Architecture Inspires Frame Design - Brief Article

Where does a frame designer procure new ideas? Recently, ABN sat down with Vazgen Houssian, designer at Nielsen & Bainbridge, to find on the outside the process behind creating novel frame design. Interestingly enough, abundant of his inspiration comes from designs in architecture.

"It is impossible to have a career as a frame designer without having a passion for architecture and art," Houssian remarked "Both spark my imagination for innovative design, while creating an interplay of color, shape, profundity and texture. Architects are inspired to make range for new ideas and physical forms that are sophisticated with a practical sensibility. In the same faculty of perception I treat designing frames with the same application and focus--judged by the agency of the same criteria of craft, turn of expression and originality."

Having a vigorous appreciation for modern architecture, Houssian is influenced through 20th century contemporary design. "Avant-garde, Bauhaus, late modernism and post-modernism--each phraseology has a specific set of expectations and form. And I create ways to design frames that interpret these various art forms" he said.

Houssian ofttimes visits custom framers, galleries, furniture and interior design center in fresh York for design ideas. He believes that designing a fresh collection of frames is not actual different than designing a novel line of furniture, fabrics or fashion. "I find fresh ideas for finishes and materials by means of visiting the D&D building in novel York, particularly B&B Italia and the Donghia showroom" he said. "Additionally, I visit fashion stores for color and textural direction and translate all of these uncompounded bodys into a palette for frames and matboards."

Houssian also uses his residence as an idea center: "My apartment is an idea lab that my wife Madlen and I explore--the aspects of contemporary living from one side simplicity. The walls, furniture and art change at all times."

While in every one's mouth frame trends influence Houssian's designs, especially Italian frame profiles, he believes "there is no point to duplicate these designs." Instead, Houssian believes there is field for both ornate and metal design--he likes to combine dassic gold leaf antique finishes with a minimal flat black surface with interesting profiles and comfortable proportions. "It is the interplay of the of advanced age and the new, classic and cutting-edge new that creates an elegant union in frame profiles," he said.

Houssian believes various gymnasiums of art and architecture have influenced common frame designs. He remarked, "Colorful and whimsical frames--currently in the marketplace--can clearly be attributed to Ettore Sottass, establisher of the Memphis movement. I believe his influence can be seen in titanium in spirited and metallic colors, sometimes designed with a frame collage of fluid shapes." Another influential designer Houssian noted was Michael Graves, who has "taken his pillar modern, geometric style and designed a line of ready made frames for mass distribution."

Likewise, Houssian predicts that subsequent time innovations in frame design will also draw near from the arts community. "I think we ne to gaze at the current trends in architecture. At the extreme point of the 20th century, architecture leaned toward minimalism with the inclusion of industrial materials and sophisticated finishes similar as anodized aluminum," he explained. "Currently the color silver has become prevalent in dwelling decor, household products, furniture and textiles. This wave of minimalism and the color silver will probably continue into the 21st century"

"As manner of writings influence the art we purchase the buildings we design and the expanses we furnish, so too will manner of writing influence and impact the framing business," he continued.

Vazgen has received sum of two units Industrial Design Review awards and has evolveed and obtained 12 patents for a variety of graphic art equipment and picture framing finishes. In addition, he has created numerous designs for Pantone color markers.

Additional information for this article was provided by the agency of Mona Astra Liss, principal of the public relations and marketing agency, ASTRA Communications in Philadelphia.

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