Are you familiar with the L.A.-based accessories line, Building Block? Inspired by the concept of returning to “square one” and emphasizing functionality over excess, it’s one of our go-to brands for remarkable, yet usable, bags, wallets, and accessories. We chatted with Nancy and Kimberly Wu, the design duo behind the brand, covering their current obsessions, methods for staying calm amidst chaos and their favorite products.
Kimberly
What are 3 products you can’t live without?
A cast iron pan, tape measure and Yube brand chapstick.
Current book you’re reading, if not much of a reader, current song or album you’ve been listening to?
10:04: A Novel by Ben Lerner
If you weren’t a designer, what other occupation could you see yourself in?
Antiques dealer.
What keeps you stable during the chaos of your work?
Tidying up at home as a means of distraction.
Where is your favorite place to pass the time or take a break?
Currently, a walk through our Chinatown neighborhood. Sometimes stopping to get a boba at 3 p.m.
Nancy
What are 3 products you can’t live without?
Ritter Sport Milk Chocolate with Cornflakes, the Building Block coin dumpling and Vans Authentics.
Current book you’re reading, if not much of a reader, current song or album you’ve been listening to?
The Importance of Being Iceland by Eileen Myles
If you weren’t a designer, what other occupation could you see yourself in?
I’d work for Iwasaki Be-I, the biggest plastic food manufacturer in Japan. I'd love to make meticulous models of fake display food all day.
What keeps you stable during the chaos of your work?
An early morning walk by myself before heading to work keeps my mind in check. Instead of letting emails or social media immediately dictate the pace of the day, it's nice to give myself 30 minutes of empty space to just let my mind wander and remember how to think.
Where is your favorite place to pass the time or take a break?
Swimming off of Goff Cove in Laguna Beach.