Meet the Designer: Thomas Fuchs' Ode to Otium (Part 3)

We've learned a ton about where Thomas Fuchs has come from to get to where he is today. The New York-based owner of Otium and designer for his signature collection, Otium has a firm footing in design and has shared with us who helped him along the way. Read on to learn what he's been working on lately.

GDG: What have you been busy with recently?

TF: I have definitely been busy recently. What I'm most looking forward to is a Barware collection. I recently started a collection of Barware in marble, glass, bone, silver and wood.

GDG: Can you tell us where we can find it?

TF: The collection will be introduced to designers in collaboration with the textile company Holland & Sherry.

GDG: Was there anything extra exciting about them?

TF: As much as I love sitting at my drawing table for hours creating the chandelier design, it is incredibly exciting to produce the drinking glasses. Within my first collection, I was working in over 15 colors at one time!

Find Otium at the DDB in the Holland & Sherry showroom, at the PDC in A. Rudin and at the DCOTA at J. Batchelor and be sure to check out his upcoming Barware collection.

Meet the Designer: Thomas Fuchs' Ode to Otium (Part 2 of 3)

New York-based owner of Otium and designer, Thomas Fuchs, spent some time with us to talk about his signature collection, Otium. We know from our last post that 'Otium' is Latin for “aristocratic leisure," so we felt perfectly comfortable kicking our feet back as we posed questions to him about his work. We hope you’ll do the same as you read our Q&A below.

GDG: What helped to progress your skills in the industry?

TF: I started my professional training in a museum surrounded by the very best examples of art in a city where the museums were all free and their archives were there for even a curious student. This taught me to appreciate the finest of the fine.

I moved on to working in the auction business where I quickly became a furniture expert at the age of 25. This taught me period characteristics and social significance of design, which has always been influenced by culture, trade, and politic and technical advances.

After this, I moved to create my first collection of furniture called Quatrain, where I honed my knowledge of craftsmanship, business savvy and the importance of the relationship and mutual respect with the artisans that create the visions I have.

GDG: Did you have any major influences along the way?

TF: My two biggest influences were my parents who encouraged my art and my elementary art school teacher with whom I am still friends!

GDG: Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

TF: Well, I am not big on collecting. After working in the auction business and being constantly surrounded by so much stuff it is easy not to get emotionally attached. I am also willing to wait until I can get the very best example of something other then just filling in space.

The one thing I do admit to collecting is Han Dynasty and Neolithic pottery. I do not have a lot but what I have is important. I never feel like I am the sole owner, I feel like I am holding these for the next owner. You cannot help but feeling that a 2,000 year old object is now solely for you. I also “collect” or adopt stray dogs!

Next week, Thomas tells us what he's been busy with recently and which DDB showroom will carry his latest work. Find Otium at the DDB in the Holland & Sherry showroom, at the PDC in A. Rudin and at the DCOTA at J. Batchelor.

Meet the Designer: Thomas Fuchs' Ode to Otium (Part 1 of 3)

We recently had the chance to chat with Thomas Fuchs, New York-based owner of Otium and designer, about his signature collection, Otium. Tapping his classical training in the fine arts and his love of furniture and design, Thomas created a line of neo-classical glass lamps, cases and candlesticks for Otium Collection.

GDG: What does 'Otium' mean?

TF: Otium in Latin means 'aristocratic leisure.'

GDG: What was the inspiration or direction behind Otium?

TF: The clearest direction for Otium was to work with the Maestro of Murano, Italy. Although glass is made all over the world, I have yet to see the finesse that comes from the Maestro of Italy. The tradition in 600 years of glass blowing has only been altered by the addition of electricity—otherwise the pieces we create today are produced with the same technical attributes of the same pieces being made in the 17th century.

Glass is magic and being in the furnaces working is even more magical. To have these amazing Maestro willing to put up with this crazy guy from the United States is a gift for which I will be forever grateful.

GDG: How did you get started in the fine arts world?

TF: I have studied art my entire life. I have a degree in Art History and Studio and I went to the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC.  I am a member and student of the Art Student League of New York and I have also studied at the Academy of Art & Design, NYC. My last job before starting Otium eight years ago was to be the design director of furniture & decorative art for Donghia.

Check back with GoDesignGo for more about Thomas and his Otium Collection, but in the meantime, you can find Otium at the DDB in the Holland & Sherry showroom, at the PDC in A. Rudin and at the DCOTA at J. Batchelor.