New York Spaces: What does Juniper offer? What do you think separates it from other lighting design studios?
Shant Madjarian: We often repeat this very question to ourselves in group meetings. We would not be truthful if we claimed we knew exactly our vision and exactly what differentiates us from others. Most often we do things we like in a way that feels right. Trying to put a leash on it is futile. That said, the outcome of our efforts is a collection of highly characteristic lighting pieces. Each collection is highly conversational and a big part of that conversation is rooted in the product’s function. Our work is quite technical and precise. It is clear from our work that we approach problems starting with a blank sheet of paper. This is a very risky (often costly) strategy, but the results are being seen as complex and exciting.
That being said, we don’t see ourselves as pioneers. Brooklyn has exploded over the past five years as a center of design, and there are more than a handful of highly innovative and interesting lightning and design studios that we look up to. Everyone has their unique edge. It is an exciting time for the design industry.