BMD Cribs: Chris Allen

Sunlight hitting wooden slates in the home of Chris Allen, BMD Creative Director
09.05.2022 – People

Chris Allen, BMD Creative Director, gives us a glimpse into his carefully curated home, book collection and his sketchbook process.

BMD Creative Director, Chris Allen, front foyer. A beige door that leads into a open space that is divided by a wooded slated panels
The privacy screen in the basement entrance not only allows light into the space but also acts as a partition between the main living area and the office.
“I designed the entrance! And my wife designed the sink!”

Originally intended as a seating area to put on one’s shoes quickly became a makeshift bookshelf.

A nook with books on a shelf that is photographed between the branches of a plant

A small sample of many books collected locally and abroad. From Japanese editorial design, to Tibor Tibor Kalman’s work for Colors, books contain infinite inspiration.

A row of books of varying heights

One of my first BMD designed books gifted to me by friend and BMD alumni Kelsey Blackwell. Ferus Gallery by Gagosian Gallery. 

BMD designed book sitting on a tiled surface

The small window provides varying types of light throughout the day to keep both myself and my cactus happy and healthy.

BMD Creative Director, Chris Allen, working at his at home office desk.
BMD Creative Director, Chris Allen, standing at his desk while reading
Standing and reading at the standup desk that never gets used as a stand up desk.
Sunlight hitting wooden slates in the home of Chris Allen, BMD Creative Director
Late afternoon light spills through the basement door and onto the oak privacy screen.
“Working it out on paper is not only faster, but the mental act of writing allows one to think through the ideas with more clarity.”
Overhead shot of desk with a laptop, notebook, pen, car keys, wallet and sunglasses.
This desk almost never looks this clean. An oak off cut from lumber used in the basement landing seat and steps makes the perfect landing pad for car keys, wallet and sunglasses.
Notebook page filled with doodles/sketches.
Working it out on paper is not only faster, but the mental act of writing allows one to think through the ideas with more clarity. Tinkering on the computer is great once you have the idea on paper.

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