Picture a world where spaces are more than just structures; they're vibrant expressions of joy, empathy, and artistic ingenuity. Interior design firm Form + Field makes this vision a reality under the guidance of Principal Christine Lin.
In our exclusive Q&A, Christine shares her journey from the tech industry to the realm of interior design, Form + Field's unique design ethos, and her wisdom on sustainability and the seamless integration of tile. Keep reading for the full interview!
Meet Christine!
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and Form + Field?
I’m the Founder and Principal of Form + Field, a San Francisco-based interior design firm with a team of 8 women.
At Form + Field, our mission is to promote joy and well-being through the design of empathetic and creatively integrated interiors with an emphasis on art, architecture, and eclectic modernism. We take great pride in how our work is specific to a client and how it adapts to context.
Our design philosophy is centered around integration with the architecture and its surroundings and creating environments that feel balanced and have longevity. We place a high importance on understanding the client’s identity and way of life, embracing their unconventionalities, and creating a holistic design that factors in all of the senses.
Tile: 4x8 Mist | Design: Form & Field | Image: R. Brad Knipstein
When did you first become interested in design? How did you get your start?
I’ve had a lifelong penchant for arts and crafts and studied architecture in college, but became disillusioned with the field after doing an internship. Instead I went into tech, first as a mechanical engineer, then program manager, and finally product manager. When I was working as a software product manager at a startup, my husband (then boyfriend) bought a house in Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz. I thought it’d be a fun side project to design and manage the renovation and furnishings. The project began taking up all of my free time - I was spending about 20 hrs/week on it, and then it crept into my workday. That was the point when I knew I needed to find out how to transition into a full-time career as an interior designer. While still working in tech, I started taking on a couple clients to see if I would enjoy working for others and not just myself, and once I confirmed that, I quit my job. I haven’t looked back since!
Tile: 3x6 Peabody | Design: Form & Field | Image: R. Brad Knipstein
Can you tell me about your design process? What is your favorite part?
Our design process begins with an extensive questionnaire that helps our team learn as much as possible about our clients like their personal interests/hobbies, memories of their favorite interiors, etc. This serves as a jumping-off point to an iterative process that builds on itself - the clients are along for the journey and evolution of the design. How we think about the process can be summed up in a Venn diagram – one circle is what the client loves and requires for functionality while the other circle embodies what Form + Field loves and our design principles. Where the magic, and what I consider the best work, happens is in that tiny little overlap. We prioritize making every project truly unique and personalized for all of our clients.
Design: Form & Field | Image: R. Brad Knipstein
How would you describe your aesthetic?
My design aesthetic is eclectic modernism with an emphasis on architectural context.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from conversations with people who show extreme passion for their craft/art/work – not always relating to interior design. From there, I transfer that excitement and channel the energy into my own work.
Tile: Kite Lake Tahoe Matte | Design + Image: Form & Field
What are your 3 best design tips?
- Choose what you love and not what’s popular or broadly appealing - if you love it, you’ll have it forever.
- Finishes and furnishings are meant to be used - choose materials that will age beautifully.
- Consider every design decision in context - it’s about the overall experience.
Tile: 2x2 Cardamom | Design + Image: Form & Field
How do you factor sustainability into your designs?
Education is key when it comes to factoring sustainability in the design process. It’s not always possible to be 100% sustainable, but we always strive to figure out how to incorporate sustainability in products or processes for our clients. Whether it's sourcing materials from local shops, buying vintage, minimizing environmental impact by suggesting natural materials, or double checking tile counts to make sure there are no extreme overages, we do our best to prioritize sustainability wherever possible. In addition, we design for the long term, for what will endure as good design for years to come.
Design + Image: Form & Field
Why do you like using tile in your designs?
We love using tile because it’s a durable and low-maintenance material, and it’s a great way to add texture and color to a space. While most of our projects currently use tile where you would expect to use tile, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and fireplaces, I’d personally love to use more tile in furniture, full walls, and exteriors, etc.
Tile: Kite Lake Tahoe Matte | Design + Image: Form & Field
What made you want to work with Fireclay Tile? What do you love most about our tile?
First, we love supporting a local Bay Area company. What we love most about Fireclay Tile is the variety of colors and shapes, the great service we receive from their team, and also the focus on sustainability. A few months ago I was on a panel with Eric Edelson, the CEO of Fireclay Tile, and I was so impressed with the company’s rigor in measuring its impact and continuously improving processes.
Tile: 3x6 Peabody | Design: Form & Field | Image: R. Brad Knipstein
We’re swooning over the Menlo Park Primary Bath in Antique. What was the inspiration for this space?
Our concept for the project incorporated a lot of wood finish applications that feel quintessentially California. We wanted to bring that wood into the primary bathroom to create warmth and a spa-like atmosphere, and the high variation of the Antique tile was perfect for adding more depth to the space. The clients enjoy their tub soaking so it made sense to create a special space for that.
Tile: 2x2 + 2x6 Antique | Design + Image: Form & Field
What’s next for Form + Field? Any projects you’re excited about?
We’re excited to be working on a new construction multi-generational retreat in Kauai - our third project with these wonderful clients!
Design: Form & Field | Image: R. Brad Knipstein
Get your own eclectic modernist project started by bringing home five free color samples. Happy designing!