Sally Zheng, Industrial and Interaction Design Student

Meet Sally Zheng, Industrial and Interaction Design Student at Syracuse University. It’s a world of tools, mock-ups, plans, and designs brought to life through a little elbow grease and creativity. Prototyping is one of Sally’s favorite pastimes. It’s a chance to validate an idea through the trial and error of building it out. It’s the opportunity for your brain and hands to work together, optimizing the function and appearance of products.

In the photos above, Sally walks us through the making of a desk shelf constructed from a piece of reclaimed walnut and steel rods rolled into legs. Through her hard work, she has learned to respect the process. Nothing is as simple as you think it will be. With every tool and process, there is a wealth of knowledge and skill behind it.

“I want to design not to simply make more products but to create mediators that foster human connection and interaction. I seek to encourage the natural human tendencies to form relationships, and through those relationships do we become better people and learn about ourselves.” -Sally Zheng

Sally is wearing: Carhartt Women’s Minot Shirt, Weathered Wildwood Jacket, & 1889 Slim Double Front Dungaree.

Clare Fox of Mutual Adoration

Detroit native, Clare Fox, has undoubtedly left a beautiful mark on her hometown. Using the Motor City as fodder for inspiration and a great place to salvage wood and other building materials, the products Clare makes for Mutual Adoration have a rich feeling of history and stories past.

Symbolism and hidden meanings play a huge role in the creative process for Clare. Each piece she crafts pays homage to the backstory of the sourced materials and often relates to a message she hopes to portray though her labors. For instance, the Union Table Clare is working on in the photos above was first designed as a gift for friend’s wedding. These two tables function as one in a variety of ways, much as a couple does.

Take a look at what else Mutual Adoration has to offer.

(Claire is wearing the Carhartt Women’s Minot Shirt & Soft Hands Glove.)

Where To Get Stuff Done: ADX

 

ADX in Portland is a makers’ dream. It’s a 12,000 square foot facility filled with tools, space to work, and other like-minded folks. There’s a wood shop, metal shop, factory floor, and design lab; all equipped for pretty much anything you can dream up. All you have to do is get a membership, much like you would at the gym. That membership gives you access to the space, help from the staff, and the chance to sign up for on site classes. And when you need to a break or a caffeine fix, head on over the the cafe for a pick me up. 
Meet Yelena Prusakova. She’s an artist and member at ADX. Take a look as she puts together a frame for a poster in the wood shop. With her background in Industrial and Interaction Design and access to whatever she needs at ADX, Yelena can bring her inspirations and visions to life.

Check out Yelena’s work wear here: Carhartt Women’s Dunlow Sweatshirt, Women’s Calumet Crewneck Shirt, Women’s Relaxed Fit Canvas Kane Dungaree, & Women’s Quick Flex Glove.