For Office of Tangible Space, furniture is as important as spatial intervention

Up until a few decades ago, those endeavoring to develop product and furniture design trained as architects. For many practitioners, both types of formal expression are still inextricably linked. There’s little difference in the conceptualization and application of a complex structure and a chair; other than the practicalities of safety and code, of course.

For New York–based studio Office of Tangible Space, upholding this tradition is key. “In our projects, architecture, interiors, and furniture result from the same design process,” said cofounder Kelly Perumbeti. “Our approach revolves around every piece; reinforcing a central driving concept or feeling we define at the outset—be it a floor material, chair, or piece of building structure. While the necessary skills and means of production of architecture can be quite different than furniture, the thought process is similar across scales and we maintain a team of internal and external partners that are essential to the final delivery of each element of a space.” This multidisciplinary method is increasingly critical to offer clients a full suite of services, but also to develop the site-specific concepts that allow architects to differentiate themselves.

The studio’s recent outfit of an East Hampton vacation home stands testament to this interdisciplinary—or what it has coined as “no disciplinary”—mindset. For the refurbishment of the 1980s property, Perumbeti and her partner Michael Yarinsky chose to double down on the postmodern application of pastiche iconographic signifiers. Much of this subtle but potent intervention was achieved through the introduction of custom furnishings on view throughout the home.

Read more on aninteriormag.com.