Posted: 18th November 2019

From graduating as an Architect in the Financial Crisis to showing at a New York gallery

Steven McNamara, of award-winning exhibition design studio ROJI, is launching the first piece in a new line of products at Maison 10 in New York this December.

Steven had the mixed fortune of graduating with a degree in Architecture, in Ireland, in 2011.

“There were no relevant jobs in Ireland so unless I wanted to move abroad I could either work for free for someone else or for myself. As I always liked the idea of setting up my own practice in Dublin this made the choice relatively straightforward.”

Soon after setting up ROJI, he won a commission to lead a multi-disciplinary collective to promote Irish design on behalf of PIVOT Dublin at World Design Capital Helsinki. This exhibition design project opened the door to curating and designing exhibitions on behalf of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland at various international design events, through which he became acquainted with Ireland’s many designers and makers.

“Getting to meet Irish designers/makers and see their creative and manufacturing processes was a privilege that shaped my perspective on design objects. They have an authenticity and a real passion for adding something of value to the world.”

A desire to create objects that have an architectural sensibility fused with the tactile quality of work demonstrated by Irish makers led to the creation of HOLD, a series of playful, functional forms, in which each piece accommodates a different function while maintaining the same overall shape.

“It’s been three years since I first contacted an Irish maker to test out my design ideas. Since then I’ve commissioned many local makers, and while most commissions didn’t become a product, working with these artisans has been hugely enjoyable and of great value to the final result and in my capacity as an exhibition designer.”

The first piece in the collection is FLIP, a candle holder made of two solid brass parts that are designed to last a lifetime. Here’s a haiku to explain FLIP:

FLIP - accommodates
Tall candles and short tealights.
Adjusts to your mood.

Launching in New York’s Maison 10 this December, Steven plans to continue to release new products over the coming year at design events around the world.

“Maison 10 is an exciting, established gallery on 5th Avenue that is willing to take a chance on emerging designers. It is a great fit for this product and as part of the gallery’s program 10% of each sale goes to a charity as selected by the consumer.”

The next product to be released will be a paperweight called WAIT, made to match FLIP in solid brass.

Wait - holds your special
Invites, notes and love letters.
Sturdy and patient.

ENDS

For further press information, please contact Steven McNamara at steven@roji.ie

Notes for Editors

About Steven McNamara

Steven McNamara is the founder of award-winning exhibition design studio ROJI, based in Dublin, Ireland.

He is passionate about promoting good design and has spoken on panel discussions and as a guest lecturer at international design events. Since 2012 he has been showcasing the best of Irish design by curating and designing exhibitions to critical acclaim from Wallpaper* Magazine, The New York Times and CNN Style.

Steven was awarded Exhibition Design of the Year in 2017, 2016 and 2015, and Graduate Designer of the Year in 2014 by the Institute of Designers of Ireland.

About MAISON 10

MAISON 10 is a unique platform for talented, innovative designers and artists to bring high-quality products to a wider market by using ethical consumerism as its core concept. The brick and mortar boutique located on the 2nd floor of 260 5th Avenue in NoMad (North of Madison Square Park) features 10 hand-selected items across 10 different categories for a period of 10 weeks. Each customer has the option to choose which one of 10 charities receives a 10% donation from their purchase at the point of sale.

Maison 10, 260 5th Ave 2nd floor, New York, NY 10001, United States. www.maison10.com