11.12.21 | DIGS.NET 31
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P R O F I L E | L AU N
"We work with metal (primarily aluminum because it is weather-re-
sistant), stone and terrazzo as they are all usable both indoors
and out," say Bullock and Purnell. "Our pieces are fabricated in
Los Angeles by independent producers. We have a huge network
of manufacturers and we work to find those with the best quality."
Drawing their inspiration from the city in which they are based and
the California region —through its flora, fauna, light and colors of
the natural landscape — the founders want to create timeless,
heirloom quality furniture. The eclecticism of Los Angeles in terms
of architecture and design fascinates Bullock and Purnell, nurtur-
ing their imagination endlessly. "You can have a 1800s Queen
Anne-style home next to a Tudor revival next to a postmodern
white box," they describe. "It makes for a feast for the eye."
Among their creations are the Bobbin chair and bench made of a
series of bolsters threaded between two aluminum rails that refer
to the waves of the Pacific Ocean; the Ribbon chair, lounge chair,
and stool with layered tubes stacked together, allowing for many
different combinations of forms; the Chord daybed, which echoes
the monumental architecture of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the
Angels in a much smaller scale; the Muhly table, whose name
comes from a native California grass present in the San Bernardino
Mountains and the Huntington Library Botanical Gardens which
Bullock and Purnell visit frequently; the DeMille chair, lounge chair,
and sofa, which are an ode to the LA's Hollywood Regency era;
the Confetti planter and table in terrazzo, which evoke the classic
shapes of midcentury poolside furniture; and the Bacall chair,
which was designed as a tribute to LA's Victorian past.
Especially now (following the pandemic), having an alfresco
space at home has become essential for many people, ensuring
a bright future for LAUN. Case in point: The team will showcase a
few objects inspired by the work of Octavia Butler during the 2021
edition of INTRO / LA at the end of October; additionally, several
of the team's larger projects will soon be completed. "The majority
of our upcoming architecture projects are on the east side of Los
Angeles (Silverlake, Los Feliz, Pasadena)," Bullock and Purnell
say. "They are primarily additions and remodels. We love working
to enhance the distinct character of each home."
launlosangeles.com
