Designer Sam Klemick transitioned from fashion to furniture after trying her hand at turning wood in 2019. In the years since her LA-based furniture design practice, Studio Sam Klemick, which is guided by circular methods, has exploded on the design scene. Her iconic bell chair is even featured in the A.L.C. Beverly Hills flagship. Here she shares how she finds inspiration and the fashion staples she wears on repeat.
A.L.C.: Was there a specific moment that, or person who, inspired you to pursue furniture design as a medium?
Sam: When I moved from New York back to LA I moved into a studio space that had previously been someone's art studio. I needed to build out the space to make it liveable and along the way I decided I wanted to build all of the furniture for it myself. That small project took on a life of its own and changed the course of my career, inspiring my transition from fashion designer to furniture designer.
A.L.C.: Where do you source inspiration? Please share a few and how you found them!
Sam: I am very inspired by films. The most recent film that I found to be an insane source of inspiration was Poor Things. The sets, the costumes… I also have a few go-to books at home that I also often look at when I am need some inspiration and guidance Faye Toogood: Drawing, Material, Sculpture, Landscape and Colorful Life: Gere Kavanaugh, Designer
A.L.C.: What's your go-to uniform when working?
Sam: I spend most of my time at the woodshop so I'm usually in baggy pants covered in stains and sawdust. When I get to spend a day in my home studio focused on design and computer work, I will still go for comfortable oversized clothes, but a bit cleaner and chic—the Albie Tee and Ryder pant are my current favorites.
A.L.C.: Is there a piece you’re most proud of? If so, why?
Sam: I think I am most proud of the Bell Chair. It is the very first chair I designed and built. I love how simple yet stylish she is. Making the two Bell Chairs for the A.L.C. Beverly Hills flagship store was a true collaboration with Andrea and her team. They came to the woodshop to see my work in person and we selected a beautiful neutral finish together. It came down to Andrea’s vision for the store, and I was so happy to be able to be a small part of it. I’m so grateful for the opportunity.
A.L.C.: What is one thing you would re-do in your career if you could and why?
Sam: I wouldn’t change anything. Any experience in my current or former career that was challenging was something that I learned from and that pushed me to move forward. I have definitely made mistakes, especially with financial decisions, but that is the only way I would have learned and been able to self-correct.
A.L.C.: Can you share an experience that challenged you and how you navigated it?
Sam: I started my business while working a full time job as a design director for a fashion brand. As my business began to grow, it became extremely challenging to do both jobs at once. I was supporting my business with my full time job, so I had to burn the candle at both ends for a very long time. I ended up doing both jobs for three years, and I had to sacrifice a lot of my personal life. I would make early morning deliveries for my business, be at my desk at 9 AM, and then sleep in my car during my lunch break. The experience of balancing both showed me how to put one foot in front of the next in pursuit of my passion.
A.L.C.: Is there a female creator whose work you admire and why?
Sam: There are so many. Faye Toogood, Gere Kavanaugh, Adi Goodrich, Eny Lee Parker, Jialun Xiong, Camilla Engstrem, Taylor Kibby, Rachel Shillander, Cindy Hsu Zell, Bailey Hunter, Utharaa Zacharias I could go on and on. They all create beautiful things from their own unique perspectives.
A.L.C.: What is the biggest piece of advice you could give a first-time home furniture buyer?
Sam: Take your time and buy what you love. Spend some time living in your space first and slowly collect pieces over time. I moved a year ago and I am still slowly creating my space. I think it's important to see and learn how you actually use a space, and then design it around those needs.
