Justin Chung

Justin Chung was in graduate school, preparing for a career in public health, when he had a change of heart and packed his bags for New York to pursue photography. Since his relocation and career change, Chung has worked on campaigns for Ovadia & Sons, Bonobos, J.Crew, Club Monaco and shot editorial features for magazines including GQ, Cereal Magazine, Kinfolk, and The Line. While on assignment, Chung has had the opportunity to meet many creative people, who have become subjects in his new self-published book, Faculty Department. One of those individuals is Knoll’s first designer Jens Risom, who, at 98, remains alive and well today.

We sat down with Chung to discuss the book and the time he spent with Risom at the designer’s house in New Canaan, Connecticut. 

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Jens Risom at his home in New Canaan, Connecticut. Photograph by Justin Chung.

“My interests in design developed as I continued to take photographs.”

—Justin Chung

KNOLL INSPIRATION: When did you discover your interest in design?

Justin Chung: My interests in design developed as I continued to take photographs. In my photography, my aim is to keep things as natural and honest as possible, and I enjoyed researching environments with designs that complement and reinforce that feeling and approach.

Moodboard for Faculty Department. Photograph by Justin Chung.

Can you briefly explain the concept behind Faculty Department and how the project came to fruition? 

Faculty Department started off as a personal diary of my travels and studio visits. I found that the people I’d gotten to meet throughout the world had a deep impact on me and I was often telling their stories to my friends and family back home. As a photographer, I thought that it would just be better to tell their story visually. The name “Faculty Department” came about quite organically, as an homage to the individuals within the book who’ve become my mentors, my faculty.

“I first came across Jens’ work not through his furniture design, but after discovering his summer home on Block Island.”

—Justin Chung

Jens Risom's Block Island House in New Shoreham, Rhode Island. Photograph by Justin Chung.

How did you get the opportunity to meet with Jens Risom? 

I first came across Jens’ work not through his furniture design, but after discovering his summer home on Block Island. I was completely inspired and thought that he would be the perfect subject for this book. I love his overall aesthetic and the functionality of his designs. After sharing his Block Island home among my friends, I eventually connected with his daughter, Helen, who helped arrange for me to meet with Jens. 

Jens Risom shown seated at his home in New Canaan, Connecticut. Photograph by Justin Chung.

Tell us about the time you spent with Risom in New Canaan.

I remember riding the train and jotting down as many questions as I could think of. Ironically, Jens was actually the one who asked all the questions—he was so curious about the book. He asked me why he was being featured in the book, how the book would get published. We spent a lot of time discussing his design process, and he shared some of the sketches that he’s worked on over the years. He explained his approach to creating design that lasts and stands the test of time. It was an incredible experience. I left our meeting intending to take a bit of his design philosophy and put it to use in my photography.

“I felt completely immersed in his perspective, from the paintings and ceramics that he’s collected over the years to his archive of design works. It was just amazing to see how his approach to design translates to how he lives.”

—Justin Chung

Details from Jens Risom's New Canaan residence. Photograph by Justin Chung.

What struck you about Risom’s lived-in environment during your shoot? 

Everything about the house impacted me, from seeing the natural light that beamed in throughout the day to sporadic details throughout the house. I suppose I was mostly struck by the rich life he has lived and how that’s manifest in his home. I felt completely immersed in his perspective, from the paintings and ceramics that he’s collected over the years to his archive of design works. It was just amazing to see how his approach to design translates to how he lives. 

Jens Risom at his home in New Canaan, Connecticut. Photograph by Justin Chung.

Can you explain why you chose Risom’s series as the closing chapter of Faculty Department?

Jens is one of my heroes. It was such an honor to include him in the book. He was actually one of the first people I gave the book to. I was very nervous, not only to hear his thoughts about his chapter, but also about the design and tactile feel of the book. It was an amazing experience to look through the entire book with him and see his hands placed over our photographs. He asked for multiple copies to give to his family, so I believe he enjoyed it!

“One of my favorite pieces is the Risom Lounge Chair, which I first saw in Jens’ house.”

—Justin Chung

A miniature model of the 650 Line Lounge Chair by Jens Risom. Photograph by Justin Chung.

Of Risom’s designs, which is your favorite?

One of my favorite pieces is the Risom Lounge Chair, which I first saw in Jens’ house.

Jens Risom's desk at his home in New Canaan, Connecticut. Photograph by Justin Chung.

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All images are courtesy of Justin Chung unless otherwise noted.