Graves traces with pencil on yellow paper. Ideas go back and forth at the studio, are translated to computer and emerge ready for a manufacturer. We've been lucky. Michael is in such demand that there is never a shortage of invitations to design. Then it becomes a question of what is most interesting and profitable to do.
Brand is recognition of the integrity of the product, or lack of it.
The series was unveiled in 1983 and became a legendary traveling show. Other opportunities followed with prestige companies, including Swid Powell, which helped make architects cult heroes of the 1980s. A Biedermeier-like furniture collection was not a success. His message was always, 'I don't understand why this has to cost so much. The Washington Monument turned Graves into a democratic designer.