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A Day in the Life of Ilan Dei

Ilan Dei of Ilan Dei Studio gives us a sneak peek into a day in his life as principal designer of his own studio. Based in sunny SoCal, Ilan Dei designs everything from furniture to interiors in his signature edgy style.

Welcome to Venice, California, home and work base for Ilan Dei of Ilan Dei Studio. Known for its beachside, artistic vibe, its the perfect place to run a creative business.

I wake up pretty early to catch waves with my design team, Peter and Mike, when the weather is right.

After a run home to get cleaned up, my day at the office begins with a meeting. Peter and I review new prototype designs for the Ilan Dei Studio retail product line, launching online this summer.

This design is a work in progress of the cardboard folded trashcan with custom Blik graphics that can be applied. Peter fills me in on turn around times for sourcing the materials and production lead times for the new online store.

Next, I check in with the shop lead, Scott. We go over new designs that are underway in the shop and make adjustments. This piece is a pendant lamp from an interior design project that is being modified for the client’s next project.

Time to break for an office barbeque, this doesn’t happen every day, just once a week during the summer months. The team is small and tight knit which is perfect when running a small design studio where everyone works closely together. Shown left to right: Keith, Yana, Mike, me, Scott.

After lunch, checking email, catching up on basic business matters.

Next, off to recently completed project, Lemonade Restaurant in Brentwood. I meet with the owner, Alan Jackson, and his father. I like to see how everything is working now that the store is up and running. I designed all the interiors, furniture, and signage for the restaurant. We discuss a few changes for Alan’s other locations, which I am currently working on.

On the way back to Venice, I pick up my twins from school and head to a local park for a bit of fun time and ice cream. After this, it’s time to head home for dinner and time to recharge for the next busy day.

Thanks, Ilan!

Jaime Derringer, Founder + Executive Editor of Design Milk, is a Jersey girl living in SoCal. She dreams about funky, artistic jewelry + having enough free time to enjoy some of her favorite things—running, reading, making music, and drawing.