For the New York–based experimental designer, collaboration is second nature. Developing designs, images, and objects for both artistic and commercial clients daily, Ben Ganz is an expert at bringing out his partners’s vision through his own media, a skill no better seen than in his latest project with Swiss modular furniture designer USM. Taking on its iconic Haller system, Ganz has co-created a six-piece collection of contemporary, moveable storage units that reflect the brand’s commitment to innovation, as well as his own bold, cerebral style.

Sarah Powless: What are key factors for you for a successful collaboration? 

Ben Ganz: Mutual trust, respect, and a willingness to try new things.

SP: How do you strike the perfect balance between you and your partner when collaborating?

BG: It’s less about a perfect balance and more about finding common ground where you can work together, rather than against each other.

SP: How have past experiences affected your own work and creative processes?

BG: There is something to learn from every collaboration. The most important thing for me is figuring out how to protect your work from too many outside influences that you can’t control while remaining flexible enough to be able to adjust to things you can’t change. I choose collaborators who have qualities I don’t have, both conceptually and culturally. The collaboration with USM, for example, was one of the most challenging because of all the intricacies in the production process, but I also learned the most, and am most proud of it.

Above photography by Lucas Creighton and courtesy of the artist. Following images courtesy of PIN-UP HOME.

USM NYC by Ben Ganz is now available to shop at PIN–UP HOME. The complete collection can be seen at Design Miami from November 30 through December 4, 2022.