“As important as it is to collaborate, it is also necessary to develop as an individual designer.”—Tamara Petrovic
Garner Oh, Architect + Tamara Petrovic, Product Designer: Co-Founders, 0 To 1 New York NY
0-to-1.com
“as important as it is to collaborate, it is also necessary to develop as an individual designer.”—tamara petrovic
How do your individual skill sets impact collaborative work?
Our scales are very different. Garner is an architect and Tamara is a furniture designer. We help each other zoom in and zoom out.
Con Artist Collective
photo: kanako miyamoto
courtesy of 0 to 1
How would you describe 0 to 1’s design process?
Projects initiate through conversations with the client regarding objective, budget, location, timeline, and aspirations. The concept emerges from these parameters. During the creative process, we organically take turns developing the design. Our ideas often run in the same direction, so it feels like one person is thinking. Overall, Garner is more practical and technically oriented, while Tamara enjoys experimenting.
Is it important to focus on collaborative work versus individual projects?
If a project requires expertise in multiple disciplines, then there is more collaboration. As important as it is to collaborate, it is also necessary to develop as an individual designer. This can take many forms. The client is also a collaborator. A good client can make a fantastic project possible.
Can you describe a collaborative piece that overtly represents your individual perspectives?
The Re-mind project started with Tamara’s interest in exploring “vanishing.” She was interested in creating a structure using a material that would disappear. However, Garner explored the idea in a completely different way. By prioritizing the ease of production and keeping to a small budget, we ended up with a very basic and poetic solution.
Do you have any advice for students working in interdisciplinary collaboratives?
Respect your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of others. Having the grace to accept things as they are, comes in handy.
photo: kanako miyamoto
courtesy of 0 to 1
How much does 0 to 1 work with outside groups or individuals? How is that process different from working internally?
We work with outside collaborators as projects require. It might be for a specific project, or part of a project, where particular expertise is required. The difference is the duration of the collaboration. Garner and I enjoy collaborating with people that love what they do, care deeply about producing the highest quality work, and share the belief that great design can transform lives.
How does your studio space impact collaboration?
We have found that working in shared workspaces, with other creative people, is good for us. As a small, growing firm, it offers the flexibility that we need, as well as an opportunity to interact and exchange knowledge and ideas with people in other fields.