dialogues on design: david rockwell

 

Over the weekend I got the opportunity to attend the New York School of Interior Design's "Dialogues on Design with David Rockwell" in conversation with podcast host Dennis Sculley of Business of Home. I am working on a project on restaurant design in my studio class and when I came across this opportunity to hear David Rockwell speak, someone who is world renowned for his restaurant design, I of course had to attend. The New York School of Interior Design is a small school cushioned in between beautiful brownstone buildings on a quiet street, with stone arch's, pillars, sweeping maple doors with large windows and a tattered red flag flying in the front. It is nestled on a quiet street in the Upper East Side, only a short walk away from central park. The auditorium was small and private which made the conversation with David Rockwell feel very personal. This was a lively and entertaining night, the conversation between David Rockwell and Dennis Sculley was witty at times, charming and quite insightful. Dennis Sculley did a great job at asking David all the burning questions, getting to the nitty gritty of what us inspiring designers would like to know moving forward with our careers and after school. David Rockwell founded the Rockwell Group, an architecture and interior design firm that has done such beautiful work all throughout the world. The illustrious Rockwell Group portfolio includes but is not limited to Nobu, The Moynihan Train Hall, Catch Steakhouse, Hotel Bel Aire, The Moxy, Equinox, The Ritz Carlton in Boston, The Dolby Theatre, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Met life Stadium Suites, and Tao, just to name a few. Throughout the conversation David touched on all the different aspects of his life, from his childhood, to his time in school to what he did after school, what he is doing and working on today and what he hopes to accomplish. 

When asked about his design process

David Rockwell advised us not to worry about the outcome of a project. He believed when you focus too much on the end goal, it narrows your perspective and limits your creativity. He mentioned that sometimes in school he too felt like he would fall behind during the design process in comparison to other students in his class at the time. One piece of advice he wanted to pass on from his teacher was, that "You might have to unlearn less than others." It is okay to work at your own pace. He also emphasized that during the early stages of the design process, the size or scale of things shouldn't matter. The primary focus should be on the mission and meaning of the project. When you get too wrapped up in the logistics of a project during the pre design phase, you loose sight of the overreaching goal and what you want to accomplish.

When asked about overcoming roadblocks in projects

David Rockwell recommended compartmentalizing and focusing on the current task at hand if you feel stuck. Ask yourself, "What is critical to the project right now?" He asked. Start with what truly matters. He talked about how you can't force an outcome, and sometimes it takes time for things to come together.

When asked about designing Nobu and its global success

During the presentation he explained that one of the most important concepts in designing Nobu was fostering a direct, intimate relationship between the chef and the consumer. He arranged the restaurant to center around this relationship, designing the space so that food could be served directly to the consumer, while also allowing them to watch the chef prepare the meal. Having the client-chef relationship was important to the project for him.

When asked about creating a successful restaurant design

David said it’s all about the experience—the noise, the lights, and even the sound of forks and glasses clinking as people dined. He told us he places a strong emphasis on acoustics, making sure the space feels alive while still allowing people to have conversations. He pointed out that the quality of light can completely transform a space, and it is essential. In one of his restaurants centered around fried chicken, the lighting was inspired by the shine of the grease from the fried chicken. He designs each restaurant with lighting that interacts with the space and other elements of design. The timelessness in restaurant design ensures lasting success and that following popular in the moment trends should be avoided, as they eventually fade. He stressed that a good designer knows how to make something invisible visible in design.

When asked about what inspires his design

David shared his passion for theater and during his panel with Dennis Sculley he showed us many of his projects that he was able to incorporate small elements of his passion into. Rockwell's passion for theatre goes back many years and it is a passion of his to do theatre design. During the conversation he emphasized the importance of finding something you're passionate about and letting that passion infuse your work. For him, the greatest designers are those who create meaning and change through their designs.

When asked about what he looks for in applicants

David looks for designers who want to make an impact with their work and understand the influence their designs have. He is mission-driven and has supported various philanthropic causes, including starting his own recycling initiatives. He looks for applicants who are self-aware of their strengths and areas for growth and who have specific reasons for wanting to join his company. Researching his company beforehand is important. Oh, and he likes dogs, so mentioning that in an interview could work in your favor!