Stephanie Dyer

Outline for Serving Up Style filmed interview

Preliminary notes from today’s filmed interview for Serving Up Style, the signature fundraising event for Molly’s Fund Fighting Lupus taking place this October 4th-7th at the Portland Expo Center…

1.       Tell us a little bit about your firm.

My background is in Residential and Hospitality Design. I’ve worked on high-end restaurant and bar projects, as well as several local and some international residential projects. In 2010 I expanded and ventured into product design, starting first with tile. I now have a decorative ceramic line on the market- the Topo Collection for Clayhaus Ceramics, and am in the process of developing a hydraulic-pressed cement tile company, Archipelago Tile. Look out for the Archipelago Tile display at Serving Up Style! I also have a wallpaper line in the works, soon to be released.

My work focuses on integrity and genuine lasting beauty. I am committed to creating spaces and objects that speak to our deeper desires of connecting with our built environment. I seek opportunities that enrich users’ experience through design, whether it’s restaurant serving thousands of guests, a kitchen that brings a family together, or a single tile that may be adopted into someone else’s vision.

I see my role as an interior designer as the problem solver. When working with clients I strive to clearly understand their goals and listen for what may sometimes be hidden desires. When you can exceed a client’s expectations by presenting an idea or solution they hadn’t considered, it’s an incredible feeling.

2.       How did you develop your concept – what ideas led you there?

Almost concurrent to learning I was accepted into Serving Up Style, my family and I received the devastating news that my dear father-in-law had suddenly passed. This project is in many ways a tribute to him.

From the beginning of the design process, I envisioned angled walls and deep, saturated blue tones. I asking myself questions in an attempt to uncover the meaning behind these recurring visions, until I eventually realized they represent impermanence- specifically the Buddhist philosophy of impermanence known as ANNICA. The structure is not a typical rectilinear form that we are familiar with and can easily place our trust in its stability; rather it’s atypical and makes us subliminally uneasy, questioning its permanence. This deeply resonated, as I found comfort in the Buddhist approach to grieving that acknowledges everything is in a constant state of flux and permanence is but an illusion. The structure appears able to fold or morph into new forms.

3.       What special details in your dining room would you like to highlight?

The form itself is the space’s primary detail. In an effort to highlight my experience and love of hospitality design, I branded a restaurant by the same name as the design concept: ANNICA. I had a lot of fun designing the logo and finding ways to express it. I designed plates and menus out of paper and had the logo foil-printed in gold and copper.

Another key feature is the custom pouf ottomans used for seating (rather than chairs). I found a great source on Etsy and contacted about doing custom work. I then designed the fabric and had it printed on cotton upholstery fabric. The result is a completely custom element that embodies the ideals and aesthetic of Stephanie Dyer Interior + Product Design.

Another exciting feature is the custom-outfitted mannequin designed by the winning student team from the Art Institute of Portland. I loved the idea of incorporating a mannequin, to make it almost feel like a museum diorama, and to hint at the idea of couture dining. I organized a competition through the Art Institute’s Apparel Department, and have been amazed with the selected team. They’ve really embodied the design concept and represented it in a highly creative way. I’ve come to think of this fictional character as a member of the wait staff whose uniform further reinforces the restaurant brand.

4.  Tell us about your experience with Molly’s Fund

My first experience with Molly’s Fund was attending Serving Up Style in 2010. I was so impressed with the exhibit and touched by the message. I have a couple friends with lupus, but was uneducated about it. I thought it was such a unique fundraiser idea and could tell it was successful! I was unfortunately preoccupied during the 2011 show, focusing on being a new mom, but when I saw the ad in Portland Spaces for this year’s show I knew I had to pursue it. My knowledge of lupus and appreciation for the foundation has only grown since my involvement. Debbie and David are such wonderful people- the process of being involved in Serving Up Style has been eye-opening on many levels, and I feel blessed to be a part of it.