Dress Code
DOWNTOWN WITH
NICK POEArchitectural designer, visual artist and restaurateur Nick Poe grew up in NYC, a short
walk from where he now lives and works near Bowery. He took us (and his dog, Fido) to a few of the supply shops he relies on to create his utilitarian design aesthetic, which can be seen everywhere from restaurants to private residences to gallery shows.NOVEMBER
2022
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I’ve always had a fascination with vacant spaces and lofts,
even before I got into design work. I would set up viewings to get into the buildings and take photos, and built up a collection of images. In New York, space is the ultimate luxury, and lofts are a celebration of space and openness.“

Q+A
WITH NICK POE
How does light factor into your design sensibility?
NP: I think a lot about ways to bring natural light into spaces. There are ways to do it with mirrors and reflective surfaces to channel light down like shafts. Growing up in a loft with skylights really influenced me.
Any tips on how to make a room feel more open and spacious?
NP: Mirrors go a long way—in the right location it really works. We have a mirror next to a window at our restaurant, and mirrors between the windows and ceiling to extend the space. White or off-white ceilings and walls make a space feel bigger in residential settings. I usually prefer a darker floor for a more grounded feel.
Tell us your feelings about light fixtures.
NP: It’s really hard to get a good one! I use standard porcelain light fixtures all the time because they’re inexpensive and inoffensive. I always use dimmers—I like the antique European look of push-button dimmers which also give you a lot of control over the brightness. I’ve been thinking about the graphic designer Tibor Kalman—he had a philosophy of “high or low but not in between,” and that’s how I approach lighting.
„
In design, like in many industries, it’s about how you make
something—not the cost. There’s a whole world of inexpensive materials that are really beautiful. It’s a celebration of resourcefulness that shows there doesn’t have to be a correlation between high quality and a high price.“
SHOP NICK’S LOOKS
Wallace & Barnes wool-blend work jacket with PrimaLoft®
Classic Straight-fit jean
Heritage 14 oz. fleece hoodie
Nordic sherpa fleece jacket in paisley
New Balance® 2002R sneakers
Wallace & Barnes terrain cargo pant
Franconia parka with PrimaLoft
Heritage 14 oz. fleece sweatshirt
Ludlow topcoat in Irish wool herringbone
Follow @nicktpoe
on Instagram