We bring you a handful of shop picks to make all the women in your life feel extra special. Whether she’s a funky Funky Artista, a Daydreamer, a Foodie, or a Mountain Mama –The Architect’s Wife has a find for every style of personality. Here’s to all the mother figures out there. Happy Mother’s Day from AW!

👩‍🎤 The Funky Artista

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Shop The Funky Artista: Terrazzo Rectangle Tray, Olive Wood Nesting Bowls, Life of the Party Puzzle, Nudie Pillow, Bob Ross coloring book

✨ The Daydreamer

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Shop The Daydreamer: Pink Beach notebook, Yogi notebook, Pastel Doorway notebook, Balsam Noir candle, XOXO XL statement matches, Calhoune & Co. tea towels.

👩‍🍳 The Foodie

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Shop The Foodie:  The Skillful Forager book, Little Puzzles Things –Broccoli, Forbidden Fruit Pieces Puzzle.

🏔 The Mountain Mama

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Shop Mountain Mama: Camp book, Fern and Moss Minimalist candle, Mountains and River Boats tea towel.

Hello from our distributed homes. If we’re honest, it sure has been a new challenge adjusting to operating in this new normal. Nonetheless, we’re all in this together – each of us experiencing something very similar in our own worlds and learning to engage in new ways. Despite the current unknowns out there, the Architect’s Wife is focused on sharing togetherness, inspired spaces, and warmth in any capacity we can generate it. 

So the new norm is staying in. We’re right there with you. Luckily, The Architect’s Wife knows of a few certain comforts to remind you what makes a home and is here to share new ways of staying in/spired. Today, we’re sharing an array of essentials to create a Quarantine Care Package. Whether it’s to treat yourself and your space or send someone a warm reminder you care about ‘em, it’s a sure way to life the spirits. Below are a handful of suggestions but the combo options are many.

A scent has the power to transform a home into something, someplace entirely different: whether its the past, the outdoors or the headspace to dream about the future. At a time where we have to do a little daydreaming to travel beyond trips from the couch to the refrigerator and back, The Escapist Collection by Brooklyn Candle Studio will take you to our favorite destinations in the world.

 These coffee table-worthy books are a source of inspiration for renovations or new construction; an armchair escape for those who love living in nature; and the perfect gift for anyone dreaming of a cabin home or simply in the mountains and above the clouds. Read up on interviews with architects, designers, builders and owners who illuminate both the backstory and the creative process of their work. Whether a bison ranch, a log fishing cabin, a stone guest house, a lakeside retreat, a ski chalet, or a wine country barn, cabin style manifests in whimsical, playful, comfortable, and welcoming interiors and architecture ― always inspired by the land.

These blankets by Calhoun & Co are designed and created from illustrations by founder Kerry Stokes. In addition to the utilitarian purpose of keeping one warm, these blankets will bring some personality to any room and smiles to the face. These throws make for great wall hangings as well!

Take a break. For off-screen time, meditating on color, and stimulating the mind. Our showroom shelves are overflowing with classic games, puzzles and toys for all ages that will endure generations of play. When not being played, the unique designs of each game translates to the perfect shelf accessory.

Each line that is brought into the Architect’s Wife showroom has a story to be told. Whether it’s the process something is made, the craftsman behind it, or other qualities that light up our curiosity —  we love sharing what makes something truly distinguished, distinctive and important in its own way. Younger + Co is line we’re proud to carry not only for their superbly crafted furniture, but for the people and their promise that makes them “more than furniture”.

A Quick Look at Younger + Co: 

• Made in the USA 
• Family-owned establishment since 1989
• Styles made to fit any decor style
• Masterfully bench-made furniture
• All wood used to build frames comes from forests certified by the sustainable forest initiative
• All foam is certified CertiPUR.
• Quick Drop Ship option

Meredith Younger Spell, CEO of Younger + Co and Zack Moldenhauer, VP of Younger + Co, both swore off working in the furniture business. Spell’s father came from working with Thayer Coggin while Moldenhauer’s owned Sam Moore Furniture. After 30 years of watching her father invest his life into Younger Furniture, Spell was presented with the opportunity to carry the legacy forward. From here, Moldenhauer shares details on how 37 year old Spell stepped up to the helm in an industry dominated by third-generation males and shaped what is now Younger + Co.

“Younger is more than just the story of a man named Mike Younger, it’s the story of a company that over the years has welcomed a new generation of female leadership.”

“Meredith wanted to be very intentional with taking on the business and that resonated with me” says Moldenhauer. Shortly after partnering up, the first order of business was reestablishing strong, committed partnerships with retailers – specifically select brick and mortars. The integrity of their product as well as relationships became the primary focus and driver of their vision. Moldenhauer explains that “We don’t like to pull on our suspenders or anything, but we really make a great product and we believe in brick and mortar. If we sell to anyone and everyone in the world, that erodes brick and mortars ability to sell our product. So we really enjoy spaces like The Architect’s Wife where you can find things like Saba, Thayer Coggin and Younger – at a lesser price point – in the same place”.  

“Our vision is to always remain a stable, reliable, and positive force in the lives of our community and the people who choose to work with us”.

To highlight the impact of the people behind the brand,  the company name evolved from simply Younger to the current Younger + Co. They proudly craft high quality custom-made furniture built by hand from start to finish in their factory located in Thomasville, North Carolina. The soft modern designs are made to be easy to live with for the long-haul – no floof that get’s frumpy over time or fussy high maintenance fabrics either. “For those in the furniture business, you can look at Younger + Co and still see the traditional influence of Thayer Coggin” says Moldenhauer. 

“We put just as much thought and care into the craftsmanship of the inside of our furniture as we do the outside”.

The Younger + Co factory is intentional about keeping their story domestic – sourcing everything from within 80 miles. “We have metal parts we could easily import” explains Moldenhauer, “but we choose not to. We pay a little more for them, but they’re made ~4-5 miles down the street. We do our best to support our local craftspeople”. While keeping it local, they also keep their prices affordable. Their built-in quality is every bit equal to (and sometimes better than) what you’ll find in much higher priced pieces. Keeping things local and affordable is righteous cause most folks can get behind, but many manufacturers fall short of doing both. So we asked how they do it.  “We keep our price points low and overhead lean by: Not having sales reps, keeping a select number of quality fabrics, finishes and cushion options” responded Moldenhauer.

Given the current COVID-19 circumstances, the design, manufacturing, and furniture industry as a whole has been disrupted. When asked how Younger + Co is navigating the storm, Modenhauer explains they are “taking heavy precautions and waiting it out just like everyone else”. However, “keeping things local and domestic for our business is a huge priority – more than ever” he says. As far as when the dust settles, “We’re excited to watch everyone rally and come back together and become even stronger from this situation. Not just on a community level, but across the states and globally” Modenhauer says. 

As far as excitement goes from a product standpoint, Modenhauer makes a plug that Younger + Co has been seeing more people respond to things with more shape. “We’re excited to explore things with more shape – beyond your basic track arm sofa” he says. Lastly, Modenhauer adds “I’m excited to see what is next for Meredith – I can’t wait see what the next 10 years bring for her and her creativity. Same goes to Abby [The Architect’s Wife]. Abby is one of the people we point to all the time as an aspirational source – not only as a human but her store, and the work she creates”.

As for The Architect’s Wife, we’re excited to continue working with Younger + Co and share more of their pieces with our community. Stay tuned!

Hello from the sofa. Now that the Tiger King Docuseries is over, The Architect’s Wife brings you a curated mid-week pick-me-up of movies, documentaries, classes, and more. The compiled list below features some timeless classics and hopefully some gems you have yet to see. There are even some stories sprinkled throughout from folks within our community! Many options are free and for a few bucks rental option are aplenty (it’ll be worth your while – promise). We hope you’ll join us on our mission to stay in/spired – even if it’s from the couch. Let us know what you’d like to see from us next week by joining the conversation here.

SIGN PAINTERS

Featuring interviews with more than two dozen artists from across the United States, “Sign Painters” is the first film to explore the history of the time-honored craft of sign painting. Documenting these dedicated practitioners, their methods, and their appreciation for quality and craftsmanship, the film profiles sign painters young and old, revealing the growing renaissance in the trade.

KELLY WEARSTLER TEACHES INTERIOR DESIGN

Eclectic and experiential, Kelly Wearstler’s style helped redefine modern American design and influenced the rise of designer hotels. Now the award-winning designer takes you behind the scenes to demystify interior design. Make any space feel larger, and choose colors, materials, and textures with confidence. Curate collections of art and objects, cultivate your own distinct style, and create spaces that tell a story.

DESIGN CANADA

Design Canada is the first documentary chronicling the history of Canadian graphic design and how it shaped a nation and its people. What defines a national identity, is it an anthem? A flag? Is it a logo or icon? How do these elements shape who we are? In the 60s and 70s, these questions were answered by an innovative group of Canadian designers, who used design to unify the nation.

JIMMY CHIN TEACHES ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Jimmy Chin has built his career taking photos at the top of the world, earning him the cover of National Geographic and multiple awards. Now he’s taking you on location to teach you techniques for capturing breathtaking shots. In his photography class, learn different creative approaches for commercial shoots, editorial spreads, and passion projects. Gather the gear—and the perspective—to bring your photography to new heights.

ABSTRACT – THE ART OF DESIGN

Step inside the minds of the most innovative designers in a variety of disciplines and learn how design impacts every aspect of life. Starring: Olafur Eliasson, Neri Oxman, Ruth E. Carter

LOGO DESIGN WITH DRAPLIN: SECRETS OF SHAPE, TYPE & COLOR

Join more than 20,000 Skillshare students to learn logo design from Aaron Draplin! These smart, entertaining lessons are jam-packed with advice and Adobe Illustrator demos so you can refine your work with shapes, type, and color — and gain core design skills for every logo and branding project.

HELVETICA

Changing the world, one letter at a time… Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. It looks at the proliferation of one typeface (which will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2007) as part of a larger conversation about the way type affects our lives.

“Linotype: The Film” is a feature-length documentary centered around the Linotype type casting machine. Called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by Thomas Edison, it revolutionized printing and society. The film tells the charming and emotional story of the people connected to the Linotype and how it impacted the world.

CHARGED – THE EDUARDO GARCIA STORY

Charged is a feature length documentary film. In 2011, Chef Eduardo Garcia was shocked with 2400 volts of electricity in a freak incident deep in Montana’s backcountry. Near death, alone and miles from help, Eduardo got up and took his first step towards what would ultimately be years of recovery and rehabilitation.

WHY MAN CREATES 

Why Man Creates focuses on the creative process and the different approaches taken to that process. It is divided into eight sections: The Edifice, Fooling Around, The Process, Judgment, A Parable, Digression, The Search, and The Mark. In 2002, this film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

GRAPHIC MEANS

It’s been roughly 30 years since the desktop computer revolutionized the way the graphic design industry works. For decades before that, it was the hands of industrious workers, and various ingenious machines and tools that brought type and image together on meticulously prepared paste-up boards, before they were sent to the printer. Graphic Means, explores graphic design production of the 1950s through the 1990s—from linecaster to photocomposition, and from paste-up to PDF.

Productivity Habits That Stick: Using Time Theming 

Join Productivityist founder Mike Vardy as he shares how creating a simple, flexible, durable productivity system will transform the way you work. Whether you’re a freelancer balancing multiple gigs or a 9-5er with a calendar full of meetings, this class will give you the tools you need to create helpful habits for work and home that will actually stick. You’ll learn to:

• Time-theme your days to work more efficiently
• Create daily routines to simplify your workflow
• Utilize tools like Todoist to support your daily goals

After taking this class, you’ll have an arsenal of strategies to personalize your productivity and ensure you’re getting the right things done, freeing time and energy so you can focus on the things that matter.

The Science of Well-Being – Offered by Yale 

In this course you will engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits. As preparation for these tasks, Professor Laurie Santos reveals misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change. You will ultimately be prepared to successfully incorporate a specific wellness activity into your life.

Share your favorites with AW below!

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” 

Henry Miller says it well. Travel teaches one all sorts of things, not the least of which is to look at the world in a different way. The same is true in design – it’s a way of looking at the world around you (kinda like getting fresh pair of spectacles). The two have a lot in common, which means that it’s easy to take lessons from one and apply them to the other. 

Here, our team share favorite destinations, tidbits of meaningful moments, and how their out-of-bounds experiences have influenced the way they see things in one way or another. 

Note: As a team based in Bozeman, Montana, we have been hunkered down for the long winter and currently experiencing spring fever. We hope you can daydream along with us here…

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Q. Where are your favorite places to travel?

Jeana: Small urban villages that have a lot of history, where people have been living for centuries. On the flip side, wild landscapes that makes a person feel like a grain of sand.

Hillary: Italy! The culture, lifestyle, and people are all wonderful!! 

Allison: Southern Utah; the landscape is foreign and beautiful. Such a change from the lush mountains of Montana, but striking in its own way.

Chelle: Pack the car and road trip! Best part is spontaneous stops and making memories along the way.

Courtney: Deutschland! I love the the spectrum of architecture you can find there – every major European style from Roman to Postmodern is represented. Visiting the The Bauhaus School in Dessau, Germany, the primary place where the movement took form will always stick with me.

Q.What are three items you must travel with?

Jeana: My sketchbook, running shoes, and comfortable clothes so I can be on the move all day!

Hillary: Face wipes, phone charger, wet ones!

Allison: Running shoes, sunglasses, and a book

Chelle: Camera, sunscreen and snacks

Courtney: Sour patch kids, phone [camera/maps], and big book

Q. What is one interesting or exotic find that you’ve stumbled across (or something you’ve done) while traveling that you’re particularly proud of?

Jeana: A hand woven wall hanging from Guatemala. Not the most exotic but it’s beautiful and reminds me of the amazing place it came from and the people I was with.

Allison: I’m always trying to find the best hole in the wall restaurant or bar – always rewarding when you find the funky hidden gems – the best ‘local secret’ dim sum joint, cocktail bar, etc.

Chelle: Living in London for 6 months during a study abroad program really opened my eyes to the excitement and curiosity of travel and exploring other cultures.  The classes we took were hands on and taught by industry professionals – which allowed us to be immersed on a whole new level, outside of the textbook.  One class in particular was on Museums. Taking the time to appreciate not only the history but what it meant to be there current day – the architecture, the stories behind the exhibits and the feeling it created.  There were no tests at the end, only requirement was to always have a notebook on hand and sketch your way through the journey! 

Courtney: I discovered my ’79 International Scout II in Anza, California. I had never driven a twin-shifter before, but somehow made it back to Montana. Proud or foolish? Not sure. Nonetheless, my Scout is dear to me because these vintage 4x4s have a way of becoming catalysts of connection to our past, to others, and to great adventures.

Q. How does travel change the way you think about design?

Jeana: Traveling brings empathy. It makes you acutely aware of what is not’normal’, but to others is essential to their life. It teaches you to first and foremost listen and observe before interjecting with your personal biases and preferences.-

Hillary: Inspiration is everywhere. I love seeing the world and seeing design influences throughout. I remember seeing a smart car for the first time in Belgium and realizing how they really are necessary for crowded old cities! 

Allison: We are so privileged to be able to travel to keep up on design; the AHI team went to NYC this fall for market, and while the show was great, it was the showrooms in Soho, the Whitney Museum, the art galleries exhibitions, the hotels and restaurants that we visited that really allowed us to see what is happening in design. While we love Montana, it is so important to look up from the day-to-day and see the bigger picture; make sure you are informed of design trends passing through Europe and larger cities. Abby, particularly, has an amazing ability to know what design is coming out of Europe, and translate it into a palatable application in the states.

While we love Montana, it is so important to look up from the day-to-day and see the bigger picture; make sure you are informed of design trends passing through Europe and larger cities.

Chelle: Travel should be about slowing down, engaging and appreciating, rather than rushing to do and see everything. I have to remind myself of this as I never want to miss out on anything. Taking the time to look at your surroundings and immerse yourself if only temporary allows you to see things from a different perspective. From holding a hand thrown coffee cup at the diner on the corner, to the intricacy of the doorway of the hotel, slow down and keep your eyes open!

Courtney: A lot of times when you start out on a trip, you want to know as much as possible —  where you’re going to go, what you’re going to do and when. But sometimes the best experiences come out of the spontaneous, or when you don’t know something. Trying something new can invigorate your design, expand your skill set, and give you a reason to collaborate with the design community — ask for help if you need it! But take the calculated risk.

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We hope that you can use the traveler + designer mentality to expand your life. It will change the way you think and improve awareness of your surroundings in a new way. Hetherington, and her team at Abby Hetherington Interiors, are constantly sourcing pieces from auctions, contemporary artists, antique fairs, and exclusive European retailers. Meet the rest of the team.

AW tunes for you 🖤