Shopping for an architect can be challenging when the bar is high for aesthetics, quality, and creativity (as it should be). So ARCHITECT put the onus of identifying the perfect gift for your colleague, partner, or collaborator on those who know best: your fellow design professionals. From souped-up candles to toast-inspired purses, this year’s selects should ensure a present for everyone.
FOR THE ADVENTUROUS ARCHITECT
Bartender's Toolkit, Umami Mart ($95)
Recommended by Christina Cho Yoo, AIA, and Ming Thompson, AIA, co-founders, Atelier Cho Thompson, San Francisco
For the architect who likes to dabble in mixology, this barware set is equipped with essential tools to craft perfect cocktails. "This toolkit...is a beautiful ensemble to display in your home," say Cho and Thompson. "We were honored to collaborate with Umami Mart to design [its] packaging." The kit includes a 17-oz. diamond-cut crystal mixing glass, one 0.5- or 0.75-oz. julep strainer, one stainless steel jigger, and a 13.5"-long trident barspoon. umamimart.com
National Parks Atlas, Canoe ($38)
Recommended by David Lake, FAIA, and Ted Flato, FAIA, partners and co-founders, Lake|Flato Architects, San Antonio
Seek out adventure—and avoid getting lost—with this mini-atlas that compiles maps, fees, activities, and descriptions of all 59 national parks in the U.S. Lake and Flato describe the atlas as a "pocket-sized reminder to wander authentic places or get lost in the landscape." The 5"-long by 3.52"-wide book includes an empty 52-page journal section at the end for notes. The guide also has important phone numbers, websites, and information on wildlife and land forms that travelers should keep in mind. canoe.design
FOR THE TRENDY ARCHITECT
Burnt Cocktail Toast Cross Body, WelcomeCompanions ($510)
Recommended by Jennifer Bonner, director, Mass Architectural Loopty Loops, Boston
As part of Los Angeles–based architect Laurel Broughton’s fashion line, WelcomeCompanions, this toast-inspired leather purse features a tan taffeta lining and a hidden magnetic closure. The matte black or golden brown bag is “the perfect gift for your architect-loved-one who obsesses over black,” Bonner says. The purse measures 7" tall, 6" wide, and 2" thick. welcomecompanions.com
My New Flame, Ingo Maurer and Moritz Waldemeyer (€420; approximately $494)
Recommended by Bjarke Ingels, founding partner, Bjarke Ingels Group, New York
A hybrid of a circuit board and candle, this 0.6W luminaire is topped with 128 LEDs that digitally create the hypnotic flickering of a flame. The 15.7"-tall, 1"-wide fixture sits on a 3.5"-square metal base. The candle runs on four replaceable AA batteries or can be powered via a 59"-long USB cord (included). “It simultaneously delivers an illusion of nostalgia and still embraces its artificial nature,” Ingels says. The fixture comes in red, black, and white. ingo-maurer.com
Scarf URF_C2, Atelier Manferdini ($155)
Recommended by Jennifer Bonner, director, Mass Architectural Loopty Loops, Boston
The abstract pattern for this scarf originated from Italian architect Elena Manferdini's 2016 "Building Portraits" exhibition at the Industry Gallery in Los Angeles. "As an architect and educator, [Manferdini's] contributions to contemporary architecture, art, and objects inspire many in the discipline," Bonner says. Manferdini's patterns went on to influence a collection of limited edition area rugs for Urban Fabric Rugs and now, in their latest iteration, a collection of silk scarves and pocket squares. This 35.4"-square scarf is printed on 100% silk, using traditional Chinese textile printing techniques. ateliermanferdini.com
FOR THE MINDFUL ARCHITECT
Lights Out Ultrasonic Diffuser Gift Set, Saje Natural Wellness ($89.95)
Recommended by Fauzia Khanani, Assoc. AIA, principal, Foz Design, New York
For the recipient who needs a little tranquility in life, this kit aims to reduce stress levels through the diffusion of essential oils. “Living in a New York City apartment, air quality is not always at its best,” Khanani says, “so the diffuser not only helps with health and wellness, but also circulates and humidifies the air.” The set includes Saje’s geometric AromaGem Ultrasonic diffuser in matte black and two 0.17-ounce bottles of essential oil blends named Unwind and Tranquility. saje.com
Sip Cup, Studio Arhoj (€20; approximately $23)
Recommended by Christina Cho Yoo, AIA, and Ming Thompson, AIA, co-founders, Atelier Cho Thompson, San Francisco
These small vessels offer uniquely hand-glazed gifts for the architect who needs a moment to themselves. "These beautiful cups fit right in your hand, and are just right for an espresso or a scoop of sorbet," say Cho and Thompson. The hand-cast porcelain objects can also be used as small pots for plants or as containers. Sip Cup measures 2.7" tall by 2.5" in diameter and can hold 4.7 oz. of liquid. Offered in a range of colorways including ocean flamingo (shown), bordeaux boudoir, and fluffy unicorn. arhoj.com
FOR THE ASPIRING ARCHITECT
Tsumiki - Building Blocks Wooden House, Kukkia ($118)
Recommended by Christina Cho Yoo, AIA, and Ming Thompson, AIA, co-founders, Atelier Cho Thompson, San Francisco
For the budding architect, this pastel-colored wooden house encourages little ones to build with their imagination. “Blocks have been beloved toys for centuries,” say Cho and Thompson, “because they allow for open-ended creative play by encouraging problem-solving and storytelling through design.” The house contains 41 beech wood blocks cut into a variety of shapes, including a star, stairs, arches, and a sphere. Some of the blocks incorporate magnets that enable the assembly of more complex configurations. kukkiakids.com
Plus-Plus Learn To Build, Plus-Plus USA ($25)
Recommended by Bjarke Ingels, founding partner, Bjarke Ingels Group, New York
This set of plus-shaped Danish building blocks allows kids from ages 5 to 12 to experiment with both 2D and 3D creations. Ingels recommends the toy as an alternative to the immensely popular fidget spinner, while also saying it is "perfect for conversations and sketching." This box set includes a green baseplate, 300 pieces in the company's basic colors, 100 pieces in neon colors, and a guidebook. All elements of the kit are BPA- and phthalate-free. plus-plus.us
FOR THE PRACTICAL ARCHITECT
Copic Sketch Set of Six Markers – Sketching Grays ($33.66)
Recommended by Noah Marble, AIA, senior associate, Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, New Orleans
This set of sketching tools is perfect for documenting bouts of spontaneous creativity. “Having a quality set of tools is essential to any craftsperson,” Marble says. “These markers are an absolute pleasure to draw with.” The kit includes five markers in a range of gray tones and a 0.5 mm tip black pen. The refillable, alcohol-based ink markers feature a flat nib on one end and a brush-shaped nib on the other. copic.jp
Field Notes Wallet, Bexar Goods Co. ($145)
Recommended by David Lake, FAIA, and Ted Flato, FAIA, partners and co-founders, Lake|Flato Architects, San Antonio
This saddle-stitched leather wallet for architects on-the-go includes two credit card slots, a pocket for a passport, pen slot, and an opening for a 3.5"-wide by 5.5"-long notebook (three notebooks are included with the purchase of the wallet). “Architects and designers always appreciate something well-crafted,” say Lake and Flato. “Some of our favorite gifts [are those] that celebrate the artistry of local crafts persons.” bexargoods.com
Paul Smith Edition Two, Set of Eight Ballpoint Pens, Caran d’Ache ($320)
Recommended by Fauzia Khanani, Assoc. AIA, principal, Foz Design, New York
This whimsical set of ballpoint pens were designed by British fashion designer Paul Smith—never one to shy away from bold colors—for Swiss office and school supply manufacturer Caran d’Ache. "A pen set is a classic gift, yet any creative would find the second edition of this ballpoint pen set inspiring," Khanani says. The matte red metal case houses eight of the manufacturer's 849 ballpoint pens, in their signature hexagonal profiles. Each pen is refillable with a fine, medium, or large Goliath ink cartridge. store.carandache.com
For more gift-giving ideas, check out ARCHITECT's 2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Architects and Designers, and The 2015 Architect-Approved Gift Guide.
