A Conversation with Douglas Friedman

Douglas Friedman is an acclaimed American photographer renowned for his striking and evocative images that capture the essence of luxury, architecture, and design. With a career spanning over two decades, Friedman has become a prominent figure in the world of visual arts, specializing in high-profile interior and lifestyle photography. As a new member of our Honorary Committee, Douglas joined us for a rapid-fire round of questions on his go-to source for discovering new markers and artists, what's next on his collecting horizon, and more.

Art + Design

Favorites 

If you could add one museum piece to your personal collection, what would it be?

Without a doubt, if I could add one museum piece to my collection, it would be three of the concrete pieces by Donald Judd that sit in a field on the outskirts of Marfa, Texas.

Which design era or movement most inspires you right now?

I really cant keep my eyes off of anything brutalist.

Who is an emerging artist or designer you think everyone should know?

I am a huge fan of Patrick Jacobs and Mike Diaz right now.

What’s a piece in your collection that always sparks conversation?

There is a piece in the collection, a large scale outdoor sculpture by Wendy Vanderbilt Lehman that makes everyone stop in their tracks.

If you could collaborate with any artist or designer, living or dead, who would it be?

I've already worked with my most favorite designer (Steven Gambrel), so I'll choose an artist...and it would be Pablo Picasso.

What’s your favorite space you’ve ever visited for its design or art alone?

Driving across the entire country of Qatar at sunset to see Richard Serra's East-West / West-East will go down as the single most incredible experience I've ever had to see art.

Lifestyle

What’s the first piece of art or design you ever purchased?

The first piece of real coveted design I ever purchased was a vintage chair by Pierre Chapo.

What’s your ideal weekend in New York City?

My ideal weekend in NYC, is getting out of NYC for a couple days in Brookhaven, Long Island.

Which design-related Instagram accounts or newsletters are your must-follows?

The one account I was addicted to, Design Within Copy, no longer exists. So now I follow this new generation of kids reporting on fashion, Nicky Bell being the best..but we will see how long he lasts...

What’s your go-to source for discovering new makers and artists

Im always digging through the new makers and artists on the Abask site. So many incredible things to find here.

If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing?

Probably waiting tables.

Plugs

What’s a project from the past year that pushed you creatively?

I have been designing a line of plasters and limewashes with Color Atelier that launches this fall and a a line of wool and silk rugs with Kyle Bunting that also launches this fall.

Which upcoming exhibition is on your must-see list?

Any opening at Ballroom Marfa is worth the trip into Far West Texas...

What’s next on your own creative or collecting horizon?

I really am looking forward to finding young artists that are just getting going. It's more exciting than the already discovered stuff.

Where can people see your work next?

I have a monograph coming out in the Fall of 2026. Everything over the last 20 years.