7 Picks from Collective Design 2015 by Interior Designer Brad Ford

Arkansas native and interior designer Brad Ford has lived for over two decades in New York City, where he founded Brad Ford ID in the late ’90s—a design firm focused on marrying warmth and modernism. This October witnesses the second (and significantly scaled-up) edition of his more recent venture, Field + Supply, an updated take on the age-old crafts fair, which brings together design and culinary experience in upstate New York and whose $5 admission fee is reason enough to attend.

An interior design graduate from FIT who also holds a degree in business and economics, Ford has been featured on numerous “To Watch” and “Up-and-Coming” lists, by publications from New York Magazine to House Beautiful, and his work has appeared in others, from the New York Times to Elle Décor—whose May edition features him in a piece titled “Truth in Decorating.” New York’s Decoration and Design Building named Ford a “Star on the Rise” in 2012, the award’s inaugural year.

In addition to such distinctions, Ford—who learned his craft from prominent designers including Thad Hayes and Jed Johnson—belongs to Design Leadership Network, a business-strengthening organization for designers, and is a board member of Collective Design. He pairs his creative pursuits with humanitarian efforts, and is an active supporter of The Alpha Workshops, a nonprofit that trains HIV-positive individuals in design, and DIFFA, which brings together designers to fight AIDS. In advance of Collective Design 2015, we asked Ford to walk us through his seven must-see works from the fair.

Jorge Zalszupin, “Ondine” lounge chair, ca. 1960, at R & Company

I am drawn to organic shapes and natural materials. I feel like each of these pieces embodies those characteristics. Simple, yet bold, they each make a statement without being overly stylized.

I’ve always associated this Polish-Brazilian architect with forms that are a bit lighter. I really like how bold and playful this particular chair is, and I’m eager to see it in person.

Cody Hoyt, Tall Oblique Vessel, 2014, at Patrick Parrish Gallery

I met Cody for the first time last year at his studio and was blown away with what he’s able to do with clay. He’s really taking ceramics to a new level and I’m excited to see that he’s at this year’s Collective.

Franck Evennou, Sculpture, at Maison Gerard

This is a wonderful sculpture from Franck; I really appreciate the ruggedness of the form balanced with its refinement.

Rick Owens, Stag T, at LM/d studio

I think Rick’s work is so smart, and I appreciate the mix of material and form.

Angelo Mangiarotti, Lounge Chair #1110, 1963, at Donzella 20th Century Gallery

I’ve always been a big fan of Angelo’s work, but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen this particular chair. It is such a great scale, and I really like the lightness of the base.

Shi Jianmin, The Son of Dragon, 2008, at ammann//gallery

I really like the use of this material.There is something so strong and indestructible about it, but it looks so fluid and organic.

Eduardo Olbés, Smoking Mirror, 2015, at ADN Galería