The Dallas Architecture Forum Presents: Design Inspirations – The Art of Craft Panel Discussion

The Dallas Architecture Forum extends an exclusive invitation to design enthusiasts, professionals, and the general public for a captivating panel discussion titled “Design Inspirations – The Art of Craft.” Scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, this complimentary event promises an evening of profound insights into the creative process, featuring three of Texas’s most influential and inspiring designers. The discussion will be expertly moderated by David Hocker, FASLA, the distinguished President and Founding Partner of HOCKER, a firm renowned for its innovative landscape architecture.

This panel represents a cornerstone event in The Dallas Architecture Forum’s 2019-2020 Season, specifically curated to highlight the intrinsic connection between design skill and artisanal craft. As Executive Director Nate Eudaly emphasized, “In the first Panel Discussion of our 2019-2020 Season, The Forum will feature three leading Texas designers whose focus is on the ‘art of craft,’ using their design skills to expand and enhance their respective fields.” This statement underscores the Forum’s commitment to showcasing designers who not only conceptualize but also engage deeply with the material and process of creation, pushing the boundaries of traditional design disciplines.

Attendees will gain a unique perspective from Brent Anderson of Elemental Design, Julie Cohn of Julie Cohn Design, and Jennifer Prichard of J Prichard Design. These acclaimed creatives will share their personal journeys, methodologies, and the wellsprings of their inspiration, offering a rare glimpse into what fuels their innovative work. “Attendees will have the rare opportunity to hear from some of our area’s most talented designers… talk about what inspires their creative process. We believe it will be an enjoyable and informative evening,” added Eudaly, setting the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking experience that celebrates the enduring value of craftsmanship in contemporary design.

The theme, “The Art of Craft,” delves into how designers harness traditional craftsmanship and modern sensibilities to create works that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply meaningful and functional. It explores the meticulous attention to detail, the hands-on engagement with materials, and the iterative process of bringing a vision to life through skilled artistry. This discussion is particularly pertinent in an era where mass production often overshadows bespoke creation, reminding us of the unique beauty and narrative embedded in handcrafted objects and site-specific installations.

The Dallas Architecture Forum is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for thoughtful design and its impact on our environment and daily lives. By bringing together luminaries from various design disciplines, the Forum creates a platform for dialogue, education, and inspiration, enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas and beyond. This particular panel promises to illuminate the diverse interpretations of “craft” across different scales and mediums, from intricate jewelry to expansive architectural features.

About the Panel and Moderator

All panelist bios courtesy of The Dallas Architecture Forum, providing a glimpse into the impressive careers and unique design philosophies that will shape this insightful discussion.

Brent Anderson – Elemental Design: Crafting with Metal and Vision
Brent Anderson’s journey into the world of making is a testament to ingenuity and a passion for craft. His career as a maker serendipitously began when a client’s modest budget for a trade show exhibit prompted him to build it himself. This hands-on experience sparked a profound shift in his professional trajectory. Initially applying his making skills in the fast-paced advertising world, Brent soon transitioned to creating art furniture, eventually establishing himself as a highly sought-after architectural metal artisan. His firm, Elemental Design, is a beacon of bespoke craftsmanship. Brent collaborates with an esteemed roster of leading architects and contractors, including Max Levy Architects, Shipley Architects, Morrison Dilworth + Walls, Hardy Construction, and Space Between Design Studios. His work spans an incredible range, from the smallest, meticulously crafted drawer pulls that enhance interior spaces, to grand, structural staircases that define architectural flow, and even intricate hardscape elements and components of columbariums. Anderson’s ability to translate complex design visions into tangible, exquisitely finished metalwork showcases his deep understanding of materials and a commitment to precision, truly embodying the “art of craft” in every piece he creates.

Julie Cohn – Julie Cohn Design: From Fine Art to Functional Beauty
Julie Cohn’s artistic foundation is rooted in painting and printmaking, disciplines that instilled in her a keen eye for form, texture, and composition. Her early exploration of craft extended to bookbinding and box-making, originally intended to house her prints. This multidisciplinary approach unexpectedly led her down a diverse design path, demonstrating her remarkable adaptability and boundless creativity. Over the years, Julie’s portfolio has expanded to include rugs, textiles, hardware, and tabletop designs. She has engaged in significant collaborations with architects and contributed to public art installations, showcasing her versatility across various scales and contexts. As a self-taught jeweler, Julie’s approach is notably unconventional. Rather than beginning with a preconceived sketch, her creative process is deeply material-driven, allowing the intrinsic qualities of the metals and stones to guide her designs. This direct engagement with materials results in organic, unique pieces that resonate with a raw elegance, making her work instantly recognizable and highly admired. Cohn’s journey exemplifies how foundational artistic principles can evolve into a successful, diverse design practice grounded in authentic craft.

Jennifer Prichard – J Prichard Design: Sculpting Architecture with Ceramics
Jennifer Prichard is the dynamic co-founder and driving creative force behind J Prichard Design LLC, a firm celebrated for its breathtaking, large-scale, site-specific ceramic installations. Her signature works are composed of thousands of individually handmade ceramic forms, many meticulously thrown on the potter’s wheel. This dedication to traditional ceramic techniques, scaled to architectural proportions, sets her work apart. Jennifer’s installations are not mere additions to a space; they are integral elements that seamlessly integrate into the existing architecture of their site. This profound synergy necessitates close collaboration with the project’s architects and designers, ensuring her artistic vision enhances and complements the structural environment. Prichard’s innovative approach and mastery of ceramics have garnered international acclaim, leading to commissions for prestigious commercial and private projects worldwide. Her groundbreaking work has been extensively featured in both the US and international design press, solidifying her reputation as a visionary artist who bridges the realms of fine art, craft, and architectural design with unparalleled skill and artistic sensibility.

David Hocker, FASLA – Moderator: Bridging Spaces through Landscape Architecture
David Hocker, FASLA, has cultivated an exceptional reputation for himself and his award-winning landscape architecture firm, HOCKER, since its establishment in 2004. As the esteemed moderator for this panel, his profound expertise and innovative philosophy promise to guide a rich and insightful discussion. Hocker’s work is celebrated for its distinctive use of materials, particularly his thoughtful integration of recycled and regionally sensitive elements, employed in both unexpected and precisely executed ways. His successful built projects have significantly contributed to a broader design conversation, emphasizing landscape architecture’s remarkable capacity to bridge the often-distinct realms of interior and exterior spaces. David’s ability to see the interconnectedness of design, from the smallest detail to the expansive environment, makes him an ideal figure to facilitate a discussion centered on the multifaceted “art of craft.” His leadership will ensure a dynamic exchange, drawing out the unique perspectives of each panelist and connecting their diverse practices under the unifying theme of craft and inspiration.

The collective expertise of these four design luminaries – from Brent Anderson’s architectural metalwork and Julie Cohn’s material-driven jewelry to Jennifer Prichard’s monumental ceramic installations and David Hocker’s transformative landscape architecture – creates a truly unparalleled opportunity for learning and engagement. Attendees will undoubtedly leave inspired, with a deeper appreciation for the intricate processes, boundless creativity, and profound impact of handcrafted design on our world.

Event Details and Accessibility

Mark your calendars for an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of design and the artistry of craft. This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, fine art, and the creative industries at large.

• Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2019
• Time: The discussion commences promptly at 6:30 PM. We invite attendees to arrive a few minutes early, as complimentary beverages will be served starting at 6:15 PM, offering an excellent opportunity for pre-panel networking and mingling.
• Location: The esteemed Dallas Black Dance Theater, situated at the vibrant corner of Arts Plaza Street and Ann Williams Way.
• Full Address: 2700 Ann Williams Way, Dallas, TX 75201. The Dallas Black Dance Theater, a significant cultural landmark, provides an inspiring backdrop for this design-focused event.

We understand the importance of convenient access for all our guests. Therefore, complimentary parking is readily available for all attendees. This parking area is conveniently located between the Dallas Black Dance Theater (DBDT) building and Fellowship Church, which is situated directly to the east of the DBDT building. Clear signage will guide you upon arrival, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

In line with The Dallas Architecture Forum’s mission to make design education accessible to all, this illuminating panel discussion is absolutely free of charge. Both dedicated Forum members and members of the general public are warmly invited to attend. This inclusive approach ensures that valuable insights into the world of design and craft are available to everyone, fostering a broader community of design appreciation and critical thought. We encourage early arrival to secure the best seating, as this highly anticipated event is expected to draw a significant audience. Join us for an evening that promises to ignite your own design inspirations and deepen your understanding of the incredible art of craft.