ADVERTISEMENT - GE Monogram - A Conversation on Craftsmanship

**GE Monogram Design Center: A Collaboration of Craftsmanship, Artistry, and Precision**

The GE Monogram Design Center in New York City recently hosted a discussion with three key figures in design and artistry: Chris Bissig, an industrial designer at GE Monogram Appliances; Timothy Whan, a renowned designer based in New York City; and Osa Cha, an artist who runs a decorative painting studio. The conversation revolved around the importance of quality, craftsmanship, and creativity in designing appliances that not only function well but also elevate the kitchen environment.

### Introduction to the Designers and Artists

Chris Bissig began by introducing himself as an industrial designer working on GE Monogram Appliances. He emphasized the importance of attention to detail and precision in creating appliances that make a statement from across the room, yet are refined when viewed up close. Timothy Whan, a designer based in New York City, shared his perspective on the collaboration between designers and artists in bringing designs to life. Osa Cha, an artist with a decorative painting studio, highlighted her approach to surface texture and finishes, drawing parallels between her work and abstract painting.

### The Design Process at GE Monogram

The discussion delved into the design process at GE Monogram Appliances. Chris Bissig explained that their focus is on creating appliances that are not standalone products but rather integral components of a kitchen environment. They emphasize understanding how these appliances will function in the space and then designing accordingly to ensure both practicality and beauty.

Timothy Whan added that their approach involves talking to kitchen designers and artists to understand how trends are evolving in home design. This collaborative process helps them identify the right materials and finishes that complement the overall aesthetic of the kitchen. Osa Cha shared her perspective on the importance of contrast and texture, noting her preference for pairing high-glass lacquer with something more chalky to create an interesting visual dynamic.

### Artistry and Craftsmanship in Design

The conversation highlighted the role of artistry in the design process. Osa Cha explained that her background in fine art influences her approach to surface texture and finish, treating each project as if it were an abstract painting. This artistic sensibility is evident in the finishes she creates for GE Monogram Appliances.

Chris Bissig reiterated the importance of attention to detail and quality craftsmanship in achieving the desired aesthetic. He emphasized that while the initial design may be his vision, it’s the execution by skilled artisans that brings it to life. The team at GE Monogram Appliances works closely with these artisans to ensure that every element is precise and refined.

### The Role of Materials and Craftsmanship

The discussion also touched on the materials used in designing appliances. Timothy Whan mentioned the use of high-quality glass lacquer, which offers a sleek and modern look, while Osa Cha prefers pairing it with textures like chalky finishes to add depth and contrast. The team’s focus is on creating surfaces that are not only visually appealing but also functional.

Chris Bissig highlighted the importance of working with materials that can stand the test of time while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. He emphasized that the quality of materials and the craftsmanship involved in their fabrication are what set GE Monogram Appliances apart from other brands.

### The Italian Fabrication Process

The conversation also revealed the meticulous fabrication process behind GE Monogram Appliances. Chris Bissig explained that many of their appliances, particularly the hoods, undergo a detailed hand-fabrication process in Italy. This involves welding seams and joinery with precision, ensuring that every element is not only functional but also visually stunning.

Timothy Whan appreciated the balance between industrial utilitarianism and handcrafted quality. He noted that this attention to detail is what makes GE Monogram Appliances stand out. Osa Cha echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that it’s the combination of practicality and artistry that makes their designs truly special.

### Conclusion

The discussion at the GE Monogram Design Center highlighted the importance of collaboration between designers, artists, and artisans in creating appliances that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The team’s focus on quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail ensures that their products make a statement in any kitchen environment. As they continue to evolve with changing design trends, GE Monogram Appliances remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in home design.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enmy name is Chris bissig I'm an industrial designer and I work on GE Monogram appliances my name is Timothy whan I'm a designer in New York City my name is Osa cha and I'm an artist and I have a decorative painting studio in La Island City Tim and is Mundo thank you very much for joining us at the GE Monogram Design Center here in New York we really emphasize quality and craft ship for all of our appliances we try to make sure that they have a certain presence from across the room when the user gets close those elements have to be very refined and very precise for me it's all in the details and I rely on People Like Us Munda to execute my vision I've always felt that I have to kind of get inside the designer's mind I have to be able to create what he's envisioning we're really interested in the kitchen environment we know that our plantas aren't Standalone products they have to work with what the kitchen designer wants to do I focus on practicalities how is this space going to function once I've determined that then I can create Beauty our process starts with talking to kitchen designers and talking to artists to kind of understand how trans are evolving in the home and then looking at the materials that we want to use for me it's all about the contrast and what's going to be set against the appliances in the kitchen right now I'm using a lot of high glass lacquer which pund the myat but then I like to pair it with something a little chalkier I like the different textures I studied painting Fine Art and I approach everything that I do the same way surface texture and it's like an abstract painting when I do these finishes we just like to create and that's what we do stainless steel has been popular in the kitchen for quite a while now the Assembly of our hoods and the Hand fabrication that goes into them is all done in Italy all the seams and all the joinery where Services come together are welded by Artisans I like that the industrial utilitarian function but also that quality of being hand finished cuz that's what makes the difference to me it's our attention to detail and the quality of our workmy name is Chris bissig I'm an industrial designer and I work on GE Monogram appliances my name is Timothy whan I'm a designer in New York City my name is Osa cha and I'm an artist and I have a decorative painting studio in La Island City Tim and is Mundo thank you very much for joining us at the GE Monogram Design Center here in New York we really emphasize quality and craft ship for all of our appliances we try to make sure that they have a certain presence from across the room when the user gets close those elements have to be very refined and very precise for me it's all in the details and I rely on People Like Us Munda to execute my vision I've always felt that I have to kind of get inside the designer's mind I have to be able to create what he's envisioning we're really interested in the kitchen environment we know that our plantas aren't Standalone products they have to work with what the kitchen designer wants to do I focus on practicalities how is this space going to function once I've determined that then I can create Beauty our process starts with talking to kitchen designers and talking to artists to kind of understand how trans are evolving in the home and then looking at the materials that we want to use for me it's all about the contrast and what's going to be set against the appliances in the kitchen right now I'm using a lot of high glass lacquer which pund the myat but then I like to pair it with something a little chalkier I like the different textures I studied painting Fine Art and I approach everything that I do the same way surface texture and it's like an abstract painting when I do these finishes we just like to create and that's what we do stainless steel has been popular in the kitchen for quite a while now the Assembly of our hoods and the Hand fabrication that goes into them is all done in Italy all the seams and all the joinery where Services come together are welded by Artisans I like that the industrial utilitarian function but also that quality of being hand finished cuz that's what makes the difference to me it's our attention to detail and the quality of our work\n"