Donut
Donut Shop was founded in 2017 in Detroit by Ian Klipa and Jake Saphier. We became buds while attending University of Michigan’s design school and soon began building things together on weekends. Our work was often broken up by a trip to the local donut shop for some fried dough (and so the seed for Donut Shop was sowed).
In those days, we imagined having our own design studio where we could continue working together on these projects. After years of working various fabrication, engineering, and design jobs, we decided to take a chance and start a company of our own.
Our studio has grown and evolved since 2017. We’ve concentrated on developing product lines, made custom residential furniture, designed interior spaces, partnered with local businesses, produced lighting for hotels across the country, and taken on many other unexpected jobs. However, one thing remains constant: our desire to craft exciting, quality work and build long-lasting relationships with our clients.
Q&A with Donut
Where did you grow up? How did it influence you?
I grew up in NYC. It gave me a lot of freedom from a young age to explore the city. I had a lot of exposure to art and design from a young age.
What’s the most prized object you own? Why?
I have so many favorite objects, but a kitchen knife I made years ago it my favorite. Having a tool that I made that I get to use every day when I cook gives me a lot of pride and joy. It's powerful getting to make tools for daily use in your home.
In a world overflowing with objects, why continue making new things?
We are so separated from supply chains and production that being able to make things for people who will use them and know it's maker and story is important to me. If the things that we make, make a space feel more special to those who use them than I think that's a big win. There are so many spaces theses days that you can immediately feel the lifelessness upon entering.
What design movement, current or historic, do you think is the most overrated and why?
"Facebook Marketplace MCM", just because it's dark stained wood doesn't make it Mid-Century Modern.
What’s your favorite material to work with and why?
I primarily like working with wood. I like the smell, I like the feel, I like that it was a living thing, and I like how age and use transforms it.
Tell us about something that inspires you.
I find a lot of inspiration through photography. I like to use a camera lens to experiment with perspective and form which I can then translate into physical objects I create.
What would you do differently if you started your practice today?
Spend more time working alongside and learning from other people in our industry. Large and small.
Any advice for young designers?
Stay off Instagram. I feel like it sucks individual creative energy and makes everything homogeneous. Things take time and good designs are worth more than a post and a like.
Any regrets?
My one regret would be that I didn't get to work in many other shops before starting Donut Shop in order to learn from other craftsmen. Being self-taught has its merits, but there is so much to learn from other people too.
