Pfeifer Studio

A walk through Pfeifer Studio in the Nob Hill District of Albuquerque led me to contemplate the nature of modern design.  Design Director A.J. DeForest takes materials such as wood, leather, wool and stone, and transforms them into pieces indicative of a naturally modern lifestyle.  Albuquerque is no longer just about adobe and red chili, as DeForest's flagship store firmly implies.

Almost all the products you find in the studio and on the unique online shop are designed by DeForest and are made using traditional methods by artisans in countries such as India and Peru.  It is important to note that all of their products are socially sustainable, from the hand-woven hammocks to the leather totes.  In addition to their affordable, high-end designs available online and in the studio, they create custom pieces for retailers throughout the country.

 Pfeifer's collection of modern leather tables are hand made at a workshop in India. Each leather section is hand cut and outlined with a topstitch for added detail. These naturally tanned side tables are one of the most popular items of Pfeifer's collection.

 
A big "thank you" goes out to A.J. DeForest for taking time out of his busy afternoon to give me a tour of his studio and shop, and for demonstrating just how alive and well modern design is in the Southwest.