Colby Murphy, an ex-Marine turned furniture designer, transforms his childhood passion for crafting into a thriving business, SouthLoft Crafted Concepts, where collaboration with clients is at the heart of his creative process.
Background Story
Murphy’s journey began in his father’s garage, where he explored building and metal fabrication. After serving six years in the Marine Corps, he pursued engineering and briefly worked as a bartender, all while his love for creating furniture simmered in the background. In 2016, he took a leap of faith, launching SouthLoft in Dallas to turn his hobby into a profession. “I wanted to see if I could sustain a living by creating income for myself and my family,” he reflects.
Design Process
At SouthLoft, collaboration is fundamental. Clients can personalize their furniture pieces-from tables to chairs-by choosing wood finishes and designs. Murphy emphasizes the importance of communication, often starting commissions with conversations to understand the client’s vision. “Sometimes we begin with just an idea from the client, so we experiment with shapes and styles throughout the design phase,” he explains. Utilizing online imagery and CAD software, Murphy and his team create original designs by merging inspirations, ensuring each piece aligns with the client’s desires.
Signature Creations
One standout piece that showcases Murphy’s artistic flair is the Parametric bench. He describes it as “living art,” blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. “It’s one of the most artistic pieces we’ve crafted; it was fun shaping it by hand,” he shares. In addition to unique creations, SouthLoft also produces traditional furniture for both commercial and residential projects.
Future Goals
SouthLoft is expanding into a new facility, three times larger than their current space, allowing for enhanced production capabilities and the introduction of new product lines. Murphy recognizes that success is a continuous journey filled with challenges. “Bad things happen every day. But overall, success is about knowing my team is supported and engaged in their work,” he says, reflecting on the artistic atmosphere he strives to maintain. Through collaboration and creativity, Murphy is not just building furniture but also a thriving community around shared visions.
Original source: Open the source
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