In Common With, a design studio co-founded by Nick Ozemba and Felicia Hung, is charting an exciting new course, moving beyond its established reputation in lighting to unveil its inaugural collection of homewares. This strategic expansion is marked by the introduction of the Lido collection, a testament to their philosophy of merging traditional artisanal techniques with innovative, scalable production methods. The studio, known for its collaborative spirit, has partnered with specialized ateliers globally, including ceramicists, glassblowers, and metalsmiths, to bring their unique vision to life. Their concept store, Quarters, located in a historic Tribeca loft, serves as a dynamic showcase for their designs alongside vintage finds and works by other artists, embodying their holistic approach to interior aesthetics.
The journey of In Common With began in 2018, born from a shared artistic vision between Ozemba and Hung, who first met during their furniture design studies. Their initial focus on lighting was a deliberate choice, driven by the potential for a scalable manufacturing model that allowed them to offer well-crafted and competitively priced products to hospitality clients. This approach involved assembling components to order and developing a modular design language, enabling extensive customization of fixtures such as sconces, pendants, and floor lamps. This early success laid the groundwork for their broader ambitions, as they always envisioned In Common With as a comprehensive design studio rather than solely a lighting company.
The Tribeca concept store, Quarters, which opened several years ago, played a pivotal role in this evolution. It provided a tangible space to explore how diverse objects interact within an environment, offering customers an immersive experience akin to a curated residence. Here, patrons can discover not only In Common With’s creations but also meticulously restored vintage furniture, primarily sourced from Europe, and unique pieces from fellow artists. This environment fostered further material exploration and modular thinking, reinforcing their commitment to expand beyond lighting. Notably, the store showcases collaborative works, such as hand-glazed tiles by Shane Gabier, a long-standing friend and collaborator.
For the much-anticipated Lido collection, In Common With embarked on a significant collaboration with Laguna~B, a renowned Venice-based glassware company. This partnership delves into the rich heritage of Murano glassmaking, an iconic craft with centuries of tradition. Hung and Ozemba, having always been captivated by glass, found a kindred spirit in Laguna~B, a company celebrated for its contemporary reinterpretation of classic glass techniques. Together, they explored the intricate processes of goti de fornasa and murrine, aiming to infuse these age-old methods with In Common With's distinctive aesthetic.
The Lido collection is a celebration of spontaneity and variation, inherent in the repetitive yet ever-unique process of Murano glassmaking. Goti de fornasa involves transforming leftover glass into vibrant drinking vessels, while murrine creates intricate patterns through layering and stretching colored glass canes. After extensive experimentation, they honed a palette and combinations that resonate deeply with the In Common With brand. Each shade and diffuser in the lighting range is meticulously handcrafted by master glassmakers in Murano before being sent to Brooklyn for final assembly. Complementing the lighting, the collection also includes a stunning array of drinking glasses, conceived as an accessible entry point to Laguna~B's artistry and a hint at In Common With's future trajectory.
This expansion into homewares, including furniture and glassware, signifies In Common With's commitment to creating a fully integrated design world. The studio aims to apply the same principles of material exploration, modularity, and craftsmanship that defined their lighting success to a broader spectrum of products. This move reflects their long-held vision: to offer a comprehensive collection of objects that allows individuals to either immerse themselves in the In Common With aesthetic or draw from it to craft their own unique living spaces.