sit in. Sometimes when I’m sitting in it, I’ll come up with my best ideas for a sculpture and I can sketch them out in comfort. It is usually in the office, but we’ll roll it into the studio when people come to watch us glassblowing. The studio is an active workplace with hot glass, chemicals, and machinery everywhere, so I am amazed at how well the Aeron has held up. I’ve had it for probably 10 years and it still looks brand new!

Epiphany Studio’s Playlist:
1. Conspirer, Luciano
2. Naked Figures, Public Lover
3. Puerto Rican Girls, Bruno Pronsato, Thomas Melchior
4. 808 The Bassqueen, Ricardo Villalobos
5. Berg, Tolga Fidan
6. Part One, Cesare vs Disorder, Mikael Stavostrand
7. Into The Night (Nicolas Jaar Remix), Azari & III
8. Vibe Your Love, Maceo Plex
9. In The Mood, Art Department
10. Let’s Go Crazy, Prince
11. Everybody, Madonna
12. Oh Sheila, Ready For The World
13. Faith, George Michael
14. Need You Tonight, INXS
15. There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, The Smiths
16. Night Moves, Bob Seger
17. Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen
18. This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody), Talking Heads

Photos: Les Ward (top), Sebastian Sullen (2nd to last), April Wagner

1. Aeron Chair, Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick - Sweeping away virtually every tenet of traditional workplace seating, the Aeron has become one the most well-known ergonomic office chairs ever made. Its form-fitting Pellicle suspension supports and cools, moving as you move, no matter what size and shape you might be. Choose from three frame finishes and eight seat and back fabrics to create a distinctive seating solution, on sale now at Herman Miller.

2. Nelson Swag Leg Desk, George Nelson - With its gracefully curved legs, unencumbered work surface, and cheerful cubbies, the Swag Leg Desk answers to the call of our modern, increasingly compact world. Combine it with an Eames Wire Chair for a perfect mid-century pairing. Find them both on sale at Herman Miller.

3. Eames Sofa, Charles and Ray Eames - Combining simplified form and high-quality materials and craftsmanship, the Eames Sofa yields stunning design beauty and luxurious comfort. Its gently angled silhouette unites rich walnut or teak, sumptuous leather upholstery, and polished aluminum for a truly modern design in home or office. Explore all the options, now 15% off, at Herman Miller.

4. Noguchi Table, Isamu Noguchi - Sculptural, perfectly-balanced, and visionary, the three-piece Noguchi Table is a design classic — simple, but never plain. Created in the 1940s, the design acclimates effortlessly to 21st-century living. Get the classic Noguchi, on sale, from Herman Miller.

5. Nelson Basic Cabinet Series, George Nelson - The best storage solutions are functional, efficient, and most of all versatile, just like the Basic Cabinet Series. Create a custom solution from an array of configurations utilizing cabinets, shelving, and even the Platform Bench. Save 15% on yours now at Herman Miller.

6. Eames Hang-It-All, Charles and Ray Eames - Beguiling pops of style and ever-present functionality defined much of the Eameses work, capturing our imagination and attention. Marrying their signature wire lattice construction with vibrant, solid-wood knobs, Charles and Ray created a hat and coat rack with a real hook. Get your Hang-It-All, on sale now, at Herman Miller.

Images: Herman Miller

Give us a little insight on your background. I’m originally from Wisconsin and graduated from UW-Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Art. I was artistic from a very young age. At about age 12, I got very interested in the then-new home computer technologies of the early 80′s. I grew up right along with the rapid advancement of computer graphics. As there was no computer graphics major at the time, I took to many forms of art, including photography. I also had a strong interest in architecture and studied some of that curriculum. I landed a job at a local computer graphics company before graduating. The company grew rapidly and I helped develop software (from the artist viewpoint) that was widely used in the movie industry. It wasn’t long before my ambition caused me to pack up and move to L.A. I started working in the visual effects industry just as it was blossoming. This was 1992. I rose to a supervisor level and worked on over 20 major movies during my film career. The last film I worked on is “The Life of Pi” directed by Ang Lee, which comes out November 21.

How long have you been a photographer? Well, I’ve been a photographer on the side ever since college, but started thinking about it as a serious career change a few years ago. I had the opportunity to study with and assist one of world’s leading architectural photographers, Tim Griffith. This really took my work to the next level and I knew I was ready to go full time. The gradual transition has allowed me time to acquire the costly cameras, tilt-shift lenses, lighting, and computer equipment necessary for the best results. I also feel my 20-year experience in supervising the fine details of film visuals really gives me an edge to produce outstanding architectural photography in which details and precision are paramount. Today’s best architectural photography requires extensive post production, which is very similar to compositing in the visual effects field.

While Los Angeles has world-class architecture and is responsible for my love of mid-century modernist architecture in particular, I felt a desire to explore life in a new city and the mountains of Colorado came calling. I now live in my own mid-century home in Denver. I quickly went to work as a top photographer for the regional magazine Modern In Denver. It’s allowed me to meet many people in the design industry here and I look forward to the rapid growth of my business.

Tell us what you’re passionate about, what inspires you, and where you’re going. My admiration for the modernist architects and seeing their work firsthand in California really ignited my interest in architectural photography. I studied the works of great modernist photographers: Julius Shulman, Ezra Stoller, Ernie Braun, and Balthazar Korab. Photographers such as those give me plenty of inspiration to continue to fine-tune my craft. Although a much smaller market than Los Angeles, Denver has many fine architectural firms and the city has a booming art scene and really great restaurants. I appreciate how the smaller size makes the city more accessible than the wide sprawl of LA, not to mention less traffic! I still have ties to Los Angeles and enjoy going back from time to time. As my business grows, I look forward to more traveling assignments in other markets.

In addition to architectural work, I also shoot landscape photography and plan on more gallery showings of those pieces. The Rocky Mountains offer spectacular and endless amounts of subject matter.

Were there any special considerations that influenced the set up of your office? What do you like or dislike? It’s a great, comfortable space. I didn’t need a large office but wanted to have enough room to allow a seating area for clients. I kept it simple and tied it with the rest of the house by including some mid-century pieces. The carpet and painted walls are neutral with bright-colored furniture and pop artist Roy Lichtenstein prints. I brought a bit of the Pacific Ocean to Colorado with my seven-foot photographic print on canvas by artist Olivier Pojzman. The vantage point not far from where I lived in Marina Del Rey. I confess I miss the ocean. I make my own fine-art prints on an Epson pro wide-carriage printer. Quality prints are great to show architectural clients. As my business grows, I’ll be looking to move into a larger commercial office space. It would be nice to stretch out a bit more and have access to an outdoor area.

You have both a Mirra Chair and an Eames Lounge in your space. Why did you choose them? One of the companies I worked for in Los Angeles supplied Aeron Chairs for all the employees. I fell in love with them. I went to a local supplier intending to purchase the same and came across the Mirra Chair. I really liked the aesthetic difference and the color options… the lower price didn’t hurt either. I decided on a green one to go with my DWR Nine.Two.Five office furniture. I also often work on my laptop in my Eames Lounge Chair. I’ve had it for over 10 years now. It’s great when people that don’t know about such an iconic furniture piece still fall in love with it immediately. It’s definitely my favorite place to sit in the house!

Photos: davidlauerphotography.com

What do you listen to while you work?
What I listen to is all over the map, though I think it probably trends towards electronic music where the lyrics are not the primary focus. More atmospheric in the morning and more energetic in the afternoon. There is an absolutely amazing public radio station here called 89.3 The Current who will play Afrika Bambaataa, Tom Waits, and LCD Soundsystem back to back and then a fantastic local band. So I will stream them some mornings.

How do you listen?
I typically use my iPad to stream music via Spotify to my stereo using an Airport Express Base Station. Having one less app open on my computer while I work is nice.

Do you have any favorite music websites/providers?
When I actually buy music these days, which is increasingly rare, I use eMusic. They were always a great source for smaller label bands and musicians but now offer big label artist too. I almost solely use Spotify to listen to music. It has completely changed the way that I “collect” music. On occasion I’ll use Pandora because their stations are better than the Spotify Radio option.

Does music influence your work?
One of the things I love about music is how musicians continue to invent and come up with new sounds and structures. It is this spirit of invention and newness that inspires me and influences my work.

Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste?
I have to admit that the main source of influence is the online music guide, Pitchfork. They have turned me onto a lot of great music.

What song or artist best represents the work you create?
That is a hard question. I’d like to think that my work is well-edited and minimal, maybe like a good pop song.

Ideal place to sit and listen to your playlist:
The ideal place to listen to my playlist is the Aeron Chair with polished aluminum base and Black Tuxedo Pellicle fabric. Combining that chair with your work surface and my playlist will result in some inspired work. I promise!

Matthew’s Playlist:
1. Reunion, The xx
2. Headcage, Matthew Dear
3. Jupiters, Four Tet
4. Cherokee, Cat Power
5. Crawlersout, Purity Ring
6. About to Die, Dirty Projectors
7. The Hours, Beach House
8. The Maker, POLIÇA
9. Interstellar, Frankie Rose
10. Love Play, School of Seven Bells

Photos: Matthew Plumstead

Keep an eye out for more great interviews and playlists from our favorite designers, artists, and creatives all season long.

1. Flood’s New Light, Thee Oh Sees
2. Earthforms, Matthew Dear
3. Doused, Diiv
4. Today’s Supernatural, Animal Collective
5. Youth in Trouble, The Presets
6. Drifting In and Out, Porcelain Raft
7. Wishes, Beach House
8. Yet Again, Grizzly Bear
9. Little Talks, Of Monsters and Men
10. Chained, The xx
11. The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra [Op. 34 Fugue: Allegro Motto], Moonrise Kingdom Soundtrack

Photos: Herman Miller

In this week’s “Why Design” series from Herman Miller, Don Chadwick discusses the camera and how it’s helped guide his eye, allowing him to see things differently. Chadwick’s unique view of the world has allowed him to redefine it with design.

His Aeron Chair is the perfect example. It introduced a completely new kind of task seating, eschewing traditional upholstery for form-fitting Pellicle suspension, which cools and focuses while offering unmatched ergonomic comfort and support.

Lifework draws inspiration from Chadwick’s words and work in this week’s Six Ways to Photography and Design.

1. Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home Camera Bag - With immense capacity, this tough-as-nails carry-all-things camera bag is water resistant, has a customizable interior, and is easy on the body. Newbie or pro, you can move your gear into a new $6M home. Get it at Crumpler.

2. Impossible Instant Lab - Bridging the gap between trend-setting and cherished nostalgia is the Impossible Instant Lab for iPhone. Simply attach your iPhone and turn digital images into Polaroid-esque reality. Back this project on Kickstarter.

3. Polaroid GL10 Instant Mobile Printer - Here’s another way to turn pixels tangible. The GL10 connects to your mobile phone via Bluetooth and prints your photos, no ribbons, or cartridges required. Print up to 35 3×4 full-color photos in a single charge. Available from Polaroid.

4. Flipbac Angle Viewfinder - This clever camera accessory helps you capture that tricky angle and avoid body-contortion. Just attach the Flipbac mirrored viewfinder to your digital camera and shoot from a host of striking new angles. Check it out at Flipbac.

5. iPhone Stutter Grip - Get a handle on mobile phone photo and videography literally, with iPhone Stutter Grip. Stutter Grip adds handle and shutter/video button right where you remember it, giving your iPhone that more familiar, SLR feel. Find one at Photojojo.

6. Gorillapod, Joby - A must-have for any on-the-go shutterbug, the Gorillapod’s flexible, multi-pivoting, gripping tripod legs balance, secure, and steady your camera just about anywhere. With eight different configurations to choose from, there’s a Gorillapod for every kind of photographer. Get a grip on one at Joby.

Photos: Linked within the text.

1. The Tokyo home of designer Daisuke Genma featured at The Selby.

2. Wallpaper’s “Best Business Hotels of 2012.”

3. Pleased to spot our Eames Molded Plastic Side Chairs on the cover of the latest issue of Lonny.

4. Also happy to see our Aeron and Embody chairs on Lifehacker’s list of Five Best Office Chairs.

5. A look at work by visionary industrial designer, urban planner, and futurist Norman Bel Geddes at NYTimes.com.

6. “13 Desktop Wallpapers To Kickstart Your Creativity” from 99U.

7. This interview with illustrator Darren Booth at The Great Discontent.

8. The interior design of this modern LA home by Guilherme Torres at Ideas to Steal.

9. Desire to Inspire’s look at this space by Bulgarian design firm Fimera.

10. How many Herman Miller pieces can you spy in Business Insider’s tour of the Squarespace offices in NYC? (Above, in a photo by Daniel Goodman.)

Photo: Daniel Goodman / Business Insider

What do you listen to while you work?
Just about any genre except “commercial pop” – world music, electronica, jazz through bluegrass and soul. It’s important for me to have a very eclectic mix of music, it somehow makes me feel at home in NYC maybe because it reflects the diversity of the city. It also keeps me from getting bored.

How do you listen?
I have a Bose speaker system hooked up to my desktop computer where all my music is stored. I have the studio to myself a lot so I can play the music loud without bothering anyone else which is useful…sometimes music just needs to be blasted, it helps get me motivated.

Do you have any favorite music websites/providers?
When I’m not sure what I feel like listening to I pretty much always go to Radio Paradise, they have a fantastic eclectic mix. For jazz I listen to WBGO out of Newark NJ and WFUV out of Fordham University for alternative and local artists. And John Schaffer’s Soundcheck always exposes me to something unusual. I do Pandora on occasion and am just starting to use Spotify. I buy music from Amazon and iTunes.

Does music influence your work?
When I am working on a project to showcase a musical artist, I’ll listen to that artist a lot to help me get the right feel. For the 92nd Street Y’s tribute to Burt Bacharach I must have listened to Steve Tyrell’s Back To Bacharach 50 times that week.

For other projects, like creating pieces to showcase the children of the 52nd Street Project, the music I listen to can take me in all sorts of unique directions. I created some surreal plant illustrations (above) while listening to a lot of K.D. Lang and Dusty Springfield. Go figure!

Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste?
Designers I collaborate with have turned me on to a lot. My summer intern has incredible taste and she exposed me to many artists that are becoming new favorites. My 13-year-old son has very sophisticated taste and he’s always on the prowl for new tunes, so he’s introduced me to some gems. My husband provided me with an amazing base of jazz standards, classical, R&B, and punk.

We also have friends who are musicians and artists and they’re always excited to share what they are into. And a huge influence is my client Celebrate Brooklyn!, a summer-long, very eclectic music festival that literally reflects the diversity of that borough. There’s always artists I don’t know in their line-up and I’m always prepared to be blown away.

What song or artist best represents the work you create?
Impossible! It would have to be upbeat because my work exudes a certain positivity, and quirky because I couldn’t tolerate just one style of music to define my work. It needs to be colorful, joyful, engaging… maybe Blackbird by The Beatles? Love You Madly by Cake? Roman Blue from “Rome” by Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi? David Bowie’s Oh! You Pretty Things? How can I choose just one?

Ideal place to sit and listen to your playlist:
The Eames Molded Plastic Armchair with Rocker Base in Aqua Sky, if possible in a room with a fabulous view.

Iris’s Playlist:
1. Theme of ”Rome,” Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi
2. Anonanimal, Andrew Bird
3. Frank Sinatra, Cake
4. Bullet and a Target, Citizen Cope
5. Vaporize, Broken Bells
6. Paradise, Coldplay
7. Indra, Thievery Corporation
8. Believe, Ozomatli
9. Dum Maro Dum (Take Another Toke), Kronos Quartet
10. Batonga, Angélique Kidjo
11. 100 Days, 100 Nights, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
12. Cool Jerk, The Capitols

Photos: Iris Brown