Our Designers

MICHAEL WOLK

While attending Pratt Institute, Michael Wolk designed and built some of the furnishings for Legendary Musician John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Studio. Working for JOKO Recording Studio decided his future. In 1973, he graduated from Pratt with honors and with the determination to design interiors and furniture for those with the same passion for art as his most famous client. Wolk spent the next two years designing and building furniture and furnishings for mostly Latin American Clientele in Miami.

In 1975, Wolk realized that he needed fresh ideas and inspiration. Wolk began to travel, first throughout the United Stated, going as far as San Franciscoand Hawaii and eventually around World, to Fiji and New Zealand. As he traveled, he continued to design and to work for client's employing local artisans to build his current projects.

In 1976, Michael Wolk returned to the United States, re-established his design company and then he merged his firm with that of two other Pratt Graduates. For the next eight years he was a principal in one of Florida's Premier Graphic, Interior and Industrial firms. The firm continued to expand over the years, finally employing twenty-five designers and support staff.

Eventually Wolk chose to re-open his own design firm. Michael Wolk Design Associates. As the president and Creative Director, Wolk is involved with the creations of every design for every client. He and his staff of talented designers provide comprehensive design services for clients throughout Europe, Latin America, The Caribbean as well as here in the United States.

From John Lennon, to the Warner Brothers film "Batman Returns", Wolk's client list include names known worldwide. He has designed Country Clubs and Resorts, Restaurants and Epicurean Grocery Stores, Banks and Law Firms, as well as residences and sailing yachts.

He has designed licensed products for racecar champion, Emerson Fitipaldi.

The ABC television series "Grapevine" shot its pilot show at Wolk's home and incorporated his furniture designs in key scenes. (The show didn't last, but the coffee table still sells well)!

He has won commissions for Art in Public Places in Florida & Maryland.

Michael Wolk's work has appeared in newspapers, magazines and books. Wolk has authored a coffee table book entitles "Designing for the Table." He continues to work, teach and lecture about his passion. "DESIGN"

DEAN MALTZ

Dean is the Principal and Founder of Dean Maltz Architect (DMA), a well-published architecture and furniture design firm in New York City. In 1984, he graduated from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture. Upon graduating, he was awarded the A.I.A. Certificate of Achievement. Prior to completing his undergraduate education, Dean spent a year living and working in Tokyo, Japan. He then attended the Harvard Graduate School of Design, graduating with a Masters of Architecture in 1986. Dean received recognition in numerous competitions and exhibitions such as Progressive Architecture’s 3rd Annual International Furniture Competition in which he was awarded first prize for the patented inflatable "Accordion Seat."

Dean Maltz’ practice encompasses three areas: one in an independent architectural practice, a second in partnership with Shigeru Ban and a third in furniture and furniture showroom design. Founded in 1990, Dean Maltz Architect has a diverse portfolio of projects throughout the United States in commercial and residential design. Commercial projects include offices, building identity, retail space and hospitality design. Residential projects include estates, houses, apartments and lofts.

Dean Maltz Architect collaborates with Shigeru Ban Architects (SBA) of Tokyo, Japan on all SBA+DMA projects throughout the United States. Projects include a Paper Arch at MoMA, a house on Long Island, New York for the Houses at Sagaponac development, a Bamboo Pavilion in St. Louis, Missouri, and a Nomadic Museum that will travel to 10 cities over the next five years. Also, as members of Team THINK, SBA+DMA were finalists in the competition for the design of the New World Trade Center.

Dean Maltz Architect designs furniture for leading residential and commercial furniture manufactures in the United States and Italy. Product categories include upholstery, chairs, bedrooms, dining groups, occasional tables and storage systems.

STANLEY JAY FRIEDMAN

Born and raised in New York, a graduate of the Parsons School of Design, Friedman worked for several design firms until forming his own atelier in New York City in the Mid 70's. In order to express his beliefs, Friedman's work ethic is a total commitment to a design philosophy he has always believed in, which is to control, influence and design the entire project and almost everything in it. Whether or not it proved acceptable - he leaves it to the future to decide.

In the later 70's, he designed a showroom for Brueton Industries , a company that caters to architects and designers. A natural evolution was then to design product for this high-end stainless steel manufacturer, which led to a collaboration of over 25 years.

He became a major force in creating a new image for Brueton. It entailed designing a diversified line of seating, casegoods, and other interior products that helped bring them to recognition. He is now in the process of designing and developing a new image and product line to reinforce Brueton in the 21st century.

Friedman also designed and consulted for Bonaventure of Montreal in the 80's. He helped bring them to a position of strength in the contract industry. Brueton recognized this and acquired Bonaventure in 1996. Although Friedman is an independent, he is Design Director for both companies. In 1997, Friedman gave up his architectural interior design practice to concentrate solely on product. His designs have been published numerous times, and he has achieved many successes, as well as awards and commendations:

Although Friedman's name has been synonymous with Brueton, he has also designed furniture, carpets, lighting and accessories for such retail manufacturers as Evo, Weiman/Preview, Creative Elegance, Artitalia ( Hemsley), Carpet Creations, D.I.A., Aston Garrett (new division), Dall Brazil, Lazar, Bellini Imp., and now Allan Copley. This has been extremely inspiring because of the willingness of some to experiment with progressive new materials and cutting edge product.

Friedman lectures in America on the evolution of modernism. His focused concern is the slow emergence of the understanding and acceptance of modernism in our homes.

Friedman says that he never tires of designing. He has more inspiration today than he had in 1970. He reaches a larger and younger audience than ever, and because of the time we live in “today you are aware that design is everywhere you look”. His motivation has never been greater. He is always challenging himself, and looks forward to doing his best work