Gari Camaisa 

interview

I am in the process of designing furniture pieces that pays homage to quiet sophistication - simple yet eloquent silhouettes, timeless, quality craftsmanship that speak of the artisans' skillful execution.
Three debut collections will be introduced.

Listen, collaborate, envision, create, nurture.

The initial appeal to me was entrepreneurial in nature. I saw it as a business interest primarily. Nonetheless, as I delved into the practice more, the appeal shifted towards the creative (creation) aspect of the business, which has remained to be the main thrust for me for thirty years now.

I began my practice in Manila, Philippines in 1994. I moved to the States in 1998. Being that I had zero network and industry connections in the US, I worked at my brother's company, in the automotive industry. I stayed with him for about a year, then slowly carved my way into practicing design through new acquaintances and leads from relatives, and friends of friends.

My first 'big' break was when I was asked to be the in-house interior design consultant for a Kitchen Cabinet and Appliance showroom in Redwood City (Atherton Appliance and Kitchens), where a relative of a friend was the head kitchen cabinet designer, who had introduced me to the owner, after having helped her design her office space. From there, I was able to work on small design projects, in which, after some time, had also led me to work on more lucrative projects in the Peninsula.

It's always encouraging and inspiring when clients are fully on board with the vision and design proposed. I have found that listening intently to the client's wishes and requirements and then executing a design that addresses these particular elements of the project tremendously helps in creating a harmonious relationship during the initial engagement up to when the project is completed. Needless to say, however, it's always a collaborative relationship.

1. Chet Baker - Chet’s My Funny Valentine rendition always gets me. It doesn’t get old.

2. My Leica Q2 and Monochrom cameras - they truly are objects with soul. Street photography has been a natural respite for me outside of my daily preoccupations. My personal IG feed features a collection of random photos that I’ve taken interspersed with things that inspire me. 

3. Family - they keep me grounded.

4. Vietnamese Egg Coffee - life altering.

5. Anything vintage. Take my money.

It comes like a thief in the night...haha. It's always a spur of the moment for me. It could be anything that casts a beautiful emotional pull

Look for a design that addresses your needs - how you (would) use the space/s, first and foremost.
Consider going for 2-seater sofas (loveseat) plus smaller and varied seating pieces. This creates more interest visually and makes for a more intimate gathering space. Doing this also provides an opportunity to move things around in the space and thereby create different seating plans at one's whim.
The space one creates is an extension of who they are - their personality, lifestyle, taste and all. Be careful of being sucked into a trend, style.

The Marlton Hotel in the Greenwich Village (NYC)
Via Carota (NYC)