{"id":4777,"date":"2016-09-08T19:15:01","date_gmt":"2016-09-08T19:15:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/modelo.io\/blog\/?p=4777"},"modified":"2020-12-09T03:19:32","modified_gmt":"2020-12-09T03:19:32","slug":"design-manifestos-adam-tripp-formssurfaces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/blog\/index.php\/2016\/09\/08\/design-manifestos-adam-tripp-formssurfaces\/","title":{"rendered":"Design Manifestos: Adam Tripp of Forms+Surfaces | Modelo Blog Series"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Design Manifestos: Adam Tripp of Forms+Surfaces<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/canvas><\/div>\n<\/div>
Adam Tripp (Photograph courtesy of Forms + Surfaces)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n

As Design Director for Forms+Surfaces<\/strong><\/a>, Adam Tripp oversees Product Design and Development across all F+S product lines. In addition to the project management of new and custom product development, he is continually defining new materials and manufacturing processes that influence the look and feel of the Forms+Surfaces brand. Adam is responsible for some of the most recognizable site furniture, architectural surfaces and door hardware in the F+S catalog. He joined the Forms+Surfaces Design Studio in Carpinteria, California in 2007 and holds a degree in Industrial Design from the Rhode Island School of Design. Modelo<\/strong><\/a> spent some time learning about how Adam discovered his voice as a designer and about the studio\u2019s introspective approach to design.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/canvas><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

On becoming an industrial designer<\/strong>
\nI\u2019ve always been interested in fine arts, drawing, and problem solving through sketching. I consider myself extremely fortunate to come from a supportive and creatively diverse family of craftspeople who fostered and encouraged my skills from a young age.<\/p>\n

As a child I would dream up and sketch ideas for vehicles built from old bike parts, boats, gliders and treehouses. I would bring those ideas to my father and grandfather who would take turns critiquing and red lining my designs. Unfazed by the critique I would revise and detail as many times as it would take to wear them down to the point where they would help and teach me how to make my ideas become reality.<\/p>\n

The love for the process and being able to see an idea go from concept to built completion primed me for a love of, and career in, material and manufacturing exploration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/canvas><\/div>\n<\/div>
Avivo Caf\u00e9 Chair and Table Detail (Photograph courtesy of Forms+Surfaces)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n

On discovering his voice as a designer<\/strong>
\nI always search to identify formal, visual and aesthetic relationships\u200a\u2014\u200ainspirationally, critically and within my own work. This constant evaluation was on overdrive during my undergrad years at the Rhode Island School of Design. The high level of competition and inspiration there drove me to further identify my voice as a designer to distinguish myself from my peers. Although I like to think that RISD was a catalyst, I also like to think that I\u2019m continually re-evaluating my voice based on my professional experiences and growing network of colleagues and mentors. Inspiration is everywhere.<\/p>\n

On joining Forms+Surfaces<\/strong>
\nI had an opportunity to interview with Forms+Surfaces in Pittsburgh not long after graduating. I originally didn\u2019t have interest in moving away from the east coast, specifically Providence, Rhode Island, but at that point in my career, I wanted to keep my options open and take all the interviews that were available to gain experience in presenting myself and my body of work.<\/p>\n

Upon arrival I was given a tour of the headquarters and manufacturing plant. What I encountered was a manufacturing atmosphere at a scale and diversity I had never seen before: an Industrial Designer\u2019s fabrication playground with large format laser cutters, milling machines, turret punches, and manual and robotic welding work centers, all grounded by a 2,500 ton, 40\u2019 tall Hydraulic Press affectionately named Bertha.<\/p>\n

My interview was interrupted by one of the F+S principals who described how it would be my job to break every machine I saw on that tour, pushing each to its limit with the goal of creating products and details that others could not. I was sold. I moved out to the company\u2019s California office two weeks later and have embraced that same development philosophy ever since.<\/p>\n

Having not been trained within an architectural discipline, but instead choosing a career designing solutions for architects, landscape architects and interior designers focused on manufacturing quality and sustainability first and foremost, I feel like my approach to architecture and landscape architecture changes on a weekly basis based on my interactions with practicing professionals.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/canvas><\/div>\n<\/div>
Manufacturing Process Image, Welding\/Fabrication (Photograph courtesy of Forms+Surfaces)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On specific principles he strives to adhere to<\/strong>
\nOur design studio exists in a cyclone of constant evolution. We challenge introspective rethinking and constant consideration of how we can grow together to encourage better organization, accountability and communication.<\/p>\n

Standard principles which are constantly thrown around the studio:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Make\/destroy\/make again\u200a\u2014\u200aFail fast<\/li>\n
  • Sustainability through quality<\/li>\n
  • If you\u2019re not asking questions you\u2019re not learning<\/li>\n
  • Do your job<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    On his role as Design Director at Forms+Surfaces<\/strong>
    \nAs Design Director, I\u2019m responsible for standard product development through material, process and creative direction. I work as a brand ambassador through monthly visits to landscape, architectural and interior design firms across the country. These meetings give me a chance to showcase our in-progress concepts and seek out inspirational thought-leading discussions regarding the future of architectural product development and the evolution of public space.<\/p>\n

    Every month I also visit at least one of our North American manufacturing centers to check in on product production and development, take meetings and review progress with Design and Development team members.<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/canvas><\/div>\n<\/div>
    LINQ Woven Metal, Flux Crosslinq Pattern in Stainless Steel (Photograph courtesy of Forms+Surfaces)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    On recent projects that represent the firm\u2019s unique approach<\/strong>
    \nAbove all, we\u2019re Solutionists.<\/p>\n

    I\u2019ve been given the unique opportunity to build a design and development studio tailored to the needs of a growing business with an extremely diverse product offering. Our studio is structured to be a collaborative environment that supports the multiple market segments we serve. Studio expectations demand that all our team members work simultaneously on multiple products across our different divisions: surfaces, systems, site furniture and lighting. We also have the luxury and the challenge of making the most of our extensive manufacturing potential\u200a\u2014\u200asomething we\u2019re able to accomplish by utilizing design and engineering roles interchangeably throughout our process.<\/p>\n

    We\u2019re currently putting the finishing touches on our new Design Center in Carpinteria, California. The space will serve as both a showcase for our standard products, as well as what will be an ever-evolving proving grounds for new products and prototypes. Highlights include 80 feet of continuous double-sided etched and graphic laminated art glass for a bank of managerial offices, and a full wall within the design studio dedicated to new systems and surfaces prototyping and installation.<\/p>\n

    On his design toolkit<\/strong>
    \nProcesses differ depending on which market(s) and products are being developed but the general outline for development within the studio is as follows:<\/p>\n