Matt Gagnon

Name: Matt Gagnon

Instagram: @mattgnon

Matt Gagnon Studio works across scales from objects to architectural spaces and public installations with an obsession for lighting permeating much of the work. Trained as an architect, Matt brings a critical sensibility to the planning and development of the work. A table is not just a table or an aesthetic object but an organizer of space and activity. In addition to designing complete experiences and spaces the studio produces smaller scale objects in house in order to experiment and explore new design possibilities. Old and new fabrication techniques inform aesthetic goals. Materials are tested and retested to discover the right tone or emotional balance for a project. Working with skilled craftspeople in the studio and with a diverse group of manufacturers across southern California enables the studio to produce unique idiosyncratic one of a kind collectible design work as well as functional spaces and objects made to suit a client’s needs and desires. Having studied architecture at Cornell University, Matt Gagnon established his multi-disciplinary design studio in 2002 after working for Frank Gehry and before that Gaetano Pesce. The studio’s work has been published extensively in publications such as The New York Times, Metropolis, Interior Design and Architectural Digest and has been in numerous design exhibitions internationally. Most recently Gagnon had solo gallery shows of his Light Stacks series in Seattle at Winston & Wachter and in Los Angeles at The New Gallery. The lights have also been shown in Milan and London with Rossana Orlandi’s Gallery. Clients range from individuals to large institutions and have included Louis Vuitton, JPL/NASA, Google, Four Seasons Hotel, W Resorts, Ogilvy and the Los Angeles Fire Department among others. Matt has taught design at Otis College of Art and Parsons School of Constructed Environments and has been invited to speak or critique at Savannah College of Art and Design, Cornell University, Woodbury School of Architecture and City College of New York.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?: Texting and social media have reduced my vocabulary unfortunately. I can be lazy and respond Beautiful or Amazing way too much. Does a thumbs up count as a word?

Which talent would you most like to have?: I wish i could play a musical instrument well. Not so i could perform but so I could play for the pure enjoyment of it. I suppose if i stopped reading the news i would have plenty of time to learn. Or maybe learn another language.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?: I have always wanted to be better talking to strangers. After the first introduction with someone new i can be very outgoing. But that initial meeting can be difficult for me. But my wife has no trouble at all talking with anyone. So i guess I found a way around my problem.

Where would you most like to live?: In Los Angeles where I have lived off and on for 13 years. I love the messiness and the beauty. There is a creative energy here that at first is hidden or misinterpreted because LA is spread out and geographically and culturally diverse. But once one finds their place here, which can take awhile, it can support and nurture just about any dream with a bonus of sunshine and swimming pools. And 20 minutes from my house I can be walking in the national forest.

What is your most treasured possession?: As a designer i have fewer objects that i covet than would be expected perhaps. But i do love this stainless steel stove top coffee maker i bought as a student in Rome back in the 90's. It is made by Giannina. There is a simple rotating handle that locks the two halves together. Elegant and easy to use. I have never liked another one better. Which i think is rare as it can be so easy to be seduced by the next shiny thing.

What is it that you most dislike?: Driving. I live in LA but i absolutely hate driving. Do I contradict myself.....?

What is your greatest regret?: I wish I had bought real estate in Brooklyn 20 years ago.