Commune (designers)

Commune is a Los Angeles-based design studio founded in 2004. Their firm focuses on architecture, interior design, graphic design, product design, and brand management. The firm, best known for the design of the Ace Hotel and Swim Club in Palm Springs, has designed residential, commercial and hospitality projects worldwide, a wide array of home and lifestyle products, as well as graphic and branding concepts for the fashion, arts and entertainment industries.

AbOUT

Founded by Roman Alonso, Steven Johanknecht, Pamela Shamshiri, and Roman Shamshiri, the studio is noted for its eclectic assemblages inspired by their surroundings and historical design movements, while adhering to a non-waste approach and appreciation for architectural preservation. Commune’s work has been featured in Architectural Digest (US, France), Vogue Living (Australia), House Beautiful, Elle Décor (US, Italy, UK), Vanity Fair, Casa Brutus, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Metropolis.

Commune’s design process focuses on “enhancing image though design.” They build a unique concept for each job, layering images, words and materials, which not only illustrate the space to be designed, but also create an identity for the entire project. The initial inspiration comes from the client. Partner Steven Johanknecht explains, “We don’t dictate a style. We call ourselves image therapists – you try to get inside the mind of a client so that the look comes together organically.” Thanks to the diversity of its partners’ and designers’ experiences, Commune’s projects draw from a wide variety of styles. The elements that remain constant are a devotion to what the partners call “pure form,” a non-waste design philosophy, and collaboration. “If there’s one Commune signature, it’s that we like to use materials that are raw, untampered-with, in their pure state,” says Pamela Shamshiri. “We strive to acquire pieces that look like our client’s collection, not like it was pulled together in six months”

Collaborations

Commune values the strength of the collective mind, and believes that authentic creativity and innovation come from working together and with other members of the community.

Since its inception, Commune has collaborated with California artists and craftsmen on a variety of projects including ceramicist Stan Bitters, sculptor Alma Allen, textile artist Tanya Aguiñiga and graphic artist and director Mike Mills.

Commune has collaborated with Heath Ceramics on the design of products, as well as the design of retail stores in Los Angeles and in San Francisco’s historic Ferry Building. Currently Commune is designing the interiors for a 60,000 square foot building that will house Heath’s tile production factory, as well as a retail store, café, gallery and showroom space.

Commune recently collaborated with Japanese company Landscape Products on Pop Tour 2012, creating a specialty tea blend and cookie recipe featuring California ingredients as well as a tote bag, an apron, and a series of thumbprint posters. 100% of the profits go to founder of Landscape Products, Shin Nakahara’s relief project for tsunami victims in Onagawa.

Commune’s unique line of products are direct results of their collaborations with designers and artisans such as Victoria Morris, ER Butler, Michael Schmidt, Simon & Niki Haas, Margo Victor, Monique Van Genderen and Alice Springs.

Notable Projects

Commercial

Ace Hotel and Swim Club, Palm Springs, CA, design of resort including architecture, landscaping, and interiors of hotel, restaurant, bar, and swim club (2009)
Alabama Chanin, Florence, AL, design of Brand Identity and website (2009)
Ammo, Los Angeles, CA, design of restaurant including furniture, identity program, uniforms, menu covers, and tabletop items (2004)
Barneys New York'', New York City, NY, development of retail and fixture design for the national rollout of CO/OP brand stores (2005)
Farmshop, Brentwood, CA, design of restaurant and market (2010)
Farmshop, Marin, CA, design of restaurant and market (2012 expected completion)
Heath Ceramics'', Los Angeles, CA, design of retail space and studio for ceramics manufacturer (2008)
Heath Ceramics, Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA, design of retail space for ceramics manufacturer (2008)
HBO Films, Santa Monica, CA, design of identity and branding (2008)
Hollywood Trading Company, Hollywood, CA, design of retail space, identity program and packaging for clothing and accessories store (2004)
Juicy Couture, Worldwide, design of retail stores worldwide including 12,000 square foot Fifth Avenue flagship in Manhattan, retail townhouse on Bruton Street in London (2005 – 08)
Kiki de Montparnasse, New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, design of flagship stores for luxury intimate apparel and [...] accessories (2006-2007)
Keds, Boston, MA, redesign of brand identity for American shoe brand (2009)
Manifest Equality, Los Angeles, CA, graphic identity and exhibition design for marriage equality initiative (2009)
Opening Ceremony, Tokyo, Japan, design of retail concept store for lifestyle brand (2009)
Oliver Peoples, Nationwide, design of retail store for eyewear company (2007–11)
The Standard Hotels, New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, redesign of spa and retail areas (2008 – 2011)
Stila, Los Angeles, California, design of brand identity and packaging for cosmetics company (2004-2006)
Undefeated, Los Angeles, CA and Las Vegas, NV, design of flagship retail stores for urban footwear company (2006-2007)