Designers at Work: Elena Frampton
At her brand-new Flatiron headquarters, a designer uses her curatorial eye.
Designing Woman
“I wanted to go beyond a conventional closed-door studio,” says Elena Frampton, “and I knew we would all be happier designing here.”
Setting the Mood
A felt pin-up wall acts as a partition between the library and main workspace. “This board tends to get a little messy and crazy,” the designer says, “but it’s where we experiment with new ideas and push ourselves to think outside the box.”
Gallery Talk
The front gallery, called Exhibition Penthouse, features works by emerging artists such as Corinne Jones and Nick Missel. “We’re sourcing art for our projects at such a fast pace,” says Frampton, “that I wanted to be able to share what I’m finding with a broader network of people.”
Hive of Activity
The firm’s 12-person team sits at custom Frampton Co–designed desks made from bleached solid ash. “The office is clean, crisp, and thoughtful,” says Frampton. “It’s all about creating a serene backdrop for the ideas and work we’re exploring.”
Easy Access
Interior designer Katie Starrs and marketing manager Amanda Morse convene in the open kitchen/library, where see-through boxes containing textiles and material samples are arranged on shelves. The table, chairs, and pendant lights are vintage finds.
Bright Thinking
Frampton chose to liven up the staff’s workstations with Flos’s Snoopy desk lamps. “The space really reflects how we integrate architecture, decor, and art into an entire experience,” she says.
Everything in Its Place
The firm uses flat files to store materials for each of its commissions, “so when you open a drawer, it’s an instant presentation,” she explains. Inspiration for ongoing projects, including a residence in Gramercy and an Upper East Side condo, hangs on a wall covered in magnetic paint.
Learn more about Frampton Co or check out their Instagram feed @frampton_co.