BY SARAH HEENAN
In 1991, when Amen couldn't find the perfect piece of furniture for a client, he decided to create his own. Fifteen years later, the impromptu solution has become a substantial part of his design business and a true passion. These days his designs can be seen, among other places, at Eleanor Tinsley Park, Allen Parkway and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Name of company: Kelly Gale Amen Design
Years in business: 34 years
Favorite materials to work with: Wool, stone and bronze
What types of furniture do you most often make? Functional surfaces, tables, benches
Describe your design style: My art furniture is simple - taper of leg, square at the knee, curved at the apron.functional on all accounts.
What are your influences? Nature, travel, people
Favorite architect: Frank Gehry
Favorite interior designer: Michael Taylor
What's the hippest place to buy furniture in town? Blue Bird Circle
If you had to furnish your house with furnishings from one time period, what would it be? The best and most unusual from each period
What do you enjoy most about furniture design? The ability to always stretch and grow
How can you be reached? Kelly Gale Amen Design, P.O. Box 66447, Houston, Texas 77266-6447, 713.522.1410