Table & Tray, Designed by Mathew & John Silverio; Artisan, Cam Pierel
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| Designed by John b. Silverio Architect | Original Napkin Sketch |
John Silverio, AIA
Matthew Silverio
John B. Silverio Architect
The office of John Silverio - Architect is a small shingled building weathered into the landscape at the end of an old dirt road lined with fields and forests in Lincolnville, Maine. It is located on the land John moved to and built his home on in 1972. John's son, Matthew lives and works at this same location. The two hand-draw custom shingled cottage-style homes. John's designs hearken back to late 19th century shingle-style buildings common on the coast of Maine. He is known for his intimate scale and nesting of complex roofs on to well thought-out floor plans. Matthew's 10 years experience building custom homes, including some of his father's designs, adds a builder's point of view, to the construction documents. John and Matthew both lend an artistic eye to their clients' projects. Each is a graduate of respected art schools. John has a Bachelor of Architecture from Rhode Island School of Design and a talent for watercolor painting. Matthew has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Alfred University with a concentration in ceramics and wood. Together they design functional, esthetically pleasing, custom homes.
Architect's Statement
Thoughts on the Process:
When an architect envisions a piece of furniture they are often primarily concerned with form - how it looks. When a furniture craftsman contemplates a piece of furniture they are often concerned with the construction techniques and materials. How its made. So, to ask these two points of view to collaborate means that the architect needs to enter more deeply into the real world and the furniture craftsman needs to come up with new ways of doing things. It's healthy for both to stretch a little.
In our case, we used mock ups, detail studies, finish samples and grain selection to fine tune the design. Drawings are never enough.
With buildings, architects take a fuzzy, broad brush approach, aiming at a general overall impression. Not so with furniture. The most minute, close up, imperfection or missing of the mark is all too apparent. We exchange our binoculars for magnifying glasses.
Matthew Silverio
Thoughts on the Process:
Having three people involved in the design and building process always makes the evolution of a product different from any one persons intention. I think Cam, John and I all worked well as a team, each bringing our experience to the table. (pun intended) The size and shape are a product of John and I discussing needs, as the table is actually for our office. The tray was always an element of the design but quickly became a centerpiece that gives the table a more sculptural feel and speaks directly to the overall form. I think we were all surprised at how important it became. The three way discussion of material, joinery, and finish was an active one, but strongly focused on intent and form. Ultimately the transition from design to construction went very smoothly and I think we are all happy with the result. Cam did a great job with the final execution.
Matthew Silverio
Cam Pierel
Liberty Cabinet & Design, Inc.
Following an apprenticeship in the building trades through the 80's, a progression developed towards cabinetmaking and interior millwork. A keen interest in furniture and design has played a significant role throughout my career.
Education: B.S. Industrial Arts Education
Rhode Island College 1977
Artisan Statement
I have been familiar with Jack Silverio’s work as an architect since the early 90's. I have always enjoyed Jack’s work and was thrilled to be asked by Jack and Matthew to build their furniture design. The Silverios have been successful at incorporating their architectural designs, which are angular in nature, harmoniously into their natural settings. When presented with this table design, I was struck with the angular nature of the piece graphically.
The process of listening, interpreting, and developing the piece with the Silverios has convinced me all the more what masters they are at creating a “soft” and somehow subtle affect on the environment that their work occupies.
Cam Pierel
Liberty Cabinet & Design, Inc.
PO Box 133
Liberty, Me 04949