Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Wolk.
Making Design Matter is Michael Wolk’s guiding philosophy – an approach that is integral to the timeless style, inspired solutions and ultimate comfort that Wolk brings to each of the design projects and furnishings collections that his studio undertakes. He cites the work of 20th-century masters and extensive travel – especially to the top furniture fairs in the US and Europe – as important influences in both areas of his work.
While a student at Pratt Institute in New York, where he grew up, Michael Wolk began his first design and renovation business. Among his many clients were John Lennon and Yoko Ono whose personal assistant introduced by a mutual friend, arranged for Michael to work on their new recording studio.
After graduating from Pratt, Wolk was invited to Miami by two associates to design and build a new furniture showroom… the showroom also showcased his first furniture collections. Michael Wolk’s classic, modernist approach melded perfectly with the needs of both residential and hospitality clients there, and more local commissions followed.
Realizing that his design and construction skills could be applied anywhere and that there was much of the country and the world that he wanted to see, Wolk spent two years traveling throughout the US and internationally working on a full range of projects along the way. Returning to Miami, he established Michael Wolk Design Associates, now in business for over 30 years.
The firm’s more prestigious clients have included The Related Group, Dezer, Porsche, St Regis, Burger King, Lionstone Development Corporation, Goldman Properties, MIA Shoes, and numerous private clients. The studio’s acclaimed style and versatility results in clients who return frequently with new projects. Equally well-known for his furniture and furnishings designs, Wolk creates collections for a select group of the country’s leading residential and contract furniture companies.
Many of his designs are now regarded as enduring classics. Among the manufacturers of current Wolk-designed collections are Brueton, Directional, Loewenstein, R. Jones, David Edward, DIA, Mark David, Boyd Lighting, Tomlinson, and Johnston Casuals. Furniture designs by Michael Wolk are often selected by film and television set designers; Ray Donovan, Batman Returns, and The Good Wife are a few of the productions where his pieces have been seen.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Often the public possesses a hierarchy placing fine arts over graphic arts. I am both a fine artist and graphic artist who brings both constitutions into my interior design work. It has not always been easy for clients to understand that balance – especially with furniture designs.
In the past furniture was only a commodity, now it’s understood that furniture can be art as well as functional. Many furniture pieces live in galleries and museums. I am proud that my furniture designs have been manufactured by many companies and proud of the production of my one-of-a-kind pieces.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
As an artist, my everyday medium is interior design. My preference is minimalist modern, blended with antiques, Asian influences, and unique pieces. Yet, I have successfully completed both traditional and transitional interiors.
My sensibility as an artist and my long-time experience and design knowledge, clearly set me apart from other designers. I have an intimate knowledge of materials and an academic understanding that I integrate into my projects.
How would you describe the type of kid you were growing up?
Growing up I was always the class artist and the class comic. It was my modus operandi for being the center of attraction.
Contact Info:
- Address: 31 NE 28th St. Miami, FL 33137
- Website: https://www.michaelwolkdesign.com
- Phone: (305) 576-2898
- Email: contact@wolkdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MichaelWolkDesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWolkDesign/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/mwolk2/
Image Credit:
Troy Campbell, Michael Kleinberg, Dan Forer
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