Top 10 Friday Five Posts of 2025
As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that creativity knows no bounds. From architects and designers to ceramists and storytellers, each of the ten voices featured in our Friday Five column has shared a unique perspective on the inspirations that shape their work.
Our Top Picks
Here are the top 10 most popular creatives featured in our Friday Five column from 2025:
10. Joya Nandurdikar Talks a Goddess, Fave Installation, Pipe Organ + More
Joya Nandurdikar grounds her design practice in India’s rich craft heritage, viewing creativity as both expression and cultural preservation. As cofounder of Untitled Design and later Furgonomics, she champions responsible luxury through deep collaboration with artisans, blending traditional techniques with contemporary form.
9. Elizabeth Graziolo Talks Door Knockers, Sunsets + More
Elizabeth Graziolo’s path to architecture began at Cooper Union, where her perspective – and career – aligned almost instantly. Mentored early on by Ann Kalla, she learned to translate theory into practice while navigating the profession as a woman.
8. Karim El-Ishmawi on Boston City Hall, Art Installations + More
Sparked by a mountainside home in Bavaria, Karim El-Ishmawi’s architectural curiosity began in childhood. Growing up in post-Wall East Berlin, he explored creativity through graffiti, film, and installations – an early prelude to his collaborative ethos.
7. Alex Matisse on a Wooden Ladle, His Father + More
Ceramist Alex Matisse grew up surrounded by artistic legacy yet forged his own path through clay, discovering early that making with his hands was his truest calling.
6. Amanda Leigh Talks the Flatiron Building, Staircases + More
Amanda Leigh’s path to design began early, shaped by a love of art, architecture, and service work that deepened her connection to the built environment.
5. Sam Sacks Talks Records, Spanish Cedar, Anthropomorphic Furniture + More
Sam Sacks’ path to interior design began in journalism, where years spent editing a shelter magazine became an unexpected education in architecture, decoration, and the language of living well.
4. Nathan Warkentin Talks Brown, the View From His Window + More
Nathan Warkentin’s creative trajectory – from photography to music – ultimately led him to interiors, a discipline he considers the most immersive form of expression.
3. Taran Wilkhu on a Wooden Bench, His Fave Color + More
Taran Wilkhu’s design journey began in the UK, where he honed his skills in architecture and interior design. Today, he runs his own practice, creating spaces that reflect his clients’ unique personalities.
2. Justin Chung Talks a Wooden Table, His Fave Book + More
Justin Chung’s path to design began in Los Angeles, where he worked as an architect before transitioning to interior design. He now runs his own practice, specializing in residential and hospitality projects.
1. Gavin Cater on a Wooden Chair, His Fave Restaurant + More
Gavin Cater’s design journey began in the UK, where he studied architecture and interior design. Today, he runs his own practice, creating spaces that reflect his clients’ unique needs and styles.
Each of these creatives has shared a unique perspective on the inspirations that shape their work, from traditional techniques to contemporary forms. Whether it’s a love of art, architecture, or service work, these designers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of design.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that creativity will continue to thrive in the details we treasure, the places that move us, and the stories we carry forward.
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