Dena Smith and Sam McInnis of Opened Window
Discovering the process behind the Vancouver based design studio
For the latest edition of Designed to Last, I was fortunate enough to interview one of my favorite emerging design duos, Dena Smith and Sam McInnis.
Dena and Sam both have an educational background in design, and together they run Opened Window - a research and design practice based here in Vancouver.
I’ve known Sam for nearly a decade (from back when we both lived in Victoria), so this interview has truly been a long time in the making. It’s been incredibly inspiring to watch his creative process develop with his partner Dena, and I feel like their values truly align with those of Designed to Last.
When did you two meet? How did Opened Window start?
Dena: We met in 2016 and both gradually became interested in design. It felt like there was so much to explore so we both decided to move to Vancouver and go to design school in 2020. This is where we really saw our practice begin to take shape, understanding what we both value as people and how we can communicate that to others through our research and the things that we make. Opened Window is just in its beginning stages, but we feel very grateful for the time school gave us to really consider how we view the world and how we want to contribute to it.
Sam: It’s a personal thing for us, our interest in design grew from our broader interest in understanding ourselves and the world that we are exposed to. It continues to develop as we become more aware of the physical things that we want to keep nearby and the reasons why. Most of the time the reason is some kind of emotional response. Right now it feels just as much of a life project as it does a design practice.
How would you describe the ethos behind Opened Window?
D: Our ethos is about coming to understand the relationship between humans and the objects that they surround themselves with, moving away from a purely transactional view of material things. Rather than focusing solely on newness, we have an affinity for revisiting older ways of making and thinking, discovering ideas that still feel relevant and meaningful today.
S: To think about our belongings and the implications of our material world.
What is your working process like together?
D: Our working process is very research-based. We often think of something that interests us that is not necessarily part of the design world and we will take the time to learn about it. Sometimes this results in a physical object, other times it results in many tangents and talks between us, which we feel is just as important to our work. We concentrate a lot on the details, so naturally a lot of time is spent working through those details. Working with someone is a very rewarding experience, it forces you to become better at how you describe or translate your ideas into something that can make sense and resonate with another person.
S: It starts with looking back, looking forward, looking out, looking in. Images, text, emotions, observations. All of this is our definition of research. It’s never really planned out like that though, that’s just intuitively how it comes to be for us. I don’t think we have a recurring starting point, we just get really involved with an idea and try to let it take shape in whatever way feels right, refining as we go. Dena has so many ideas, she is a very inspiring person to be around.
Since graduating we have been working out of a co-op woodshop and gluing up in our living room. We don’t have a studio or shop of our own and we both have full time jobs outside of our design practice so things take time and happen rather slowly.
What projects are you currently working on?
S: We’re currently working on a furniture commission for sycamore, which is a new clothing store in Vancouver. They asked us to make a bench for their fitting room and a small side table for the showroom. We’re also beginning to work on a coffee table that doubles as storage for our own space.
How does your environment affect your work?
D: Environment is huge for us. We are both very interested in day-to-day living, so sometimes inspiration comes from very small details like a choice of pen, the way you choose to arrange the dishes in the cupboard, or something you see on a walk.
S: We are proponents for regional manufacturing and small scale production. Making things used to be inherently tied to your environment and as such objects had a sense of place. We admire objects that hold a sense of place and the people who make them in this way.
You sent over a few of your most cherished objects. Can you tell me a little more about each of them and what they mean to you?
Pair of Artek Chair 66 made in the late 1960’s (top left)
S: Besides being one of my favourite designs, these chairs are one of the objects I’ve had for the longest amount of time. I found them about 10 years ago on Craigslist. I’ve moved around with them and have always liked how they look and feel in the different apartments I’ve lived in. They’re old with heavy signs of use, they add a lot to a space.
Sori Yanagi bowl (top right)
S: Simply the best bowl for my taste. I’ve got a bunch all around the house. I use them for shaving, snacks, flowers, prepping food. When I get my first dog one will be used as a dog bowl.
Brass bell from Japan with a pebble inside (bottom left)
D: An antique brass bell from Japan with a small pebble inside. This was gifted to me and I instantly loved the patina and small details on the bottom of the bell.
Textured rock from Kinghorn, Scotland (bottom right)
D: I've always loved the rocky and pebble beaches I visited growing up on Vancouver Island, and they’re still something that brings me so much joy. This rock is from a recent trip to Kinghorn, a small seaside town in Scotland.
Who inspires you?
D: Andrea Zittel is someone who really inspired the way I view design; as something that can be all-encompassing to life. I am also continuously inspired by people (designer or not) who are thoughtful about the way they work. I think small details can transform any experience into something that is very memorable and I have always appreciated people that find beauty in that.
S: People who are doing things on a smaller scale with heart.
I've also been trying to read more physical print, right now I am reading Peter Zumthor’s Atmospheres and a book surveying Agnes Martin’s life edited by Frances Morris and Tiffany Bell, published by Tate in 2015.
I admire simplicity and it’s inspiring seeing the sensory and emotional weight that seemingly minimal work can carry.
Are there any projects you’re really excited about?
D: We’re really focused on making Opened Window into a place people can come to for simple objects or custom projects, so I think setting up the logistics of that is what we are most focused on at the moment. Most people know us through sharing images on the internet, which we are also excited to continue doing in new ways that include more of us and our personalities as well.
S: Yeah we’re working towards taking on more commission work and having a few made to order designs on offer. We’re excited to keep learning, questioning, and to speak honestly towards the things we care about through our work.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting Designed to Last. If you haven’t already, make sure to follow us on Instagram @designed.to.last and @nicholasroethel.
The Opened Window website is opened-window.com. Their Instagrams are @openedwindow, @denasmithh and @samuelmcinnis.