I am currently working on a project with the folks at
Authentic Designs. They are a small
company that produces exquisite bench-made lighting. From their humble facility located in a
former toothpick mill in West Rupert, Vermont, they craft reproduction and
interpretive fixtures that can be seen all over the world.
Michael Krauss & Maria Peragine |
Owners, Michael Krauss and Maria Peragine, are largely
responsible for the family culture that embodies everything they do. Maria’s quiet but strong business acumen is
well complimented by Michael’s ebullient enthusiasm for his trade. Michael is a second generation lighting
manufacturer. His father, Danny, grew
the business from a personal need for period lighting, and opened his first
shop on 61st Street and Lexington in New York City. Danny passed on to his son and
daughter-in-law a passion that is palpable.
Michael Turning a Chandelier Column |
Hearing Michael talk about the process, he could just as
well be choreographing a dance. Words
like turning, spinning and flaring are common to the language of his trade, and
he imparts them with enthusiasm. When
discussing a new idea, his eyes light up and he immediately visualizes the
process for bringing it to fruition.
Soldering a Copper Hood |
Striping on a Paint Lathe |
In an age where consumerism runs rampant, and
mass-production is the norm, it’s exciting to find a bastion of craft, where
the principals of good design come together with integrity of both physical and
moral grounds. Check them out at http://authenticdesigns.com/