KLAD – Entertainment Design

Here at KLAD, we often live and work in a world of imagination. Our theatrical designs work in concert with the other production elements to tell a story.
Our work does not, however, spring soley from our imaginations. Our designs are a result of careful planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development.
Often, we find inspiration from unusual sources. One place we go is industrial design. Today, I was inspired to write this post when I glanced at our thermostat. We have a circular wall thermostat in our studio. Simple, clean, functional, that little thermostat has done its job quietly and effectively for well over 50 years.
This little circular wall thermostat was designed by Henry Drefuss in 1953, and is manufactured by Honeywell.
Mr. Drefuss began his design career in the theatre and produced over 250 stage sets.
Some of his other iconic designs include the 1949 model 500 desk phone, which was the most common model phone available for over 45 years. KLAD has one in case cell service and electricity go out. Drefuss also designed the princess phone – I remember feeling so grown up when my dad brought home my blue one, its probably still in my parent’s attic.
So many things we use, or have used in our lifetimes are the result of talented, dedicated industrial designers like Henry Drefuss. Take a look around, you may be surprised to see how many designer things you really have. Move away from looking at designer’s work as represented by furniture, fashion, fine art and the like. I do not yet own the Corbusier 1928 Pony Chaise Lounge that I covet, but I do own a few works by Henry Drefuss.

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