Oliver Pelle on the Long Game of Design

In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa and Fernando sit down with Oliver Pelle of New York City based lighting and design studio Pelle to talk about the long game of building a creative practice. From navigating the pressure to market yourself, to balancing originality with commercial viability, Oliver shares his perspective on what it really takes to sustain a design career over time. The conversation touches on the influence of social media, the importance of staying humble, and the reality of talent in a crowded field. He reflects on the role of trade shows, the evolution of marketing strategies, and the technical hurdles—like UL certification—that shape how design gets made and seen. With sharp insight and a deep understanding of the business behind the work, Oliver offers grounded advice for emerging designers trying to find their footing.

About Oliver:

Oliver Pelle is the co-founder of Pelle, a multidisciplinary design studio he runs with his partner Jean. Formed in 2011, the studio blends sculptural expression with technical precision—resulting in both iconic and one-of-a-kind works. Based in Brooklyn, New York the studio encompasses a fabrication workshop, research lab, and gallery space, allowing for continual ideation and evolution. Pelle’s work has been shown at MoMA, Design Miami/, and Salone del Mobile, and featured in Architectural Digest, Vogue, Wallpaper, and more.

Check out Pelle's work: https://pelledesigns.com/

Follow Pelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pelle______/