Felicia Hung and Nick Ozemba, longtime friends and the founders of lighting brand In Common With, discuss the origins of their business and their recently launched multiuse space, Quarters, in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood.
How did you two meet and establish In Common With?
Nick Ozemba: We like to joke that we’re design soulmates. We first crossed paths at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in the furniture design program and went our separate ways after graduation—I dove into interior architecture, while Felicia focused on product design. In 2018, we recognized our combined experiences really gave us the edge we needed to create something unique. We launched In Common With to blend meticulous, made-to-order craftsmanship with scalable manufacturing.
How has your vision for In Common With changed over the years?
Felicia Hung: For our first series of products, now our Core Collection, we took a systems-based approach. We purposefully chose components that could be shared across products, many of which are ADA-compliant, to streamline production and arrive at contract-friendly pricing.
As the studio grew, so did our interest in new materials and heritage techniques. We’ve partnered with like-minded artists and designers like Danny Kaplan and Sophie Lou Jacobsen to create collections that push our design language into new directions. We’ve been able to expand our category offerings to meet the various needs of our clients—from utilitarian sconces to scene-stealing chandeliers—and experiment in new mediums.
Where did the idea for your mixed-use concept, Quarters, originate?
NO: With Quarters, we wanted to create a space that really encourages creativity and collaboration. We drew inspiration from Tribeca’s rich artistic history and the experimental vibe of 1960s art spaces. Our idea was to blend craftsmanship and community in a way that feels both immersive and engaging. We took familiar concepts like showrooms, boutiques, and galleries and reimagined them to create something totally unique.
How did you decide on the space for Quarters?
FH: We’ve always been inspired by the participatory spirit of 1960s ad hoc art spaces, so it made sense to seize the opportunity when we found this space in Tribeca. Many of our industry peers are also located in and around the neighborhood now, so our location also makes client visits much more accessible. We will continue operating our studio in Gowanus, where we currently produce many of our products.
Quarters is described as ‘improvisational and alive.’ What makes it so dynamic?
NO: Quarters is designed to continuously evolve—from specialty boutique by day to event space by night. We are continually bringing in new collaborators and rotating pieces that are on display so every visit feels new. Guests can visit to flip through rare art books, purchase specialty pantry items, acquire fine art, or have a glass of wine. It’s an adaptable setting designed to function as a living storyline and world of its own.
How do you choose your collaborators?
NO: A part of the initial inspiration behind founding In Common With was to create opportunities to collaborate with artists and designers we admire. We are constantly seeking chances to work with people whose talents complement our own, allowing us to innovate and explore new ideas together. This passion for collaboration also inspired the inception of Quarters. Here, we showcase partnered collaborations and individual creatives we admire, from longtime friends to local emerging artists, ultimately growing our community.
You’ll be debuting a furniture collection at Quarters. What will the pieces be like?
FH: This is our first furniture collection, and we’re excited to branch out beyond lighting design. This new series includes a bed, desk, chair, shelf, and table, launching in the spring. There are a few select pieces that will debut this fall: a standing mirror, screen, and surface mounts, all featuring handpainted trompe l’oeil designs by the renowned Italian artist Claudio Bonuglia.
NO: We had Claudio come from Rome to New York City this past spring to work with us. His expertise in trompe l’oeil and marbling techniques is extraordinary. Besides creating the mural above the bar at Quarters, Claudio has handpainted these unique furniture pieces. Each one is a singular work of art, making them truly special and offering a rare chance to own a piece of Quarters’ creative vision.
What’s next?
NO: This fall, [we opened] the bar and lounge at Quarters, and we have several new collections and partnerships lined up for In Common With next year. We’re planning to refresh the space and update the designs on display every four months to keep things dynamic. Quarters will also be available as an event venue, offering more opportunities for collaboration with creative individuals and brands.
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