Leah Ring
Leah Ring
Interior Designer / Furniture Designer / Founder of Another Human
Atwater Village, Los Angeles, CA
www.anotherhuman.la
instagram @anotherhumandesign
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a commercial and residential interior designer and a designer of both functional and conceptual furniture and objects. ”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I've worked in the design industry for almost a decade - working between furniture and interiors and across industry sectors (commercial, residential, hospitality.) All of my experiences at different firms and in different cities helped me really hone in on the type of career I wanted for myself. In 2017 I launched my furniture and product design studio, Another Human, at the Sight Unseen OFFSITE show during New York Design Week and that part of my career has been organically growing since then.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
The thing that I love most about design is that there's something for everyone. So many designers that I think are super talented have aesthetic perspectives that don't align with mine, and I'm sure they would say the same about me! Interior design, especially residential design, is such a personal process so I think it's important for clients to really find a designer that they respect from a visual perspective and vibe with from a personality and working style perspective.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Right now I'm working on exciting commercial and residential interior design projects in New York and LA, as well as developing my new products that I'll release in 2020.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My product design work through Another Human is a strong representation my aesthetic - modern and sculptural, functional but very playful. I always hope that my designs convey a sense of joy. My biggest influences include the Memphis Group and outer space, among countless other things.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I wish I were better at outreach in terms of connecting with new potential clients. Right now because I'm one woman studio I don't really have much time to reach out to potential clients and/or brands that I'd like to collaborate with.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Just that there aren't enough hours in the day! Truthfully I've loved every party of starting my own studio (even the parts I haven't loved in the moment) because I've learned so much and to me as long as I'm learning and growing and pushing myself it's all worth it.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
There's a tremendous amount of logistical work involved in interior design as well as furniture design so having someone to help with those sort of tasks would be immensely helpful.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Just start! I think especially with my furniture design work I had it in my brain that I needed to wait until I could afford to prototype the type of work I had been sketching for years (which would cost a small fortune.) Eventually I reached a point where I was saved up a set sum of money and was like - what can I make with this that will represent my aesthetic and fulfill my need to create? You just have to start somewhere, even if it's small.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to talk to an expert about growing my brand and how to position myself to meet potential clients that understand and appreciate my aesthetic. Again this goes back to the self-promotion bit - I have so many ideas I'm dying to get out and I'm sure that there are clients that I could design for that would be a great fit!
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Interior design projects - small or large - would be totally welcome. Also through Another Human I create custom commissioned pieces for clients which are always fun, and I'd love to collaborate more with brands whether that's through a product collaboration, exhibition design, or some other creative output.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
Every client is different but I love working with clients who are open minded and excited about the process. Interior design is a very collaborative process and while it's my job to understand my client's needs and translate them into a space that is both functionally intelligent and aesthetically beautiful, I also learn so much from my clients along the way. I feel like creating a space can be an almost magical transformative process and having a client that's excited and engaged is so rewarding.
WHAT IS YOUR RATE?
Another Human products are priced depending on the piece. Interiors projects are priced either on an hourly rate or a flat fee structure, pending the scope of the project.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
As an interior designer I'm almost constantly doing design research - I find books to be one of the best sources of inspiration so you're not just looking at what's trending on the internet. I'm constantly listening to music and I try to sketch every night just to get an idea on the page. Also I think just living in LA is a constant source of inspiration - whether it's a concert of gallery or just the way the shadows of a bike rack look - this city is brimming with inspiration at every turn.
This member profile was originally published in May 2016, Updated September 2019.