Object Agency

06/07/2022

Spectacular! Stunning improvisation.

12/19/2018

"Our primary purpose as design educators is to connect and to inspire. To instill a passion for learning, to prepare our students as best we possibly can for a career in design, and to encourage them to think, to be discerning, to be critical and even, perhaps, to be humble."

Read more on the future of interior design education from O|A Principal Jon Otis in his recent interview with IIDA's blog, Design Matters:

Many of us can name the first teacher who made us feel truly heard or inspired us to pursue a longtime passion. We don’t always get the opportunity to thank these teachers the way we want to, but s…

11/28/2018

Pratt Institute students, in conjunction with MADWorkshop and the makers of Kingston, are making great strides with building out the space for the KCX (Kingston Creative Exchange). Check out these progress pictures, taken by O|A Principal Jon Otis, from his site visit last week.

11/28/2018

O|A Principal Jon Otis found himself globetrotting this week as part of IIDA's presence at ORGATEC, "the world’s largest trade fair and exposition dedicated to the workplace." He and fellow IIDA board members presented at the conference on The Future of Human-Centered Workplace Design.

(Photo Credit: Koelnmesse, Key Conference Visual)

11/28/2018

Announcing Principal Jon Otis's work in conjunction with the Pratt Institute and MADWorkshop, in Kingston, New York. He and a group of educators and students are developing The Kingston Creative Exchange, which aims to integrate the design expertise of the Pratt community and experience of local artists or designers within the various communities of Kingston. Check out the concept design for the communal space and stay tuned for updates.

11/28/2018

Very excited to share updates on the Kingston Creative Exchange (KCX) in Kingston, New York.

Having decided on the ground level space in the Everett and Treadwell Building, we will be transforming it to embody the ideas and concepts of KCX. The interior space will ultimately be defined by its functional requirements through the use of dynamic and mobile furniture. By creating a space that is entirely multifunctional and flexible, we can fully address the needs of the program while remaining independent of architectural constraints and able to establish ourselves in any location. Drawing inspiration from the modularity and unit of the brick, the furniture and displays will embody the concepts and goals of KCX.

07/12/2018

Great photo of Cheryl Durst and O|A Principal Jon Otis at International Interior Design Association (IIDA)'s Chicago meeting last month.

07/12/2018

Great article by Imani Day in ARCHITECT magazine with implications that reach beyond architecture and apply to the design field at large. A passage of particular significance:

"Instead of blaming the design industry, we should embrace a deeper level of strategy that differs from simply meeting quotas. For example, architects should invest in a pipeline of emerging designers through mentorship and programming that also enables and enhances recruiting. When we know and grow multifaceted types of talent from a diverse pool, it is more likely that we will hire a wider range of people. And when interviewing, designers must look beyond the polished portfolio to the potential of the human being before them, who may think or lead differently."

Though architecture firms may purport to champion diversity, their claims often fall flat when questioned for actual examples and data.

05/31/2018

In their latest issue, Spanish magazine Arquitectura y Diseño released a special feature on sights-to-see in cities around the world, from the perspective of prominent designers based in each location. O|A Principal Jon Otis was chosen to represent New York City for this spread; you can find his selections translated into Spanish below.