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Colony Debuts a First-of-its-Kind Incubator: The Designers’ Residency

04.17.23 | By
Colony Debuts a First-of-its-Kind Incubator: The Designers’ Residency

A new design incubator program from design gallery and strategy firm Colony has hit the ground running! The Designers’ Residency aims to nurture the next generation of designers by providing real studio experiences and collaboration opportunities under the guidance of Colony’s founder, Jean Lin. Over the 8-month long program, young design residents will have the chance to discover and hone their craft with the ultimate goal of launching their own studios and their first collection through Colony.

collection of modern furniture pieces

Marmar Studio, The Pet Collection

The curriculum was put together by Lin and Colony Art Director, Madeleine Parsons, leaning on both Lin and Parsons’ time as professors at Parsons and RISD. Focused on product development and design leadership, the program moves through the steps of launching a studio, including collection development, marketing and sales strategy, and exhibition and photography. The lessons combine to offer success in the contemporary design landscape, as well as positioning of their own studio. During the residency, Colony subsidizes shop space and employs the residents at the gallery, allowing for studio and curation experience at a professional level along with income.

tall, thin wood piece with five large holes and two toned wood bedside table

Marmar Studio, Noon Valet + Pippi Nightstand

For its inaugural Residency, Colony worked with two burgeoning studios. Marmar Studio, a furniture and object design studio founded by Ingemar Hagen-Keith, will be showcasing their debut Pet Collection. Alexis & Ginger, the namesake design studio led by Alexis Tingey and Ginger Gordon, will be debuting Ode. Both studios will ultimately be added to Colony’s permanent roster of independent American design talents.

tall, thin wood piece with five large holes and two toned wood bedside table

Marmar Studio, Noon Valet + Pippi Nightstand

“Each piece in the collection captures that explosive affection you feel when you see something you can’t hold back from embracing. I see these pieces as living companions for your home,” says Marmar Studio founder Ingemar Hagen-Keith of Pet Collection.

The furniture and object design studio is guided by animated gesture and refined form, with Pet Collection uniting the practical and fanciful. The series’ visual language pulls from abstract depictions of animal silhouettes and translates them using wood craft. For example, the Pippi Nightstand is an abstract interpretation of Hagen-Keith’s cat, bringing together smooth curves and sharp edges. Noon Valet follows suit with circular cutouts that cast dynamic shadows throughout the day.

tall, thin wood piece with five large holes

Marmar Studio, Noon Valet

two toned wood bedside table

Marmar Studio, Pippi Nightstand

wood and light blue corduroy stool

Marmar Studio, Ibbit Stool

detail of wood and light blue corduroy stool

Marmar Studio, Ibbit Stool

modern wood and leather chair

Marmar Studio, Clog Lounger

detail of modern wood and leather chair

Marmar Studio, Clog Lounger

three occasional tables on plinths

Alexis & Ginger, Draped Side Table, New Morning Side Table + Because the Night Stool

Alexis & Ginger, aka Alexis Tingey and Ginger Gordon, create work that brings together the pair’s love of process rooted in research and the desire to use traditional craft to evoke stories. Innovative material and form explorations reflect their appreciation of the nuanced details. The Ode collection is inspired by the balance of weight in materiality, form, and color.

three wood wall sconces displayed

Alexis & Ginger, Threshold + Silhouette Sconces

From hand-carved forms to compositions using natural materials, the pieces exude a refined strength while paying homage to artistry and craft. These talents are often associated with female makers, such as embroidery and lace making. An inlay of mother of pearl makes its way around an India ink dyed wood base of the New Morning Side Table. Meanwhile, the Tower of Song Light features a hand-pleated and cut ivory shade that brings to mind architectural forms and tapestry details.

illuminated wood wall sconce

Alexis & Ginger, Threshold Sconce

“We both began by going to the NYPL picture collection and sifting through the endless stacks of folders filled with images of lace, gloves, architectural details, greek urns, and portraiture from every era,” said Gordon. “We find inspiration in the smallest details and the largest forms.” Tingey adds, “Through gathering images and discovering details we find stories and moments that resonate with us. Through our research we look for stories that feel tactile and hold a connection. We try to incorporate these experiences into our designs.”

upholstered black and red stool

Alexis & Ginger, Because the Night Stool

detail of upholstered black and red stool

Alexis & Ginger, Because the Night Stool

black side table with white details

Alexis & Ginger, New Morning Side Table

tall floor lamp, wall mirror, and side table

Alexis & Ginger, Ode Collection

detail of floor lamp

Alexis & Ginger, detail of Tower of Song I

“At Colony, we have a foundational imperative to support and celebrate emerging independent American designers. In recent years, my work in design education as a professor at both Parsons and RISD has inspired me to explore new ways to provide a bridge from designers in their nascency to professional practice,” said Lin. “Starting one’s own studio is an enormous undertaking both creatively and financially, and a privilege that is not always afforded to many immensely talented designers. My hope is that this program allows more voices to shine, and more young designers to feel supported enough to take the leap into creating work that is wholly their own.”

An advocate of education and inclusivity, Lin hopes for the program to create more accessibility and opportunity in an industry that can hold many obstacles. While the inaugural residency was by invitation, applications for the 2023-2024 Residency program are open until May 1st.

To learn more about the Designers’ Residency, visit goodcolony.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.