IN ESTABLISHING OUR HEADQUARTERS IN THE FORMER AMERICAN CAN FACTORY AT 1999 BRYANT STREET, WE HONOR OUR MANUFACTURING PAST AS WE CREATE A VEHICLE THAT RESHAPES THE CONTEXT BEHIND THE PRODUCT, PRESENTATION, AND MARKETING OF TODAY'S MOST COMPELLING WORK.

The ideas and dialogue present in the design process have not always been inclusive or approachable.
The NWBLK eliminates any barriers between maker and consumer, recognizing the intimate nature of this relationship, and revealing the person and process behind each product. Luxury is interaction.
Each of the designers we represent must first, create objects that inspire our design sense, and second, be people we want to know.
We were so inspired by our designers that we started filming our conversations to share with you.

This is a space where we can not only create, but build. We have the capacity to move from idea and design to production quickly with our in- house fabrication facility.
The NWBLK’s team and workshop are available for hire to the design community to prototype and build new concepts and ideas. We assist in the development, engineering, sourcing and production of new designs. Prototyping allows us to engage with a broader range of creatives and develop a larger potential pool of new product for licensing, production, and inclusion in our gallery. See the CRAFT page of the website for more information.

INCUBATE : THE INTENTION IS FOR THE NWBLK TO FACILITATE THE GROWTH OF THE CULTURAL ARCHITECTURE THAT DEFINES OUR GENERATION. BY OFFERING WORKSPACES FOR DESIGNERS, ARCHITECTS, DEVELOPERS, AND MAKERS TO COLLABORATE AND CONDUCT BUSINESS, WE RECOGNIZE THE SUM IS GREATER THAN THE PARTS.

More Bauhaus than Mid-Century

More Nevilson than Hirst

More Judd than Rococo

More Industrious than Industry

More Smiths than Springsteen

More Reich than Stravinsky

Founder and Creative Director, Steven Miller started Steven Miller Design Studio in 1999.
After starting his design career at the tender age of 8 in Winnetka, IL, he earned a degree in Interior Architecture from CCA (California College of the Arts.) He loves to paint the NWBLK in his spare time.

Development Director Bob Wilms is from Cupertino, CA. He’s lived in San Francisco for 7 years, writes and plays music, and pets David Taylor's cat. He does not like to paint the NWBLK in his spare time, but occasionally does out of necessity.

Production Director David Fredrickson got his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology from Lewis and Clark College and started Figureplant in 1998. He has a background in set design, but no longer attends Renaissance Fairs outside of his hometown of Portland, OR.