How Maya Bird-Murphy Built a Sanctuary for Design Activism
Mobile Makers has officially parked in a permanent home: a former semi-truck loading dock turned into a kid-friendly makerspace on Chicago's South Side. This isn’t a typical education space/office: Exposed systems and translucent walls show youth exactly how buildings work. From high-energy fabrication workshops to collaborative workspaces, this flexible industrial hub is a masterclass in design activism, where Maya is building a foundation for the next generation of architects.
"Designers will not be able to fight climate change or move the needle toward a more equitable world until we learn to authentically center love, care, and collectivism in our built environment work."
Photo by Loren Toney
—Architect and educator Maya Bird-Murphy, founder and designer of Mobile Makers Chicago
Mar Bar is a New, Chic Reason to Stay Out Late in Palm Beach
This speakeasy offers a fresh take on the town’s legendary glamour through the lens of NXN Studio. The space masterfully balances classic coastal influences with unexpected, modern layers that keep the atmosphere feeling vibrant. Featuring a sophisticated mix of warm textures and inviting curves, the interiors create an environment of relaxed luxury that encourages guests to linger. Mar Bar blends aspirational design with an approachable soul, making it feels like an instant classic that perfectly captures the unique magic of Palm Beach style.
Dinner, But Make It Art: Curate at Ellerman House
A new dining experience called Curate transforms the Ellerman House's Wine Gallery, designed by sculptor Angus Taylor, into an intimate stage for storytelling. Chef Kieran Whyte approaches South African cuisine with restraint and clarity, drawing inspiration from landscape, season, and local produce rather than nostalgia. The experience unfolds within a sculptural setting, designed by property co-owner Nell Harris—in collaboration with Natalie Haarhof of Just Design and Christoph Karl from Guideline Design—where art, architecture, and atmosphere quietly shape the meal.
Five Questions With Interior Designer Vishakha Joshi
A high school elective class got Vishakha Joshi hooked on interior design, and she never looked back. Now an interior designer at Abel Design Group’s Atlanta office, she’s known for her people-first mode of practice, shaped by curiosity, empathy, and intention. Vishakha believes good design lives in the details, values trusting the design process, and isn’t afraid to protect bold ideas—or to groove to a little Whitney or MJ to get her creative juices flowing.
To Protect & Serve: 6 Wonderful Wallcovering Looks
While vinyl continues to be an industry player due to its durability and cost efficiency, wood and other bio-based options are steadily eroding its dominance, as owners target LEED credits and lower embodied carbon. Crafted from materials such as recycled sneaker cork, cellulose composite, and post-consumer PET, these six new wallcoverings from Wolf-Gordon, Turf, Carnegie, Wall/Pepper, Submaterial, and Casalgrande Padana offer benefits beyond wall protection, including acoustics, green cred, and a range of unique artistic expressions for commercial interiors.
Sit, Stay, Work: Central Bark Redefines Inclusive Office Design
Explore Central Bark by DARRAN, a sophisticated office furniture solution designed by for service animals. Featuring PFAS-free fabrics and sound-dampening tech, this locally sourced unit proves that accessible, sustainable design can seamlessly integrate into professional environment.
Enjoy the Quiet With Sabin’s New Lighting System
A pendant that not only illuminates but also absorbs sound? Now that’s some double-duty design. That’s Layer, a new fixture by Sabin. The system’s simple geometric shapes made from post-consumer, recycled PET felt can take on any design mood or disappear quietly into the background.
ATRA Takes Manhattan: See the Studio’s New Experimental Gallery in NYC
ATRA just planted its flag in New York—and it’s not a typical gallery. ATRA FORM is part showroom, part research lab, and part immersive experiment, bringing the studio’s sculptural furniture into a whole new dimension.
Hotel Ancora Cortina Is Back in Time for The Olympics—and It’s Cooler Than Ever!
The historic hotel as been thoughtfully reimagined by Renzo Rosso, with interiors by Vicky Charles.
Colombian Furniture Maker Fango Takes on Deforestation
With the Ibuju collection, Fango reimagines furniture through an eco-conscious lens.
See Why Diageo's Gurgaon Office Cures the Sunday Scaries
M Moser Associates designed Diageo’s Gurgaon office with a community-first "distillery" aesthetic.
From Fishing Nets to Recycled Fibers: Aquafil’s Bespoke Collection
Fab 5 Interview With Interior Architect Christina Magrans
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The Comm Sheet celebrates the commercial design world while sparking community connection. Our twice-monthly newsletter delivers bite-size content—including insights from top designers; spotlights on new projects and innovative products; and deep dives into topics like neurodiversity, inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and democratization in design—all in a sharp, lively, easily digestible format.