Brad Ford
Brad Ford is the most unassuming and decent chap to be found at several recent swell-e-gent design parties. The big-name nabobs may have their retinue of staffers and assistants in tow with cameras flashing, but it is Ford who draws one’s attention by his unpretentiousness. Born in Russellville, Arkansas to a family caught up in the suburban stampede (His father had a real estate business and was a successful developer) Ford says, “My dad’s career may have been my earliest influence. I was always drawn to design, nurtured by watching him develop neighborhoods and especially the spec houses in which he and my mother picked out all the finishes.” But the deciding moment in Ford’s choosing of a career was pure circumstance – if not serendipity. Ford remembers that as one of four children, he shared a room with his brother until the age of 11 when Mom finally decided to divide the boys’ room with an actual wall – similar to the Great Wall of China in that it would divide the warring temperaments and design philosophies of the two young boys. Ford remembers, “That was when I discovered my passion for design.”
Being told we could design our own rooms, my brother chose a conservative off-white grass cloth wallpaper whereas I scoured through every wallpaper book in the entire town to find an over-scale plaid made of leather belts in neutral tones and big gold buckles made of Mylar – all of it printed on a metallic background. It was so flashy and made an incredible impact in my small 8’ x 8’ room.” What Ford didn’t realize at that very moment was that he possessed an innate sense of scale and obviously a flair for style.

Attending college at Hendricks, Arkansas, Ford sensibly majored in business and economics. He came of age in a time and place where visiting career recruiters basically offered up two vocational suggestions: business or elementary education – neither of which appealed to Ford. Settling with a computer company , he found himself dreaming about a design career but dismissed it as far-fetched at best. “Like my dad,” Ford reflects, “I wanted to build the cutest little houses you ever saw, but I didn’t think it was realistic.”

As luck would have it, Ford consulted with “the decorator just down the street” who happened to be the local legend and nationally known designer, George Anderson. “I asked him tons of questions including the topper: How do I actually become a designer?, to which he replied, ‘MOVE TO NEW YORK!’”
Anderson’s directive became a mantra for the young Ford who jumped at a chance of hooking up with friends that were planning a holiday to New York. Within two seconds of arriving in City, Ford was making his rounds to design schools – hat and drawings of his own “cutest little house” in hand. He impressed the admissions folks and landed a spot at The Fashion Institute of Technology. He was on his way.

Upon graduation from the FIT, Ford secured a coveted job with design icon, Jed Johnson, whom Ford describes as “a man of tremendous integrity and talent.” Johnson was renowned for allowing others to bask in his diffused glory and acclaim. The exposure and experience of working with Johnson was incomparable. Ford’s good luck continued as he netted a position with another design heavyweight, the ubiquitously respected Thad Hayes. Continuing on his incredibly good roll, Ford received an offer from Tim Gunn of Parsons to teach at the school’s affiliate campus in Kuala Lumpur, an experience about which Ford says, “Again, the exposure added another layer to my perspective – this time, an Asian design aesthetic with its straight forwardness. It’s a style that honors a sense of design with purpose which is what both Thad Hayes and Jed Johnson agree upon. My post grad work experience was proving to be a sequential god-send.”

Returning to New York, Ford began to freelance and finally started his own firm. Because of a lack of confidence for self promotion, he relies on his portfolio as the basis of his advertisement. Recently, Ford has stretched his acumen to the possibility of designing his own furniture line; and like his mentors, Johnson and Hayes, is committed to philanthropy such as his work with the Housing Work's “Design on a Dime,” Alpha Workshops, and most recently, DIFFA's “Dining By Design.” Less than a year ago, Ford branched out to the Internet, writing a blog, “Design Therapy,” considered one of the most popular in its sector.

Currently, Ford is working on major projects in Montclair, New Jersey and on the Upper East Side – both jobs are for families with young children. “I love these two projects and find myself happy and at ease with being swarmed by children. Coming from a family of three brothers and sisters, I understand the energy and the needs of kids within a home. And if I have to, I still remember how to design that wall!”

(Olga—Michael wants to make sure we don’t start the question and answer sections entitled: “Questions for Brad Ford” --as MB HATES that –saying it sounds like a Decorati-esque phrase. So we will just jump to the Q & A without a title)

How green are you?
Personally, I am extremely conscientious as far as recycling is concerned, conserving resources and reducing waste.  Professionally, like a lot of designers I'm still learning.  There are a huge number of environmentally-friendly resources out there including new fabrics that are biodegradable, non-toxic paints, re-claimed materials as well as some really cool re-purposed furniture. There's so much new information coming out each day it's difficult to keep up.  I was just talking to someone about getting my LEEDS certification. Not only would it be the right thing to do, I have a feeling it might be a requirement in the near future.

How has writing a blog affected you as a designer?

I started Design Therapy literally as a therapeutic source to collect information on things I find truly inspiring, but I quickly realized what a powerful marketing tool it is. A blog allows you to set the tone of your business much more effectively than a regular website. If done thoughtfully, the ever-changing content can attract like-minded individuals eager to learn more about your perspective.  That same content can then be linked back to other like-minded businesses and their websites. Before you know it, your name's being spread like wildfire with an increased potential to be noticed by prospective clients. It's an incredibly clever way to self-promote. At this point I have people who read the blog in over 50 countries.

You’re a true New Yorker now, but what part of your design sense is attributed to your upbringing in Arkansas?

Probably one of my biggest influences has been nature. Being originally from Arkansas and I grew up surrounded by the most beautiful natural resources. We were always out on the lake, down by the river, or up in the mountains. The forms and the textures and the colors in those landscapes have always had a huge influence in my design approach, and I think it comes out in the fabrics, materials, and furnishings I use. My style has often been described as organic, earthy, modern, warm, and soulful and I think that's definitely a reflection of my upbringing.

You’ve been blessed with having been mentored by a couple of renowned designers. What do you do to help young aspiring designers? 

I'm still very active at F.I.T. and serve as a guest critic for several of the design classes there.  I remember when I was a student there how valuable was the feedback offered to us by guest design professionals.  Obviously, you can learn a great deal by pure academic training, but there's an invaluable sense you can learn from those who are already in the field. I'd like to think that by sharing my own experiences, I'm giving the students building blocks with which they can forge their own.

What impact did your experience in Kuala Lumpur have on your life? 

It was such an enriching experience to be part of a culture that's so different from my own and what I'm used to.  Kuala Lumpur itself is very urban and progressive but just outside the city, the landscapes are incredibly lush with these giant rock formations unlike anything I've seen here in the states. Also, their design approach is thoughtful yet incredibly understated. With a lot of the new design that's happening there, everything has its purpose and nothing is overdone.  I can't tell you how much I admire that way of thinking and I always try and instill those values in my own designs. But being there also had its share of challenges.  As progressive as it is in some areas, many people still consider Malaysia a third world country.  I'd come home some days and not have water or electricity. There was a bit of language barrier too, so I might not ever really know why it had happened.  The utilities would eventually restore and come back on, but it was interesting needless to say. Living there was a great experience and I loved it, but I'll be honest...at the end of the day it really made me appreciate home.