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Dwayne Oyler
Partner, Oyler Wu Collaborative
Lineworks
Dwayne Oyler is an Architect based in Los Angeles, CA. He is a partner at the award winning architecture firm, Oyler Wu Collaborative, and teaches design studios at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc).
In 2004, Dwayne and Jenny established their architecture design firm that aims to challenge the typical vision of the built environment. Dwayne's design process often begins with a series of sketches. "Lineworks" is an ongoing series of drawings done by Dwayne in which he explores depth, perspective, and qualities of lines.
Below is our interview with Dwayne where he answers questions about his drawings and collaborations with LACE.
The Machina Collection
The Machina Collection is an exclusive 3D printed men's jewelry line featuring adjustability within an elevated machinic aesthetic. The collection consists of rings, chain necklace, and our very popular, Lineworks Bandana.
Machina Q & X Rings
Machina L Necklace
Lineworks Bandana
I think there are so few brands out there that balances beauty and technology so well. I think LACE is a brand that understands that technology, a commitment to ethical practices, and innovation say a lot about a brand, but at the end of the day, those virtues have to be balanced with beauty and elegance.
— Dwayne Oyler
Sketches:
-How long have you been drawing in your sketchbooks and how did you get started?
Some of my earliest memories are of drawing, it’s always been something that I loved. But I didn’t begin keeping a formal sketchbook until I was in college, and for most of that time, I’ve been a bit obsessive about having a consistent format.
- Why ink? And not pencil?
There is a finality to ink … the moment the pen hits the page, you have to be committed to it, and I find that to be productive. That doesn’t mean every line you drawn has to be right; rather it sets you on a course that requires improvisation and adaptation in order to move the decisions you’ve made in the right direction.
Collaboration:
-How are you and Jenny’s collaboration process different in working on pieces for LACE compared to working on an Oyler Wu project?
I think one of the beauties of the partnership between LACE and Oyler Wu is that the thinking isn’t so different. I think we both design in ways that aren’t specific to a scale, which gives the ability to constantly shift between scales of thinking - be it on a building, a body, a site, or a landscape.
-What is the best part of the collaboration process for you?
That one is easy, seeing a better result than I could have done on my own.
Process:
-Share with us your idea behind the Machina Collection?
Jewelry for men is a challenging design problem - because it is typically designed for someone who isn't afraid of expressing an affinity for beautiful things, or to someone who only wants to be seen as a badass. I think it’s possible to have both. The pieces we’ve designed together all combine a strong industrial quality, both materially and formally, but in ways that express the inherent beauty of that world.
Jewelry:
-What is it that you think makes LACE different than other brands?
I think there are so few brands out there that can say their work balances beauty and technology so well. I think LACE is a brand that understands that technology, a commitment to ethical practices, and innovation say a lot about a brand, but at the end of the day, those virtues have to be balanced with beauty and elegance.