East Otis Studio

Q&A with Will and Emma of East Otis Studio


Where did you grow up? How did it influence you?

Will: Lancaster, PA.The blue collar, rural backdrop of my upbringing, compounded by being the youngest of five brothers, instilled hardwork, with a hands on mcgyver-esqu approach to making and working.

Emma: I grew up in the UK. There’s so much beauty in England. So much history, amazing artists, fashion and architecture. I think I have this aversion to things that are throw away momentary things and subconsciously I think that growing up in the UK influenced that.


What’s the most prized object you own? Why?

W: Our house, but technically the bank still owns most of it. It’s what allows us to run the studio (on our property) and it’s a true distillation of Emma and I’s vision, albeit in process (like 30 year process?)

E: This is hard… because there are a few things but my engagement and wedding ring. A close second my moms watch and my dads pocket watch.


In a world overflowing with objects, why continue making new things?

W: For the same reason people should continue to make new music and new paintings, because without creative expression, humanity devolves into decay and forced hierarchy. And also to make objects that last within a human space rather than a landfill.

E: This sounds so dramatic but I think my soul has to… sorry world.


What design movement, current or historic, do you think is the most overrated and why?

W: Mid century modern, because it’s boring Gloopy ceramics, because it looks easy.

E: Quiet luxury? I think it isn’t aging too well. Maybe it’s too easy to replicate?


What’s your favorite material to work with and why?

W: Someday I’ll have a different answer but for now the one that is the most rewarding is Leather and maybe Walnut wood because it does most of the work for you.

E: Osage, I love the vibrancy. It’s kind of annoying but I love it.


If you designed a chair describing your relationship with your father, what would it look like?

W: It would be a umbrella chair, with a large shade to keep you comfortable in the high heat of life, it would be rigid, with some hard angles, tall and wooden, not upholstered, no curves. But the chair would listen when you spoke to it, and it would have its own opinion without discounting yours.

E: Wow… um, Conflicted.


Tell us about something that inspires you.

W: My kids, Ants, Death Grips, pre 2020 Kanye, metalwork, stone masons, farmers, people that actually put in the work.

E: Travel, always. I think traveling and experiencing different cultures is the most inspiring.


What would you do differently if you started your practice today?

W: I’m not sure, every new day feels like I’m starting my practice.

E: I’m not really sure… I really try not to be shoulda woulda coulda but maybe got a publicist. Lol.


Any advice for young designers?

W: Get to know your community of designers, crew up, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Work really hard. Wake up before 6am. Always be ready to jump into the ditch and dig. Look dirty but smell nice. Remember who has power, and use it to your advantage.

E: I think it’s easy to give too much time for free when you’re first starting out especially with custom work but honesty up front with what you can do and a clear timeline and contract works in everyone’s favor. And if someone doesn’t want to pay for your time they probably don’t want to pay for your product.


Any regrets?

W: Being bad at adobe, the internet and emailing.

E: On the back of that, there was a sweet client who we had worked with before and it just ended up going south the second time around. I wish it hadn’t. I think some of that was us not being clear and coming off the back of a lot of people taking advantage of a small design studio and not wanting to pay for our time. So we really doubled down on that and wanting to protect ourselves. Maybe she was an honest client who wasn’t taking advantage but at the time it felt that way. Anyway, I wish we’d figured something out but we just ended up going our separate ways.


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