Wright Auction

With characteristic abandon, Marc Newson reveled in the technical and aesthetic challenge of designing a recording studio. Commissioned in 1996 by Simon le Bon, Yasmin la Bon and his friend, Nick Wood, Newson was just emerging as a dominant figure in the world of design.  “Up until that point I had been typecast as a ‘wacky’ young designer who was doing slightly crazy things, but at that moment, working with such a cutting edge and technically driven space, I had to really embrace the idea of working with particular areas of expertise that I didn’t really know anything about.” Syn Studios would go on to be a defining work by Newson, leading him to the technically oriented design for which he is famous.

Syn Studios. ©Nacása & Partners inc ®

In Syn Studios, Newson created a total environment, designing all aspects of the interior from furnishings to the floor. “Designing Syn recording studios in Tokyo, Japan was without doubt one of my most important interiors projects. It is truly unique, a one-off. Never done before and never to be done again.”

He took special pride in designing the executive desk for his friend and spared little in its beautiful construction and lacquered surface. The desk, with its spare black and white coloration, perforated elements and perfection of surface finish, is a tour-de-force of Newson design. It is the first of his furniture forms to feature radius curved edges, a now signature motif.

Syn Studios. ©Nacása & Partners inc ®

“It was designed for my best friend, I put a lot of extra effort into that place – more than I would have done for just about anyone else. It was at a moment in my career when I could devote such time. I could really labour over things and have fun. Designing one off pieces of furniture is a luxury that, as ridiculous as it sounds, I can rarely afford now.”