Concept Object talk us through their design process and the speakers they built for our shop on Redchurch Street.

Made up of duo Jack and Maddie, Concept Object are a London studio upcycling vintage materials to produce objects of high quality sound. Putting together our flagship store on Redchurch Street, we asked Concept Object to cover the shop's sound. Here we catch up with them to talk about their craft, working as a duo and how they merge sustainability and sound.

Cheers for all your hard work, Maddie and Moolark. Can you talk us through Concept Object?

Concept Object started after hearing the valve radios that Madeleine's dad used to fix up in his shed. We hosted a listening evening with them; as designers, the reaction we got from these once unloved objects and the life they brought to the space was inspiring. Since that evening, we haven't stopped searching for new ideas that spark that feeling again. Collaborating with reclamation yards, sustainable manufacturing, artists, and independent makers to turn unwanted materials into conscious concepts and exclusive objects.

Can you talk us through the material used in the shop build? 

-The speakers came from Gentleman's club in Birmingham 

-The amplifier came from an old cinema in Lincolnshire    

-The plywood/timber was from a Hackney studio that used it for a one-off backdrop for a photoshoot. 

-The paint is from Lick; they have a great sustainable stance. 

Favourite/frustrating parts of the job?

Testing and breaking things, we put our objects into hard-working spaces where they need to perform for a long time. With components that can be old and unloved, we need to do lots of testing before installing, resulting in breakages and frustrating costs. But nothing beats bringing an unloved item back into an exclusive object. 

What do you think the essentials are for a happy and functional design team?

Knowing where your next project is coming from and ensuring you have enough sustainable stock to supply demand. It's hard to use reclaimed materials, as no objects are the same. When clients want another one, we start our search, an easy job if you buy from a factory in China. It worth it, though, as old audio has the most soul, and finding those treasures and bring them back from the brink is what gives our sound that extra life.  

Any other projects have you guys been involved with recently?

We are currently working with ceramics and timber made out of used face masks.

All-time weirdest piece you've made?

We made a prominent leather speaker that visualized your music as it played, a very niche market.  

Any dream clients?

Any client with an open mind and ambitious vision, we aspire to create spaces with the caliber of Spirtland and love the tactile narrative of Tom Tom Sachs' work. To quote Tom, "The reward for great work is more work."  

What's next for you guys?

We have various outside restaurant projects with everyone wanting to eat and keep safe this summer. Designing and delivering multiple mobile and modular outside systems; Like designing a mini-festival on wheels.

Cheers! 

Make sure to follow Concept Object on IG here