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 Biography
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 Biography
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:
Dupont Antron Grand Prize Award
(10) Roscoe Awards
(3) IBD Product Awards
(2)ASID Interior Design Awards
ASID International Product Award
ADEX Award
APEX Product of Excellence Commendation
2000 Good Design Award
2002 Good Design Award
Design Journal Best of Show
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
Allan Copley Designs, 3451 Main Street, Suite 108, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Phone: (619) 662-0560, Fax: (619) 662 3388
