Interview with Djivan Schapira

It really just a way to release. Theres no specific reason I became a designer...its just what I felt I was put on this earth to do.

Everyone should have the right to choose!

Right now I mainly designer end tables and cocktails in addition to larger wall installations. I hope to in the future expand my portfolio and create larger pieces and seating.

Considering the fact that I am only 25 I do not think I qualify to answer this question just yet haha. I guess for now they can tune in and see how it goes.

I believe the difference between a good and great designer is distinguished by how far one is willing to push boundaries.

I simply evaluate my designs by whether or not they satisfy my aesthetic desire and if they are structurally sound.

Good design is imperative for the future of our society. We should not accept boring or conventional design in order to simply make more of a profit. On larger note, good design in the long run will be our answer to surviving as a species. If we don't pay attention to our foot print and use good design and be mindful of the environment, we'll have no where to practice "design" on!

I currently have the luxury of designing what I feel comfortable with. In the future I simply want to design for more people!

A dream project is undoubtedly to complete a boutique hotel inside and out. A true, full ABDB experience.

If I told you it wouldn't be a secret now would it... Honestly I don't believe there is a secret ingredient. Every chef is different and has their own spices they like to use. That is was separates them from everyone else.

Andy Warhol, Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen, M.C. Esher, Gaudi, Salvator Dali

I don't know if there is time to open up that can of worms... but what I will say is that what these legends have been able to accomplish is develop a signature that they have been able to carry across the design spectrums. I one day hope to achieve this ability and spread my design capabilities into other areas of design.

Given that I have only released a debut collection I think you will have to ask me this question again in a couple years!

As I am only 25 and still consider myself to be a young designer all I can say is that it is necessary to step out of ones comfort zone and not be shy to try new things. I took me over a year to come close to understand what I was even doing and I still to this day am still learning. The main thing is to be confident and never give up!

I would have loved to become a musician. Who knows it may still happen...

This is not the easiest question to answer but if I had to put it simply I would say design is the culmination of imagination, conceptualizing and bringing something to fruition.

My father is undoubtedly the person I owe the most for teaching me all that he taught me. From learning how to look at things with a critical but understanding eye, to teaching me the craft of woodworking he is the man who in part has allowed me to become the man I am today. In addition there is no question that I would be where I am now without my business partner Andrew James. His belief in me alone has allowed ABDB to reach heights I did not think we obtain so quickly. I look forward to see where this journey takes us. And lastly my family and friends have always been incredibly supportive of me in this venture.

Like I've mentioned, I believe I'm just getting started so ask me this in a few years.

I would not called myself a design master whatsoever. Im am just getting started.

Any designer should present their work with the utmost respect. Someone who doesn't respect their art, doesn't respect themselves.

I am currently working on pieces for my second collection. This will include but not be limited to new end and cocktail tables as well as some larger cabinets and various wall installations. Stay tuned!

My ultimate goal is produce work that people feel a connection with. Allow their own personality to speak through the pieces they decide to own. Lastly a childhood dream I've always had was one day have a piece in MoMa in New York City!

Like I've mentioned, I believe I'm just getting started so ask me this in a few years.

Good design in the long run will be our answer to surviving as a species. If we don't pay attention to our foot print and use good design and be mindful of the environment, we'll have no where to practice "design" on!

I mentioned I usually don't disclose anything about pieces that aren't finished but I will say that I am working on what will be a magnificent screen. That's all I say.

The bigger the better! I look forward to being able to create a large scale installation. That day has yet to come...I hope being featured through your prestigious award will help!

I would like to see more young designers take the stage. The industry is predominately old school and I think its time for young designers to take the reins!

Naturally we are a species that is forever looking to evolve. This evolution is dictated by our environment. Design is a constant juxtaposing between the past and present and seeing how what we've learned can elevate us to the next level. I cannot say for sure what the future of design is but I can surely say will be there for the journey.

It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months! True greatness shouldn't have a deadline.

Conceptualizing is definitely a very early and fun stage of the design process.

My motto in life in general is the glass is half full. Thats the only motto I carry.

I don't think there is a true right or wrong answer here. I'll ask you this...what came first? The chicken or the egg?

Like in every evolving industry technology plays a huge role here. While woodworking is a centuries old profession, resin is a different type of animal. If it weren't for the huge advancements that have been made in the world of resin this project would have proven much more difficult.

From a computer perspective, we use Rhino, InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. From equipment perspective, we use a bandsaw, a jigsaw, a belt sander, and other smaller tools/machines.

IT IS EVERYTHING!

To be honestly I rather ask them what they think about my designs.

I usually enjoy trying to deconstruct the piece and try to figure out how they were able to realize their creation. I find this to be a great way to inspire myself and come up with new techniques I can apply to my own designs.

I 1000% believe in collaboration. Honestly as long as the vibe is there, things will flow. No need to set strict guidelines when looking for collaboration.

My father in the early stages.

Yes is More by B.I.G but I wouldn't say its effected my design...more so my way of thinking and working.

Like I've mentioned, I believe I'm just getting started so ask me this in a few years.

Oh man thats a great question...Unfortunately I really would have to ponder this one for a while. Ill have to get back to you...

I don't think Im ready to answer this one...were just getting started.

Oh man....sorry to disappoint but theres not enough time in the world for me to answer all go these!

I don't think Im ready to answer this one...were just getting started.

I generally think of myself as a rather generally motivated person. Walking into the shop fuels my desire to get things done!!

When I was little I wanted to be an astronaut. Then I watched Apollo 13 and I naturally shifted my focus.

Whos to say....maybe an alien species will dig up one of my pieces and be like "damn these humans made some pretty cool shit"

If you're ever in the New York City area hit us up, well grab a drink, eat some cheese and talk design!

ABDB stands for "Au Bout Du Bois" in French, or "at the end of the grain/wood" in English, and I conceived the idea for ABDB Designs in September of 2015. We officially founded, along with Co-Founder Andrew James, in October of 2016 and officially launched via Kickstarter in November of 2017. I was always aware that in this day and age I would not be able to start this company alone so I went looking for someone to tag team this venture with me. Andrew was the perfect fit and primarily handles out business development and outreach. We together are Ying & Yang. ABDB Designs has become to be a multidisciplinary atelier designing & handcrafting high-end furniture and luxury interior accent paneling. We are founded and produce our furniture by way of our patent pending process of embedding recycled cross-cuts of end grain in resin, which we also color ourselves. The process can be applied to nearly any flat surface, and we are very versatile in that regard. We have a debut line of end tables, cocktail tables, and wall hangings, in addition to the ability to heavily customize, making us a collaboration-forward company when working with designers, architects, and private clients on their pieces or larger installations. Our design studio, ABDB Studios, is located in the Palisade Cliffs of New Jersey, overlooking the Hudson River and a breathtaking view of the entire Western Manhattan Skyline. With around 2,400 sq. ft. of space, our studio is our workspace, woodshop, showroom, office, and headquarters. Contact us via our website if you would like to schedule a visit!

This is not the easiest question to answer but if I had to put it simply I would say design is the culmination of imagination, conceptualizing and bringing something to fruition.

Given my multidisciplinary education Im not sure I have a specific preference however right now I am enjoying designing innovative furniture and installations.

To be frank I am not sure I can answer this question... its like asking me my favorite food.

I have never designed anything for another company.

Currently I am enjoying working with wood, resin and soft metals. As far as technology, the advancements in robotics in the last decade have proven to be absolutely incredible and are allowing artists to create things that were either deemed impossible or would take a ridiculous amount of time. I look forward to at some point dive into that realm.

I don't know if I can specifically say. Often after I take a break and go on a trip. Given the fact that that is rather rare creativity seems to find me when I randomly see something that sparks me. It's like lightning...I never know when it can hit.

Given my current style, the graphic designs that I portray on my pieces is the part that requires the most "designing."

Emotions are always a rollercoaster ride...especially when designing. I can be stuck on a ride that takes me to new heights and then later realize its not possible. What is important is taking in these emotions and harnessing them in to our own advantage.

Relief and excitement to move onto the next!

To me its simple. It looking the way I want and being structurally sound.

Honestly, I try not to judge. There are things that I personally enjoy more than others, but I always love seeing and appreciating anyone creating something and putting it out to the world. It's a scary and exhilarating feeling and I support anyone who takes the leap.

I believe a designer's responsibility for society and environment are to always push the boundaries forward while being conscious of what you're leaving behind. Pay attention to your process, as well as your footprint, and always have fun with it!

Naturally we are a species that is forever looking to evolve. This evolution is dictated by our environment. Design is a constant juxtaposing between the past and present and seeing how what we've learned can elevate us to the next level. I cannot say for sure what the future of design is but I can surely say will be there for the journey.

Our most recent exhibition was a NYC pop-up created and curated entirely by ourselves titled, ABDB Designs Presents: A New York Showcase. The pop-up was located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and consisted of three days which included a Vernissage, a larger party, and a three-day retail store. All music, set design, guest lists, and visual aesthetics were directed by ABDB Designs. With a collective attendance in the hundreds, as well as making a profit when all said and done, we considered our first NYC pop-up to be a success - there's always more to learn, however! Expect our next pop-up to be in early summer in NYC, followed by LA in late summer, and Art Basel (Miami) to close out 2019. After that....Europe!

My inspiration naturally comes from the world around me. From watching other artists excel at their own craft, to traveling and learning about different cultures is predominately where I find my greatest sources of inspiration.

This is a question I've been asking myself for a long time. I kind of like the phrase "contemporarily innovative." I'm not sure it makes the most sense but regardless I don't like to focus too much on this question. My style is my style, if in a few years things develop and people want to categories to can feel free. For now I'm just doing me.

I currently live in the New York City area. I was born in Paris but spent a lot of my early life in rural central countryside of France. When I was 6 my family immigrated to the United States. While I am still just solely a French citizen and speak fluent French with my family, I consider myself incredibly Americanized. I believe my cultural heritage definitely defines me as a person but I wouldn't say its specifically translated into my designs.

We collaborate with architectural and design firms to either supply our collection furniture, or begin with a blank canvas and build something totally custom, or a combination of both! Recent examples include four custom (color/dimension) outdoor cocktail tables for the Hoxton Hotel in LA, six custom (color/dimensions/end grain pattern) bistro tables for Blind Barber Chicago, and two collection tables (one cocktail, one end table) for the world famous Second City in Chicago, IL

Be open to new ideas! Some designers have specific products that might feel a bit "risky" or "scary" to pursue or move forward with, but there is always greatness on the other side of fear. Take the leap! You never know who can offer what, and turn a simple project into a groundbreaking marvel. I think companies can select a good designer based on a) whether or not they like their designs, and b) how they interact with the designer/design team. A good rapport always creates the best relationships, and in this industry a good relationship goes a long way.

Unfortunately like I mentioned before the process is proprietary so until our patent falls though I will not disclose any part of the processs and leave it to the audience's imagination

My mother's authentic blue Lava Lamp set on one of their 3 legged spaceship bases. 3 of my father's original furniture pieces he designed in the 80's.And lastly an original cover print poster of the comic book "Les Aventures de Tintin: On a Marché Sur La Lune"

Obviously days can vary but more often than not I am in my shop working on various tasks. Id say I spend 80% of my day in the shop and I love it.

Considering that I am 25 I still consider myself a young designer and am still constantly absorbing wisdom from artists and craftsmen I met. However one thing I can say is that is a young designer has an itch...itch it! The world is our oyster.

Im not sure I can specifically pin point specific pros and cons. I believe designing is a constant dance between wanting to create what our imagination can come up with and finding the tangible ways to achieve what we want. However I will never take for granted the ability to work for oneself and create things that we want to do. That is without question an incredible "pro."

Considering the fact that I still consider myself an up and coming designer I don't think I have established my "golden rule." What I can say is that taking time to reflect on anything that one is working on is imperative to success.

Necessary skills are definitely determined by what specific type of design one is hoping accomplish. However one thing that spreads all design fields is the necessity to keep an open mind when designing. Ultimately designing is about confidence and believing in oneself.

I will not dive into any specifics however one of my most important design tools is a notebook. Sketches and notes are imperative to accomplishing any design work.

Rather than "time management," I like to focus on "attention management." What I mean by this is, I try not to squeeze too many things in a day that feel unnatural, and/or organize those things because I feel like I "have" to do them at a specific time. Rather, I create a list of what I'd like to accomplish in a day, and direct my attention to whatever I'm feeling best with. For example, I know that I enjoy working with my hands in the beginning of the day, and that I like to create late at night, so on this type of day, I'll start with something simple like sanding, and end late night on my computer coming up with design concepts and prototypes. Every day is different though, so it's really based on how I feel and where I feel I should place my attention.

I can't really answer this question! Sometimes it takes weeks, sometimes months, sometimes years. I've started projects, hit a creative block, and picked them up years later to complete. I've also started projects and just felt the flow of energy the entire time and created something new in weeks.

I don't want to make anything up so considering that were just getting started here I'm not sure there really is a most frequently asked question. I guess often times people with be curious as to how I got to where I am and my answer while it may sound cliché is always to believe in oneself and keep pushing.

I'd say my most important job experiences are two-fold: a) being able to complete a 10-year apprenticeship with my father, who is a master craftsman and creator of high-end custom furniture, and b) to have been able to complete jobs with my father in the homes of high-profile clients. The apprenticeship taught me how to build furniture, while the client aspect taught me how to build relationships. Successful jobs can only be accomplished if one is precise and thats a lesson my dad taught me very on.

Aside from a number of private clients, some of our more commercial clients include Hoxton Hotels, The Second City, Blind Barber, and Soho House & Co.

Again this is like asking me my favorite type of food...I have a hard time with these types of question and rather not open pandoras box.

My goal right now is to continue to develop ABDB and bring the company to new heights. We are young and just getting started which has me very excited to see where the future takes us.

My team consists of myself and my business partner Andrew. While I may bounce ideas off him (as well as other friends and counterparts), I primarily develop my designs and manufacture them myself.

To find out about works-in-process people will just have to follow our journey. I tend to not disclose anything about projects that aren't completely finished.

Fill out the contact form on our website and we will respond within hours! https://abdbdesigns.com/pages/contact

Nope, id say you guys definitely do a good job asking the right questions.