1 00:00:04,160 --> 00:00:07,040 - Anyone who knows me knows how much I love furniture. 2 00:00:07,059 --> 00:00:08,179 That's why I've created my very own 3 00:00:08,199 --> 00:00:10,039 furniture design competition. 4 00:00:10,060 --> 00:00:12,179 Hey! - Oh, my God. 5 00:00:12,199 --> 00:00:14,179 - I have found seven of the best, 6 00:00:14,199 --> 00:00:17,199 most talented up-and-coming designers in the country. 7 00:00:17,219 --> 00:00:20,070 They'll be working from their own hometowns 8 00:00:20,089 --> 00:00:22,100 in their own workshops. 9 00:00:22,120 --> 00:00:24,179 [dramatic music] 10 00:00:24,199 --> 00:00:27,140 And they get a helper of their choosing. 11 00:00:28,079 --> 00:00:29,170 Who's gonna help me find the winner? 12 00:00:29,190 --> 00:00:31,140 My dream team of judges, that's who. 13 00:00:31,160 --> 00:00:33,039 Award-winning contemporary artist 14 00:00:33,060 --> 00:00:35,210 and designer, Fernando Mastrangelo... 15 00:00:35,229 --> 00:00:38,060 - I can't say I'm a fan of this piece at all. 16 00:00:38,079 --> 00:00:41,140 - And celebrated interior designer, Brigette Romanek. 17 00:00:41,159 --> 00:00:44,219 - These are absolutely stunning. 18 00:00:45,000 --> 00:00:46,159 - And one of my dear friends, Scott Foley, 19 00:00:46,179 --> 00:00:49,130 who loves furniture design almost as much as I do. 20 00:00:49,149 --> 00:00:51,030 - Oh, yeah. 21 00:00:51,049 --> 00:00:53,039 - They'll only have a few days to create furniture magic 22 00:00:53,060 --> 00:00:55,020 before it's showtime in Los Angeles, 23 00:00:55,039 --> 00:00:57,130 where they'll be presenting their pieces to the judges. 24 00:00:57,149 --> 00:00:58,210 - All right, let's light it up. 25 00:00:58,229 --> 00:01:01,109 ♪ ♪ 26 00:01:01,130 --> 00:01:03,130 - As long as Scott doesn't break anything first. 27 00:01:03,149 --> 00:01:04,219 - I'm sorry. I won't break the-- 28 00:01:05,000 --> 00:01:06,140 oh, shoot. - Oh. 29 00:01:06,159 --> 00:01:08,109 - I literally said, "I won't break this one." 30 00:01:08,129 --> 00:01:10,069 - I mean, it's not gonna be easy. 31 00:01:10,090 --> 00:01:12,000 - You're gonna finish it your [bleep] self? 32 00:01:12,019 --> 00:01:13,170 - No problem. - You gotta be kidding me 33 00:01:13,189 --> 00:01:15,219 with this bullshit. 34 00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:20,039 - [cries] 35 00:01:21,189 --> 00:01:23,049 - But we'll also have some laughs. 36 00:01:23,069 --> 00:01:25,060 - I'm gonna get here. You step on my back. 37 00:01:25,079 --> 00:01:26,159 [laughter] 38 00:01:26,180 --> 00:01:28,200 This is happening? [laughter] 39 00:01:28,219 --> 00:01:31,159 - And we'll get to see some really cool furniture. 40 00:01:31,180 --> 00:01:33,079 I'm not looking for any old designer, 41 00:01:33,099 --> 00:01:36,000 I'm looking for my next great designer. 42 00:01:36,020 --> 00:01:39,200 I gotta go, 'cause the logo's gonna be here in three seconds. 43 00:01:39,219 --> 00:01:43,180 ♪ ♪ 44 00:01:43,200 --> 00:01:46,000 I told you. 45 00:01:48,000 --> 00:01:50,170 [mid-tempo music] 46 00:01:50,189 --> 00:01:52,140 ♪ ♪ 47 00:01:52,159 --> 00:01:56,030 [phone ringing] 48 00:01:56,049 --> 00:01:57,170 - Oh, hello there. 49 00:01:57,189 --> 00:01:58,180 - Hi, Scott. How are you? 50 00:01:58,200 --> 00:02:00,010 - I am fantastic. 51 00:02:00,030 --> 00:02:01,159 I'm so excited to be here with you. 52 00:02:01,180 --> 00:02:04,000 - Well, first of all, you look very handsome. 53 00:02:04,019 --> 00:02:05,189 - Thank you very much. As do you. 54 00:02:05,209 --> 00:02:08,189 - I don't know where you are, because I've heard 55 00:02:08,210 --> 00:02:10,110 that you've-- 56 00:02:10,129 --> 00:02:12,050 looks like a house. - It's my kitchen. 57 00:02:12,069 --> 00:02:13,229 We just moved from LA to Connecticut. 58 00:02:14,009 --> 00:02:16,020 - That's--'cause I knew you moved out of your house, 59 00:02:16,039 --> 00:02:17,229 because I had neighbors that watched you pack up 60 00:02:18,009 --> 00:02:19,159 and leave town in the middle of the night, 61 00:02:19,180 --> 00:02:22,129 so I thought something maybe was wrong with the law. 62 00:02:22,150 --> 00:02:24,039 - I just didn't want to bother them, so I did it 63 00:02:24,060 --> 00:02:25,219 in the middle of the night. - All right, well, 64 00:02:26,000 --> 00:02:28,090 you scared everybody. But I'm happy to see you. 65 00:02:28,110 --> 00:02:29,210 - God, you got dressed up. You look so much better 66 00:02:29,229 --> 00:02:31,129 than I do. - Well, you should see me 67 00:02:31,150 --> 00:02:33,030 from the waist down. 68 00:02:33,050 --> 00:02:34,180 Maybe not. 69 00:02:34,199 --> 00:02:38,159 This show is going to blow people's minds. 70 00:02:38,180 --> 00:02:41,050 - I'm really excited to see what these designers that 71 00:02:41,069 --> 00:02:43,060 you've chosen have in store for us. 72 00:02:43,079 --> 00:02:44,170 For someone like me, who is such a fan 73 00:02:44,189 --> 00:02:46,210 of architecture and furniture design, 74 00:02:47,000 --> 00:02:48,150 I'm always looking. We're driving around, 75 00:02:48,170 --> 00:02:50,060 and I'm like, "Look at that house, oh, you can see 76 00:02:50,079 --> 00:02:52,009 "that piece in there. Look at that table, 77 00:02:52,030 --> 00:02:53,150 where'd they get that?" - I have to say that it 78 00:02:53,170 --> 00:02:55,039 sounds a little creepy that you're looking 79 00:02:55,060 --> 00:02:56,189 in people's windows to see the furniture. 80 00:02:56,210 --> 00:02:58,159 But I'm sure it's the best intentions. 81 00:02:58,180 --> 00:02:59,229 Here's what we're gonna do. 82 00:03:00,009 --> 00:03:01,159 I am going to call them, 83 00:03:01,180 --> 00:03:03,189 and I'm gonna tell them that they are in, 84 00:03:03,210 --> 00:03:06,020 and they'll freak out. And then, 85 00:03:06,039 --> 00:03:08,110 once I've called them, you're gonna call 'em, 86 00:03:08,129 --> 00:03:10,180 and you're gonna give 'em their first challenge, okay? 87 00:03:10,199 --> 00:03:12,000 - I'm so excited about it. 88 00:03:12,020 --> 00:03:13,080 Yes. - Okay. 89 00:03:13,099 --> 00:03:14,159 Who's gonna hang up first? 90 00:03:14,180 --> 00:03:15,210 - Well, you're Ellen, 91 00:03:15,229 --> 00:03:17,159 so do what you gotta do. - Okay. 92 00:03:17,180 --> 00:03:19,000 Count to three and hang up together. 93 00:03:19,020 --> 00:03:20,159 - Okay. - All right, ready? 94 00:03:20,180 --> 00:03:21,199 - Yep. both: One... 95 00:03:21,219 --> 00:03:23,060 - Just hung up on him. 96 00:03:23,079 --> 00:03:25,099 In the middle of a sentence. It's the best. 97 00:03:25,120 --> 00:03:28,009 [upbeat music] 98 00:03:28,030 --> 00:03:31,079 [phone ringing] 99 00:03:31,099 --> 00:03:33,129 - Holy shit. - [laughs] 100 00:03:33,150 --> 00:03:35,069 - Hi, sorry. This is you. 101 00:03:35,090 --> 00:03:37,129 - Yeah. It's me calling to tell you 102 00:03:37,150 --> 00:03:40,229 you're in "Ellen's Next Great Designer." 103 00:03:41,009 --> 00:03:42,110 - I'm jumping right now. I'm a little, 104 00:03:42,129 --> 00:03:44,110 like--I don't know. [laughs] 105 00:03:44,129 --> 00:03:45,139 [phone rings] 106 00:03:45,159 --> 00:03:46,180 - Hey, it's Ellen. Hi. 107 00:03:46,199 --> 00:03:47,210 - Hi, Ellen. 108 00:03:47,229 --> 00:03:49,069 - Hold on. What? 109 00:03:49,090 --> 00:03:51,030 You told me she was in the competition. 110 00:03:51,050 --> 00:03:53,009 Why would you have me call her then? 111 00:03:53,030 --> 00:03:55,050 I'm on the ph-- 112 00:03:55,069 --> 00:03:56,069 I'm so sorry. 113 00:03:56,090 --> 00:03:57,150 That was a bad joke, 114 00:03:57,170 --> 00:03:59,189 because you're in the competition. 115 00:03:59,210 --> 00:04:01,210 - I am? - It's a little trick I do, 116 00:04:01,229 --> 00:04:04,069 where I pretend like you're not, but you are. 117 00:04:04,090 --> 00:04:06,139 But why would I be calling you to tell you that? 118 00:04:06,159 --> 00:04:08,009 [phone rings] 119 00:04:08,030 --> 00:04:10,020 Hi, Christina. - Oh, my God. 120 00:04:10,039 --> 00:04:12,099 - Hello, Mark. - [laughs] 121 00:04:12,120 --> 00:04:14,009 - Hello? - How are you, Paul? 122 00:04:14,030 --> 00:04:16,000 By the way, I'm Ellen. - Yeah, I-- 123 00:04:16,019 --> 00:04:17,100 I can recognize you. 124 00:04:17,120 --> 00:04:19,079 - This is Ellen DeGeneres on my phone. 125 00:04:19,100 --> 00:04:20,220 - I'm in your phone, actually. 126 00:04:21,000 --> 00:04:23,079 You are one of the designers that we have chosen. 127 00:04:23,100 --> 00:04:26,100 - Oh, my God. Like, this is amazing. 128 00:04:26,120 --> 00:04:28,220 - I'm having a heart attack. - Ah! 129 00:04:29,000 --> 00:04:31,069 - I'm very proud of myself for making the show. 130 00:04:31,089 --> 00:04:33,230 I'm gonna be much more proud if I can win it. 131 00:04:34,009 --> 00:04:35,139 - Can't wait to see what you come up with. 132 00:04:35,159 --> 00:04:37,040 - I'm excited. - This is insane. 133 00:04:37,060 --> 00:04:38,050 Thank you so much. 134 00:04:38,069 --> 00:04:39,230 - Congratulations, babe. 135 00:04:40,009 --> 00:04:42,159 [laughs] This is so exciting. 136 00:04:42,180 --> 00:04:45,120 [soft music] 137 00:04:45,139 --> 00:04:47,090 - Hi, designers. How is everybody today? 138 00:04:47,110 --> 00:04:49,129 - Great. - I'm Scott Foley. 139 00:04:49,149 --> 00:04:51,120 I'll be your guide throughout this process. 140 00:04:51,139 --> 00:04:53,090 And not only will I be a judge, 141 00:04:53,110 --> 00:04:56,050 I'll also be checking in on you during the competition. 142 00:04:56,069 --> 00:04:58,090 - Oh, my God, it's Noel from "Felicity." 143 00:04:58,110 --> 00:05:00,060 - Looking at you all together for the first time, 144 00:05:00,079 --> 00:05:01,220 it's fascinating to see 145 00:05:02,000 --> 00:05:03,160 everybody in your work spaces. 146 00:05:03,180 --> 00:05:06,029 It's like a little window into each designer's personality. 147 00:05:06,050 --> 00:05:07,149 I can tell some of you are already 148 00:05:07,170 --> 00:05:08,220 sizing up the competition. 149 00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:10,000 - Definitely. 150 00:05:10,019 --> 00:05:11,089 - Now here's how it's gonna work. 151 00:05:11,110 --> 00:05:12,199 Each week, we're gonna present you 152 00:05:12,220 --> 00:05:14,019 with a unique challenge 153 00:05:14,040 --> 00:05:15,129 designed to test your skills, 154 00:05:15,149 --> 00:05:17,089 showcase who you are as a designer, 155 00:05:17,110 --> 00:05:20,170 and then you'll present your designs in Los Angeles, 156 00:05:20,189 --> 00:05:24,120 where we'll separate the very good from the very best. 157 00:05:24,139 --> 00:05:27,100 Each of you will have your own hand-picked craftsperson 158 00:05:27,120 --> 00:05:29,100 to help you bring your creative visions to life. 159 00:05:29,120 --> 00:05:30,209 Judging a group this talented 160 00:05:30,230 --> 00:05:32,050 is gonna be extremely difficult, 161 00:05:32,069 --> 00:05:34,050 so joining me on the judging panel 162 00:05:34,069 --> 00:05:37,060 are two titans of the design world. 163 00:05:37,079 --> 00:05:39,060 First, we've got world-class furniture designer 164 00:05:39,079 --> 00:05:41,050 and award-winning contemporary artist, 165 00:05:41,069 --> 00:05:43,120 with works in museums and exhibitions 166 00:05:43,139 --> 00:05:45,199 the world over, Fernando Mastrangelo. 167 00:05:45,220 --> 00:05:47,209 - What? Fernando Mastrangelo 168 00:05:47,230 --> 00:05:49,180 is a phenomenal designer. 169 00:05:49,199 --> 00:05:52,019 I have followed his work for many years, 170 00:05:52,040 --> 00:05:55,079 and it's incredible to have him as a judge. 171 00:05:55,100 --> 00:05:58,069 - And top interior designer to the stars, 172 00:05:58,090 --> 00:06:00,100 like Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow, 173 00:06:00,120 --> 00:06:02,129 and one of "Architectural Digest's" 174 00:06:02,149 --> 00:06:04,029 top 100 designers, 175 00:06:04,050 --> 00:06:06,060 Brigette Romanek. - [laughs] 176 00:06:06,079 --> 00:06:09,029 Oh, my God. This is awesome. 177 00:06:09,050 --> 00:06:11,170 Brigette Romanek, she has done amazing work, 178 00:06:11,189 --> 00:06:14,120 and I absolutely love her use of color and pattern 179 00:06:14,139 --> 00:06:17,069 and being bold and eclectic. 180 00:06:17,089 --> 00:06:18,139 - Now, designers, let me be clear. 181 00:06:18,160 --> 00:06:20,019 We're looking for originality, 182 00:06:20,040 --> 00:06:21,189 functionality, and of course, 183 00:06:21,209 --> 00:06:23,009 great craftsmanship. 184 00:06:23,029 --> 00:06:24,129 Ellen has created this platform 185 00:06:24,149 --> 00:06:26,220 because she sees so much promise in each of you. 186 00:06:27,000 --> 00:06:29,180 But, in the end, only one 187 00:06:29,199 --> 00:06:32,149 is gonna walk away with $100,000 188 00:06:32,170 --> 00:06:34,230 and the title of Ellen's Next Great Designer. 189 00:06:35,009 --> 00:06:37,110 - Whoo. - We all know Ellen loves her 190 00:06:37,129 --> 00:06:39,009 massive giveaways. She's famous for it. 191 00:06:39,029 --> 00:06:41,050 And she's arranged for a sizable care package 192 00:06:41,069 --> 00:06:43,029 to be delivered to each of you. 193 00:06:43,050 --> 00:06:44,149 In fact... 194 00:06:44,170 --> 00:06:47,090 you know, it should be arriving right about now. 195 00:06:47,110 --> 00:06:51,000 - What? Oh, my God. 196 00:06:51,019 --> 00:06:52,139 - You guys excited to see what Ellen sent you? 197 00:06:52,159 --> 00:06:53,209 - Yes. - Ya! 198 00:06:53,230 --> 00:06:54,230 - Yes and no. 199 00:06:55,009 --> 00:06:56,120 But, yeah, like, let's go for it. 200 00:06:56,139 --> 00:06:58,040 - [laughs] You're afraid already. 201 00:06:58,060 --> 00:06:59,230 Don't be. [laughter] 202 00:07:00,009 --> 00:07:02,000 - This is your first challenge. 203 00:07:02,019 --> 00:07:03,180 And it starts... 204 00:07:03,199 --> 00:07:05,129 right now. - Let's go get it. 205 00:07:05,149 --> 00:07:06,230 - Let's go. - Let's do it. 206 00:07:07,009 --> 00:07:08,209 - Let's go see. 207 00:07:10,040 --> 00:07:12,100 - And they've all gone away. 208 00:07:12,120 --> 00:07:13,199 That was easy. 209 00:07:13,220 --> 00:07:15,040 - Andale. 210 00:07:15,060 --> 00:07:18,000 [upbeat music] 211 00:07:18,019 --> 00:07:19,199 - There's an envelope here. 212 00:07:19,220 --> 00:07:22,079 - Oh. - Oh, shit. 213 00:07:22,100 --> 00:07:24,160 - What is this? 214 00:07:24,180 --> 00:07:26,000 - I want this one. 215 00:07:26,019 --> 00:07:28,000 - "Open me first." All right. 216 00:07:28,019 --> 00:07:30,040 - Okay. Oh, here we go. 217 00:07:30,060 --> 00:07:32,199 - Hi there, it's me again. To begin the competition, 218 00:07:32,220 --> 00:07:35,120 I thought what better place to start than the beginning? 219 00:07:35,139 --> 00:07:37,209 Since the dawn of time, man roamed the Earth, 220 00:07:37,230 --> 00:07:39,209 and then man got exhausted from all the roaming 221 00:07:39,230 --> 00:07:42,060 and built something to sit on. - Ha! 222 00:07:42,079 --> 00:07:44,029 - I bring this up because your first challenge 223 00:07:44,050 --> 00:07:45,209 is to take basic materials 224 00:07:45,230 --> 00:07:47,209 that have been around since the beginning of time 225 00:07:47,230 --> 00:07:49,199 and transform them into a piece of furniture 226 00:07:49,220 --> 00:07:52,029 that someone would use today. 227 00:07:52,050 --> 00:07:53,139 I've seen what's inside the boxes, 228 00:07:53,159 --> 00:07:55,050 and I do not envy you right now. 229 00:07:55,069 --> 00:07:56,090 - Ah. - Just thinking about it 230 00:07:56,110 --> 00:07:57,189 makes my body hurt. 231 00:07:57,209 --> 00:07:59,110 - Oh, boy. - The good news is 232 00:07:59,129 --> 00:08:01,100 you're gonna have as much time as you want 233 00:08:01,120 --> 00:08:03,139 to complete the challenge. 234 00:08:03,160 --> 00:08:05,160 I'm kidding. [laughter] 235 00:08:05,180 --> 00:08:07,040 You only have four days 236 00:08:07,060 --> 00:08:08,209 to turn these incredibly raw materials 237 00:08:08,230 --> 00:08:12,000 into a beautifully refined piece of furniture. 238 00:08:12,019 --> 00:08:13,120 And of course, we want to see you 239 00:08:13,139 --> 00:08:15,220 use your own unique, signature style. 240 00:08:16,000 --> 00:08:18,100 Open up the boxes. Everything you need is inside. 241 00:08:18,120 --> 00:08:19,209 And good luck. 242 00:08:19,230 --> 00:08:21,139 - Shit. - Man, let's open 243 00:08:21,160 --> 00:08:23,040 this thing up and see. 244 00:08:24,069 --> 00:08:25,180 - Whoo! 245 00:08:25,199 --> 00:08:27,110 - Okay. 246 00:08:27,129 --> 00:08:30,019 What is it? - Oh, shit. 247 00:08:30,040 --> 00:08:32,080 - Shit! - Wood heaven here. 248 00:08:32,100 --> 00:08:33,179 - Oh, my God, it's wood heaven. 249 00:08:33,200 --> 00:08:35,049 Lots of walnut, 250 00:08:35,070 --> 00:08:38,100 There's cherry, there's ash, there's hickory. 251 00:08:38,120 --> 00:08:40,230 All these slabs of hardwoods are gigantic. 252 00:08:41,009 --> 00:08:43,019 It's probably double the size of me. 253 00:08:43,039 --> 00:08:44,129 - Ah. 254 00:08:44,149 --> 00:08:45,139 - Let's see. 255 00:08:45,159 --> 00:08:48,019 Ooh, its rocks. - Oh. 256 00:08:48,039 --> 00:08:49,059 - Oh, my God. 257 00:08:49,080 --> 00:08:51,029 This is amazing. - Huh. 258 00:08:51,049 --> 00:08:52,179 She wasn't lying about the caveman thing. 259 00:08:52,200 --> 00:08:54,059 - No. - I've never worked 260 00:08:54,080 --> 00:08:55,100 with stone before. 261 00:08:55,120 --> 00:08:57,039 Ellen, what were you thinking? 262 00:08:57,059 --> 00:08:58,190 - How do you make stuff out of this? 263 00:08:58,210 --> 00:09:00,039 - How you would break that down? 264 00:09:00,059 --> 00:09:01,159 You can't break that down. 265 00:09:01,179 --> 00:09:03,210 - What the [bleep], man? 266 00:09:03,230 --> 00:09:06,029 This is way outside of my comfort zone. 267 00:09:06,049 --> 00:09:08,210 - There's onyx, there's alabaster, 268 00:09:08,230 --> 00:09:12,100 there's marble, red sandstone. 269 00:09:12,120 --> 00:09:15,070 My first choice would be the alabaster. 270 00:09:15,090 --> 00:09:16,210 I'm excited about the first challenge. 271 00:09:16,230 --> 00:09:18,129 It's back to the basics. 272 00:09:18,149 --> 00:09:21,070 Raw materials in its purest form. 273 00:09:21,090 --> 00:09:23,019 One wood and one stone. 274 00:09:23,039 --> 00:09:26,149 How am I gonna do that? That's the real challenge. 275 00:09:26,169 --> 00:09:28,230 - I don't know I can even move this. 276 00:09:29,009 --> 00:09:30,080 [laughs] 277 00:09:30,100 --> 00:09:31,210 - Watch out. I don't know. 278 00:09:31,230 --> 00:09:33,100 - We're gonna mess it up. - Put it back. 279 00:09:33,120 --> 00:09:35,139 - I can roll it to you. - That's beautiful. 280 00:09:35,159 --> 00:09:37,029 - Move away. I got it. 281 00:09:37,049 --> 00:09:38,129 [laughter] 282 00:09:38,149 --> 00:09:40,080 Ellen wasn't kidding when she said the Stone Age. 283 00:09:40,100 --> 00:09:42,139 - [groans] - This challenge is so hard 284 00:09:42,159 --> 00:09:45,049 because the materials are raw. 285 00:09:45,070 --> 00:09:47,009 [straining] 286 00:09:47,029 --> 00:09:49,129 Usually, you need industrial machines to get them 287 00:09:49,149 --> 00:09:51,210 to a more polished look. 288 00:09:51,230 --> 00:09:53,039 - Got it? - Yep, watch out, 289 00:09:53,059 --> 00:09:54,159 Watch out, watch out, watch out. 290 00:09:54,179 --> 00:09:56,169 - Workout of the week. - No joke. 291 00:09:56,190 --> 00:10:00,039 - [straining] - Cool. 292 00:10:01,080 --> 00:10:03,110 - Ah. - This is tricky. 293 00:10:03,129 --> 00:10:07,149 I think because the rock is just so pure and natural, 294 00:10:07,169 --> 00:10:10,159 I want the wood to be super clean. 295 00:10:10,179 --> 00:10:12,080 Like, super polished. - Right. 296 00:10:12,100 --> 00:10:14,049 Let's--up and then over. 297 00:10:14,070 --> 00:10:16,159 I'm definitely nervous for the competition. 298 00:10:16,179 --> 00:10:19,080 The other designers are very capable. 299 00:10:19,100 --> 00:10:21,049 They all have amazing skills. 300 00:10:21,070 --> 00:10:22,200 But I'm excited to get started, 301 00:10:22,220 --> 00:10:27,059 because it's a competition, and I'm very competitive. 302 00:10:27,080 --> 00:10:29,149 My name is Arielle Assouline-Lichten. 303 00:10:29,169 --> 00:10:32,000 I studied architecture at Harvard. 304 00:10:32,019 --> 00:10:35,210 I've worked at architecture firms around the world-- 305 00:10:35,230 --> 00:10:37,009 Japan, 306 00:10:37,029 --> 00:10:38,080 Copenhagen, 307 00:10:38,100 --> 00:10:39,230 New York. 308 00:10:40,009 --> 00:10:42,129 Transitioning to furniture design was a huge risk. 309 00:10:42,149 --> 00:10:47,059 But to me, that risk is the reason for making furniture. 310 00:10:48,110 --> 00:10:51,139 My style is contemporary, clean, 311 00:10:51,159 --> 00:10:54,049 and a little bit of glam. 312 00:10:54,070 --> 00:10:55,139 My helper is Lydia. 313 00:10:55,159 --> 00:10:57,129 She's been working for me for two years, 314 00:10:57,149 --> 00:10:59,149 and we can kind of, like, understand each other 315 00:10:59,169 --> 00:11:02,110 without having to explain everything. 316 00:11:02,129 --> 00:11:06,090 I want to win this competition because it would prove it 317 00:11:06,110 --> 00:11:09,169 to myself, to my family, to my peers, 318 00:11:09,190 --> 00:11:12,059 that I've chosen the right path. 319 00:11:12,080 --> 00:11:14,019 Overall length. 320 00:11:14,039 --> 00:11:15,190 I'm making a coffee table 321 00:11:15,210 --> 00:11:18,019 using a live edge walnut 322 00:11:18,039 --> 00:11:20,200 to create an extreme cantilever. 323 00:11:20,220 --> 00:11:25,120 And if I can attach a brass bracket to that rock, 324 00:11:25,139 --> 00:11:27,059 it'll hold the wood in place. 325 00:11:27,080 --> 00:11:29,019 [sighs] 326 00:11:29,039 --> 00:11:33,169 I would say I'm 90% sure that this is gonna work. 327 00:11:33,190 --> 00:11:37,009 I just hope nobody else creates a piece like mine. 328 00:11:37,029 --> 00:11:39,039 So I want to get, like, a tracing of the stone. 329 00:11:39,059 --> 00:11:40,220 - Mm-hmm. - I think it's really 330 00:11:41,000 --> 00:11:43,179 important to get everything to fit perfectly. 331 00:11:43,200 --> 00:11:45,090 - Okay. Entonces. 332 00:11:45,110 --> 00:11:49,100 So, the idea is... 333 00:11:49,120 --> 00:11:50,230 a one-legged bench. 334 00:11:51,009 --> 00:11:53,159 We're picking the elm and the alabaster 335 00:11:53,179 --> 00:11:54,210 to make a one-legged bench 336 00:11:54,230 --> 00:11:57,049 that cantilevers and pushes 337 00:11:57,070 --> 00:11:59,000 gravity to its limits. 338 00:11:59,019 --> 00:12:01,230 This first challenge is quite tricky. 339 00:12:02,009 --> 00:12:03,210 I want this piece to be so good 340 00:12:03,230 --> 00:12:06,029 that Ellen wants to take it home. 341 00:12:06,049 --> 00:12:08,110 I'm really nervous about how little time we have. 342 00:12:08,129 --> 00:12:11,039 Every minute I'm not working on that piece 343 00:12:11,059 --> 00:12:13,220 can potentially spell failure. 344 00:12:14,000 --> 00:12:17,059 [upbeat music] 345 00:12:17,080 --> 00:12:20,000 - I'm thinking two end tables. I know that's ambitious. 346 00:12:20,019 --> 00:12:21,129 Like, one leg is a soapstone, 347 00:12:21,149 --> 00:12:24,019 and then the other side, the walnut, right? 348 00:12:24,039 --> 00:12:26,029 - Anything is possible, just... - Yes. 349 00:12:26,049 --> 00:12:28,090 - It's a time crunch. - Time. 350 00:12:28,110 --> 00:12:30,080 - It's the first challenge, 351 00:12:30,100 --> 00:12:31,210 so I want to create something 352 00:12:31,230 --> 00:12:33,169 that nobody else is going to do. 353 00:12:33,190 --> 00:12:35,220 I just want to make sure we have enough material here 354 00:12:36,000 --> 00:12:38,110 to make an entire fireplace. Is that crazy? 355 00:12:38,129 --> 00:12:40,000 - [laughs] - Do you think we-- 356 00:12:40,019 --> 00:12:41,210 I mean, maybe that's too adventurous, 357 00:12:41,230 --> 00:12:43,090 but I really want to try. 358 00:12:44,100 --> 00:12:46,159 - I don't know. 359 00:12:46,179 --> 00:12:49,039 Uh, I'm trying to think, I'm trying to think. 360 00:12:49,059 --> 00:12:52,090 Oh, my God, I'm getting a bad headache. 361 00:12:53,179 --> 00:12:56,080 - So, that's the--this is the live edge. 362 00:12:56,100 --> 00:12:59,039 That's exactly what I want. To preserve the theme, 363 00:12:59,059 --> 00:13:01,159 I need to keep a couple of rough edges. 364 00:13:01,179 --> 00:13:03,080 - Cut some of this cut some of that, 365 00:13:03,100 --> 00:13:06,200 and then the rest, we'll deal with on the table saw. 366 00:13:06,220 --> 00:13:08,120 - Okay. 367 00:13:08,139 --> 00:13:10,080 [saw buzzing] 368 00:13:10,100 --> 00:13:12,139 The shop is really not equipped 369 00:13:12,159 --> 00:13:14,129 to cut four-inch wood. 370 00:13:14,149 --> 00:13:18,029 It does make me nervous, but we're gonna figure it out. 371 00:13:18,049 --> 00:13:22,000 - Yeah. [laughter] 372 00:13:23,149 --> 00:13:26,009 - So we're gonna have to get a little creative 373 00:13:26,029 --> 00:13:27,220 with our milling, but... 374 00:13:28,000 --> 00:13:29,210 we've got about 80 inches this way. 375 00:13:29,230 --> 00:13:31,179 - We're more than fine. - Yeah. 376 00:13:31,200 --> 00:13:34,190 - My strategy going into this competition is just get moving. 377 00:13:34,210 --> 00:13:37,059 We're gonna use this machine over here with the laser. 378 00:13:37,080 --> 00:13:38,230 That's gonna cut us a straight edge-- 379 00:13:39,009 --> 00:13:40,230 cut this down, make a straight line, because 380 00:13:41,009 --> 00:13:43,080 we're dealing with a really crazy live edge on this wood. 381 00:13:43,100 --> 00:13:48,029 From the other contestants, I expect to see raw edge stone 382 00:13:48,049 --> 00:13:50,169 protruding out of wood. 383 00:13:50,190 --> 00:13:54,009 But I'm all about refinery and luxury. 384 00:13:54,029 --> 00:13:55,100 That's beautiful. 385 00:13:55,120 --> 00:13:56,210 [saw buzzing] 386 00:13:56,230 --> 00:13:59,169 I think my individuality in this challenge 387 00:13:59,190 --> 00:14:01,200 will work to my advantage. 388 00:14:01,220 --> 00:14:03,139 I'm gonna design an end table. 389 00:14:03,159 --> 00:14:05,220 My piece is primarily wood. 390 00:14:06,000 --> 00:14:08,059 It's very animated, very humorous. 391 00:14:08,080 --> 00:14:10,159 It has eyes, which are the soapstone. 392 00:14:10,179 --> 00:14:12,100 It's children's furniture. 393 00:14:12,120 --> 00:14:14,100 We've got everything prepped for a CNC. 394 00:14:14,120 --> 00:14:18,190 A CNC machine does everything that we don't have time to do. 395 00:14:18,210 --> 00:14:21,009 Being in this competition, it's fast-paced. 396 00:14:21,029 --> 00:14:23,179 But we're in a good place. 397 00:14:23,200 --> 00:14:25,070 We're in a good place. 398 00:14:26,220 --> 00:14:29,210 [mid-tempo music] 399 00:14:29,230 --> 00:14:31,149 ♪ ♪ 400 00:14:31,169 --> 00:14:34,179 - Uh, I'm trying to think, I'm trying to think. 401 00:14:34,200 --> 00:14:36,190 We're nearing the end of the first day, 402 00:14:36,210 --> 00:14:40,039 and I haven't fully come up with a good design. 403 00:14:41,090 --> 00:14:43,000 Ah. 404 00:14:43,019 --> 00:14:44,120 This is a very hard challenge. 405 00:14:44,139 --> 00:14:46,090 It's trash. 406 00:14:46,110 --> 00:14:48,230 My name's Urvi Sharma. I'm 25, 407 00:14:49,009 --> 00:14:53,029 and I am the cofounder and owner of INDO-. 408 00:14:53,049 --> 00:14:55,120 I was born in New Delhi, India. 409 00:14:55,139 --> 00:14:57,200 It's a beautiful place, and is this, like, 410 00:14:57,220 --> 00:15:00,120 endless pool of inspiration. 411 00:15:00,139 --> 00:15:02,080 Everything I make or design 412 00:15:02,100 --> 00:15:04,129 has something to do with India. 413 00:15:05,139 --> 00:15:08,120 I've been featured in "Architectural Digest," 414 00:15:08,139 --> 00:15:11,230 "Elle Decor," "Dwell Magazine." 415 00:15:12,009 --> 00:15:14,179 Now we can start cooking. 416 00:15:14,200 --> 00:15:20,000 Manan is my partner in both business and... 417 00:15:20,019 --> 00:15:21,179 life. 418 00:15:21,200 --> 00:15:24,039 [laughs] 419 00:15:24,059 --> 00:15:26,039 Uh, winning "Ellen's Next Great Designer" 420 00:15:26,059 --> 00:15:28,080 would mean the world to me. Having that 421 00:15:28,100 --> 00:15:30,200 at such an early stage of my career 422 00:15:30,220 --> 00:15:32,149 is invaluable. 423 00:15:34,059 --> 00:15:36,100 Okay. Considering I've never 424 00:15:36,120 --> 00:15:38,159 worked with materials this big and raw, 425 00:15:38,179 --> 00:15:44,100 I'm having trouble really connecting my roots to it. 426 00:15:45,169 --> 00:15:49,149 I still don't have a design that I'm happy with. 427 00:15:50,169 --> 00:15:54,039 I'm not feeling good about the end of today. 428 00:15:54,059 --> 00:15:59,000 I don't have a good start to this competition at all. 429 00:15:59,019 --> 00:16:02,019 [upbeat music] 430 00:16:02,039 --> 00:16:05,019 ♪ ♪ 431 00:16:05,039 --> 00:16:06,169 - Yes. - Perfect. 432 00:16:06,190 --> 00:16:08,009 - Good job. - Okay. 433 00:16:08,029 --> 00:16:10,110 My strategy to win this competition 434 00:16:10,129 --> 00:16:15,169 is to make things that are ambitious. 435 00:16:15,190 --> 00:16:18,129 I work a lot in experimentation. 436 00:16:18,149 --> 00:16:23,019 So this is the full soundscape of the forest on fire. 437 00:16:23,039 --> 00:16:26,049 The design I'm making is two end tables, 438 00:16:26,070 --> 00:16:30,129 based on sound waves from redwoods on fire. 439 00:16:30,149 --> 00:16:34,009 I was able to get the sound bit from the fires 440 00:16:34,029 --> 00:16:36,220 and turn those sound waves into my surfaces. 441 00:16:37,000 --> 00:16:41,019 The two end tables will be a fusion of the walnut 442 00:16:41,039 --> 00:16:42,210 and the soapstone together. 443 00:16:42,230 --> 00:16:44,129 This is gonna be the way to do it. 444 00:16:44,149 --> 00:16:46,110 - Something tragic made into-- - Something beautiful. 445 00:16:46,129 --> 00:16:49,049 $100,000 would be life-changing for me. 446 00:16:49,070 --> 00:16:52,139 I'm pretty broke in my business right now. 447 00:16:53,159 --> 00:16:55,039 The end tables--one of them, 448 00:16:55,059 --> 00:16:57,210 I'm getting fully machined by my vendor, 449 00:16:57,230 --> 00:17:00,009 and the other one is gonna be hand-carved 450 00:17:00,029 --> 00:17:02,139 in the studio by me and Mats. 451 00:17:02,159 --> 00:17:04,079 The significance of the man-made one 452 00:17:04,099 --> 00:17:06,210 is that we're supposed to go back to basics. 453 00:17:06,230 --> 00:17:09,170 The other one is the complete opposite. 454 00:17:09,190 --> 00:17:11,079 Two different processes. 455 00:17:11,099 --> 00:17:14,009 The end result will be the same. 456 00:17:14,220 --> 00:17:18,200 Both the end tables will be a fusion of the walnut 457 00:17:18,220 --> 00:17:20,130 and the soapstone together. 458 00:17:20,150 --> 00:17:23,009 They're unique. They're fully custom-made. 459 00:17:23,029 --> 00:17:25,049 You can't find that shit in the store. 460 00:17:25,069 --> 00:17:27,049 Definitely getting my workout. 461 00:17:27,069 --> 00:17:29,119 - [laughs] 462 00:17:29,140 --> 00:17:31,190 [upbeat music] 463 00:17:31,210 --> 00:17:33,170 - Oh, my God, I suck at this! 464 00:17:33,190 --> 00:17:36,160 ♪ ♪ 465 00:17:36,180 --> 00:17:38,029 - Whoo, hoo, hoo! 466 00:17:38,049 --> 00:17:39,220 One, two. - Oy. 467 00:17:40,000 --> 00:17:43,049 Yesterday, I did not come up with a good design. 468 00:17:43,069 --> 00:17:45,099 But I had an idea in the beginning of the day, 469 00:17:45,119 --> 00:17:48,150 based on a game that I played as a kid 470 00:17:48,170 --> 00:17:50,099 called pitthu. 471 00:17:50,119 --> 00:17:53,150 It's a very traditional Indian game. 472 00:17:53,170 --> 00:17:54,220 - Okay. - Okay. 473 00:17:55,000 --> 00:17:57,150 - Good? You have seven rocks. 474 00:17:57,170 --> 00:18:00,190 It's a mix of dodgeball and Jenga. 475 00:18:00,210 --> 00:18:03,049 Yes! - Ugh! 476 00:18:03,069 --> 00:18:05,079 - Pitthu. 477 00:18:05,099 --> 00:18:10,130 I'm making a console table inspired by pitthu. 478 00:18:10,150 --> 00:18:13,109 It's basically layer upon layer of seven stones, 479 00:18:13,130 --> 00:18:15,160 just like the game. 480 00:18:15,180 --> 00:18:18,000 I'm a little bit behind schedule already, 481 00:18:18,019 --> 00:18:22,029 so I need to start working on shaping out the stones. 482 00:18:22,049 --> 00:18:23,190 I don't have enough marble, 483 00:18:23,210 --> 00:18:26,170 and so I need to make them out of the maple. 484 00:18:26,190 --> 00:18:29,190 - Which, I think the stagger is helping. 485 00:18:29,210 --> 00:18:32,160 - There's no room to mess up on this challenge. 486 00:18:32,180 --> 00:18:34,150 - Okay. 487 00:18:34,170 --> 00:18:37,160 [mid-tempo music] 488 00:18:37,180 --> 00:18:44,220 ♪ ♪ 489 00:18:48,160 --> 00:18:49,200 - Is someone here? 490 00:18:49,220 --> 00:18:51,049 - Hello? 491 00:18:51,069 --> 00:18:53,059 Hi, it's nice to meet you. How are you? 492 00:18:53,079 --> 00:18:55,200 - Oh, my God, I'm freaking out. 493 00:18:55,220 --> 00:18:57,140 - I'm freaking out about it too. 494 00:18:57,160 --> 00:18:59,170 It's okay. 495 00:18:59,190 --> 00:19:01,200 - I'm okay. [laughter] 496 00:19:01,220 --> 00:19:03,089 It's kind of surreal. 497 00:19:03,109 --> 00:19:05,089 And I'm overheating a little bit. 498 00:19:05,109 --> 00:19:08,049 I used to watch "Felicity" when I was in high school, 499 00:19:08,069 --> 00:19:10,059 and it was basically one of the reasons 500 00:19:10,079 --> 00:19:11,170 I moved to New York. 501 00:19:11,190 --> 00:19:13,019 Um-- [laughs] 502 00:19:13,039 --> 00:19:15,200 - So, uh, can you tell me about your design? 503 00:19:15,220 --> 00:19:18,170 - Sure. So, the idea is to highlight 504 00:19:18,190 --> 00:19:20,089 the supernatural beauty of the rock. 505 00:19:20,109 --> 00:19:21,170 - Yeah. - And... 506 00:19:21,190 --> 00:19:24,140 I'm making a coffee table, so the wood 507 00:19:24,160 --> 00:19:27,170 is going to basically wrap around the rock... 508 00:19:27,190 --> 00:19:29,150 - Okay. - And cantilever off. 509 00:19:29,170 --> 00:19:31,079 I have a mock-up, I don't know if you want to see... 510 00:19:31,099 --> 00:19:33,009 - I definitely want to see. - My full mock-up. 511 00:19:33,029 --> 00:19:35,059 I'm basically gonna try and have 512 00:19:35,079 --> 00:19:39,069 the stone hold the piece of wood. 513 00:19:39,089 --> 00:19:41,009 Actually, we have a scale here. 514 00:19:41,029 --> 00:19:43,200 We were gonna weigh the rock 515 00:19:43,220 --> 00:19:45,200 and get, you know-- - Let's weigh the rock. 516 00:19:45,220 --> 00:19:47,000 - Do you want to weigh the rock with us? 517 00:19:47,019 --> 00:19:48,049 - Let's weigh the rock. 518 00:19:48,069 --> 00:19:49,170 I'll see if I can pick the rock up. 519 00:19:49,190 --> 00:19:51,099 - How strong are you? - All right, here we go. 520 00:19:51,119 --> 00:19:53,140 - Can you--can you do that? - I sure hope so. 521 00:19:53,160 --> 00:19:55,019 - You can do it. - All right, all right, 522 00:19:55,039 --> 00:19:57,099 all right, all right, all right. 523 00:19:57,119 --> 00:20:00,099 [dramatic music] 524 00:20:00,119 --> 00:20:01,220 125 pounds even. - Wow. 525 00:20:02,000 --> 00:20:03,089 - Oh, wow, that's just a person. 526 00:20:03,109 --> 00:20:05,140 - 125. [laughter] 527 00:20:05,160 --> 00:20:07,039 - That's, um-- - That's awesome. 528 00:20:07,059 --> 00:20:11,130 I'm trying to create a pretty extreme cantilever, 529 00:20:11,150 --> 00:20:16,019 and I'm not sure if it's gonna hold the weight of the wood. 530 00:20:16,039 --> 00:20:18,170 It's definitely an engineering feat. 531 00:20:18,190 --> 00:20:21,140 - It's really, really cool. I'm so worried. 532 00:20:21,160 --> 00:20:22,230 - Okay, now I'm-- 533 00:20:23,009 --> 00:20:24,119 don't say worried, okay? - Well, no, no, no. 534 00:20:24,140 --> 00:20:25,220 I'm worried that you're gonna have to put a leg. 535 00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:27,089 - Yeah. - You know? 536 00:20:27,109 --> 00:20:28,220 If you have to put a leg, you have to put a leg. 537 00:20:29,000 --> 00:20:30,190 It's the way it is. - Being able to pull off 538 00:20:30,210 --> 00:20:33,019 the cantilever is my number one goal. 539 00:20:33,039 --> 00:20:34,069 - Thank you for having me in your space. 540 00:20:34,089 --> 00:20:35,089 Thanks for showing me around. 541 00:20:35,109 --> 00:20:36,160 It was very nice to meet you. 542 00:20:36,180 --> 00:20:38,009 - Thank you. - Thank you, Scott. 543 00:20:38,029 --> 00:20:40,109 - I'll see you guys. - Bye. Bye, Noel. 544 00:20:40,130 --> 00:20:42,000 - Oh, God. - [laughs] 545 00:20:42,019 --> 00:20:44,029 - You're aging both of us. What are you doing? 546 00:20:44,049 --> 00:20:45,190 - [laughs] I know, right? 547 00:20:45,210 --> 00:20:48,200 [dramatic music] 548 00:20:48,220 --> 00:20:51,000 ♪ ♪ 549 00:20:51,019 --> 00:20:52,099 - Rene, Rene. 550 00:20:52,119 --> 00:20:54,029 - Hey, what's up? 551 00:20:55,059 --> 00:20:56,160 - If I'm being very honest with you, 552 00:20:56,180 --> 00:20:59,119 I was quite concerned when we walked in today. 553 00:20:59,140 --> 00:21:01,119 I knew we had a lot of detail work. 554 00:21:01,140 --> 00:21:03,230 That's the stuff that sucks up time. 555 00:21:04,230 --> 00:21:09,200 - If I don't get the metal back on time to prove the design, 556 00:21:09,220 --> 00:21:12,180 that it won't tip over, I'm screwed. 557 00:21:14,029 --> 00:21:15,230 - I'm feeling, at this point of the process, 558 00:21:16,009 --> 00:21:17,099 a little bit of pressure. 559 00:21:17,119 --> 00:21:19,170 Yeah, this has to be sanded. - Yep. 560 00:21:19,190 --> 00:21:21,049 - 'Cause you can see the tool path lines. 561 00:21:21,069 --> 00:21:23,160 - Right. - I still have a lot to do. 562 00:21:23,180 --> 00:21:26,029 - But, yeah. Time is of essence. 563 00:21:26,049 --> 00:21:29,029 ♪ ♪ 564 00:21:29,049 --> 00:21:32,140 - Today, we have to build this whole thing and get it ready, 565 00:21:32,160 --> 00:21:34,190 because if the painter doesn't have this by tomorrow morning, 566 00:21:34,210 --> 00:21:36,079 we're not gonna have anything done. 567 00:21:36,099 --> 00:21:38,029 It's two days left in this challenge. 568 00:21:38,049 --> 00:21:39,140 I'm feeling anxious to get started. 569 00:21:39,160 --> 00:21:41,009 I'm feeling anxious to make some dust 570 00:21:41,029 --> 00:21:42,180 and get these machines going on, 571 00:21:42,200 --> 00:21:46,190 make some noise, and start gluing some parts together. 572 00:21:48,150 --> 00:21:53,099 My name is Mark Grattan, and I live in Mexico City. 573 00:21:53,119 --> 00:21:56,059 My brand is called VIDIVIXI. 574 00:21:56,079 --> 00:21:59,150 It's Latin for "I saw, and I've lived." 575 00:21:59,170 --> 00:22:01,130 It's basically an interpretation of me 576 00:22:01,150 --> 00:22:03,069 taking my experiences 577 00:22:03,089 --> 00:22:07,119 and using those to create the art that I express. 578 00:22:07,140 --> 00:22:09,039 I've been in "Wallpaper Magazine." 579 00:22:09,059 --> 00:22:11,019 I was in "Architectural Digest" three times. 580 00:22:11,039 --> 00:22:13,039 I've been in "Surface Magazine" twice. 581 00:22:13,059 --> 00:22:17,069 It's not often you find a Black guy like myself 582 00:22:17,089 --> 00:22:20,000 in the top furniture publications in the world. 583 00:22:20,019 --> 00:22:22,140 I feel responsible to speak up. 584 00:22:22,160 --> 00:22:25,089 Winning is important, because Black people 585 00:22:25,109 --> 00:22:27,140 are not represented in this industry. 586 00:22:27,160 --> 00:22:30,140 I have to represent myself, my art, 587 00:22:30,160 --> 00:22:33,019 my Blackness, and my gayness. 588 00:22:33,039 --> 00:22:34,220 I have to win. 589 00:22:35,000 --> 00:22:36,089 After I got the call from Ellen, 590 00:22:36,109 --> 00:22:38,069 I knew I had to find a wood shop to use, 591 00:22:38,089 --> 00:22:40,049 since I don't have one in Mexico City. 592 00:22:40,069 --> 00:22:42,119 I called Will Fagan, one of my great friends. 593 00:22:42,140 --> 00:22:45,000 He works out of a wood shop in Bucks County, PA. 594 00:22:45,019 --> 00:22:48,130 We have an amazing facility. The sky is the limit. 595 00:22:49,190 --> 00:22:52,210 What the [bleep]? 596 00:22:52,230 --> 00:22:56,000 I don't know how to turn this on. 597 00:22:57,190 --> 00:22:59,230 I have no idea. 598 00:23:03,150 --> 00:23:06,029 No one ever showed me how to turn these machines on. 599 00:23:06,049 --> 00:23:07,069 They're not on. 600 00:23:07,089 --> 00:23:08,190 - No, they killed the power. 601 00:23:08,210 --> 00:23:10,150 The electrical company shut the power off. 602 00:23:10,170 --> 00:23:12,069 - Why? - Just now. 603 00:23:12,089 --> 00:23:14,089 They have to work on something. - Are you kidding me? 604 00:23:14,109 --> 00:23:15,150 - But we don't how long it's gonna be. 605 00:23:15,170 --> 00:23:18,099 - Are you [bleep] kidding me? 606 00:23:18,119 --> 00:23:20,079 But this is the shop. We need--we can't do-- 607 00:23:20,099 --> 00:23:22,150 that means everything is shut off? 608 00:23:22,170 --> 00:23:25,160 [suspenseful music] 609 00:23:25,180 --> 00:23:29,160 ♪ ♪ 610 00:23:29,180 --> 00:23:32,019 - This either makes us or breaks us. 611 00:23:32,039 --> 00:23:35,019 [mid-tempo music] 612 00:23:35,039 --> 00:23:37,029 Well. - Surprise. 613 00:23:37,049 --> 00:23:38,029 - Surprise. 614 00:23:38,049 --> 00:23:39,140 I went all-out 615 00:23:39,160 --> 00:23:41,049 and decided to make a bench. 616 00:23:41,069 --> 00:23:43,059 The single most important aspect of my piece 617 00:23:43,079 --> 00:23:47,180 is that the stone and the wood fit together perfectly. 618 00:23:48,180 --> 00:23:51,000 There's a handful of architects in my family, 619 00:23:51,019 --> 00:23:54,009 and design and architecture have always been in my blood. 620 00:23:54,029 --> 00:23:55,200 ♪ ♪ 621 00:23:55,220 --> 00:23:59,009 I've designed stuff for the mayor of Los Angeles, 622 00:23:59,029 --> 00:24:02,099 Megan Rapinoe, Jessica Alba. 623 00:24:02,119 --> 00:24:04,109 I'm so happy that this is my life-- 624 00:24:04,130 --> 00:24:06,200 to design beautiful pieces of furniture. 625 00:24:06,220 --> 00:24:08,180 I want to win this competition for my kids. 626 00:24:08,200 --> 00:24:11,109 I want to win it for my wife. I know I'm capable. 627 00:24:11,130 --> 00:24:13,059 I know I am that good. 628 00:24:13,079 --> 00:24:17,200 And this is the perfect platform to prove it. 629 00:24:17,220 --> 00:24:20,119 Wait, this thing doesn't fit. 630 00:24:20,140 --> 00:24:22,150 What? What did we do wrong? 631 00:24:22,170 --> 00:24:24,069 There's a problem. It doesn't fit. 632 00:24:24,089 --> 00:24:25,180 The metal is gonna need to be cut, 633 00:24:25,200 --> 00:24:27,210 and the top is gonna have to be routered. 634 00:24:27,230 --> 00:24:31,029 It's gonna take time that I really can't afford to lose. 635 00:24:31,049 --> 00:24:33,049 Okay, let's get to work. Enough of this. 636 00:24:33,069 --> 00:24:35,019 I cannot fail on the first challenge. 637 00:24:35,039 --> 00:24:37,049 Is there anything more embarrassing? 638 00:24:37,069 --> 00:24:39,009 Okay, let's go. 639 00:24:39,029 --> 00:24:40,210 [drill buzzing] 640 00:24:40,230 --> 00:24:44,000 [mid-tempo music] 641 00:24:47,089 --> 00:24:50,049 [dramatic music] 642 00:24:50,069 --> 00:24:52,140 - Will! [laughs] 643 00:24:52,160 --> 00:24:54,130 The [bleep]? The power is back. 644 00:24:54,150 --> 00:24:56,009 In order for me to get back on track, 645 00:24:56,029 --> 00:24:57,130 I'm gonna have to do a lot of scrambling 646 00:24:57,150 --> 00:24:59,089 to get everything done. 647 00:24:59,109 --> 00:25:01,119 [buzzing] 648 00:25:01,140 --> 00:25:03,039 I'm gonna have to have everything assembled 649 00:25:03,059 --> 00:25:04,109 before tomorrow morning. 650 00:25:04,130 --> 00:25:06,059 And water. 651 00:25:06,079 --> 00:25:09,109 [whirring] 652 00:25:09,130 --> 00:25:11,039 ♪ ♪ 653 00:25:11,059 --> 00:25:13,119 I will probably be here all night. 654 00:25:13,140 --> 00:25:17,150 ♪ ♪ 655 00:25:22,039 --> 00:25:25,009 - ♪ This was always my vision ♪ 656 00:25:25,029 --> 00:25:27,019 ♪ Let me show you how I'm livin' ♪ 657 00:25:27,039 --> 00:25:28,210 - It's my last day of the challenge. 658 00:25:28,230 --> 00:25:30,140 I gotta bring all the pieces together. 659 00:25:30,160 --> 00:25:32,220 We are so close to having this piece done. 660 00:25:33,000 --> 00:25:34,130 Well, I don't have much time, 661 00:25:34,150 --> 00:25:36,140 and I have a handful of problems right now. 662 00:25:36,160 --> 00:25:38,140 - The last day. I don't have much time. 663 00:25:38,160 --> 00:25:39,220 All the pieces are here, 664 00:25:40,000 --> 00:25:42,009 but I haven't seen them all together yet. 665 00:25:42,029 --> 00:25:44,190 And so I just want to make sure that they fight perfectly. 666 00:25:44,210 --> 00:25:46,230 We're so close. Oh, wait. 667 00:25:47,009 --> 00:25:49,029 - Did it--did it just go in? - It just went in. 668 00:25:49,049 --> 00:25:51,000 - Wait, really? - [laughs] Yes. 669 00:25:51,019 --> 00:25:53,000 - This is right now. This is the biggest issue. 670 00:25:53,019 --> 00:25:55,190 The wood has to come a little bit of an angle. 671 00:25:55,210 --> 00:25:59,109 I'm spending hours going through a chiseling process 672 00:25:59,130 --> 00:26:03,140 between the stone and the wood to make them fit together. 673 00:26:03,160 --> 00:26:05,230 I decided to go the most difficult, 674 00:26:06,009 --> 00:26:08,079 time-consuming route, but the rock 675 00:26:08,099 --> 00:26:10,049 has to hug the wood 676 00:26:10,069 --> 00:26:12,230 in perfect unison. 677 00:26:13,009 --> 00:26:15,009 - It doesn't fit. 678 00:26:15,029 --> 00:26:16,180 Will! 679 00:26:18,009 --> 00:26:20,109 Shit. 680 00:26:20,130 --> 00:26:23,170 It didn't fit, because the paint added thickness. 681 00:26:23,190 --> 00:26:25,009 It's a lot to do. 682 00:26:25,029 --> 00:26:28,019 I feel like I need two more days. 683 00:26:28,119 --> 00:26:30,150 - Should we drill this? - Yeah. 684 00:26:30,170 --> 00:26:33,009 [drill buzzing] 685 00:26:33,029 --> 00:26:36,000 [dramatic music] 686 00:26:36,019 --> 00:26:38,170 Yeah? Oh, shit. 687 00:26:38,190 --> 00:26:40,200 Mats, what the [bleep] did you just do? 688 00:26:40,220 --> 00:26:42,119 Get that out right now. Get that out. 689 00:26:42,140 --> 00:26:44,220 We didn't have to go that [bleep] deep. 690 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:47,000 [bleep]. 691 00:26:47,019 --> 00:26:48,130 - The soapstone cracked. 692 00:26:48,150 --> 00:26:50,069 - We should have just Starbonded it. 693 00:26:50,089 --> 00:26:51,130 Oh, my God. 694 00:26:51,150 --> 00:26:53,160 We have now one more thing to do, 695 00:26:53,180 --> 00:26:57,140 on top of all the other finishing stuff we have to do. 696 00:26:59,089 --> 00:27:01,049 We have to just let it sit. 697 00:27:01,220 --> 00:27:03,230 - Slow, slow, slow, slow, slow, slow. 698 00:27:04,009 --> 00:27:06,049 The first piece gets anchored to the stone, 699 00:27:06,069 --> 00:27:08,230 and then we just stack the rest of them on top. 700 00:27:09,130 --> 00:27:10,210 Ah. What are you doing? 701 00:27:10,230 --> 00:27:12,059 - I'm aligning. 702 00:27:12,079 --> 00:27:13,210 Push it down. - All we have to do is 703 00:27:13,230 --> 00:27:16,019 make sure that it's level, and then we're set. 704 00:27:16,039 --> 00:27:19,039 In high school, I would finish the tests 705 00:27:19,059 --> 00:27:20,140 in, like, ten minutes 706 00:27:20,160 --> 00:27:23,009 and then play games the rest of it. 707 00:27:23,029 --> 00:27:25,069 Yeah, it's perfect. Now what? 708 00:27:25,089 --> 00:27:27,230 - Now you walk away. - I'm done! 709 00:27:28,009 --> 00:27:29,089 - We only have an hour left. 710 00:27:29,109 --> 00:27:31,130 Gonna have to do some very fast sanding. 711 00:27:31,150 --> 00:27:32,180 - We got this. 712 00:27:32,200 --> 00:27:35,089 [upbeat music] 713 00:27:35,109 --> 00:27:37,000 - When this fireplace is finished, 714 00:27:37,019 --> 00:27:39,089 your eyes are gonna be drawn to this focal point. 715 00:27:39,109 --> 00:27:40,210 We just need to handle 716 00:27:40,230 --> 00:27:42,210 everything really carefully. Like, no breakages. 717 00:27:42,230 --> 00:27:45,069 - Yeah. Boy, everything goes smooth. 718 00:27:45,089 --> 00:27:47,049 - I'm stressed, but it's good stress. 719 00:27:47,069 --> 00:27:49,069 I haven't gone into a negative cycle yet. 720 00:27:49,089 --> 00:27:52,009 - How much time we got? - Not much. 721 00:27:52,029 --> 00:27:55,029 - We never had the opportunity to assemble 722 00:27:55,049 --> 00:27:56,210 these three materials 723 00:27:56,230 --> 00:27:59,200 with these different finishes together. 724 00:27:59,220 --> 00:28:01,119 This is new. 725 00:28:01,140 --> 00:28:03,170 So there's a bit of stress here. 726 00:28:03,190 --> 00:28:05,119 And there's no time to change it. 727 00:28:05,140 --> 00:28:09,039 [dramatic music] 728 00:28:09,059 --> 00:28:11,130 [saw buzzing] 729 00:28:11,150 --> 00:28:13,029 ♪ ♪ 730 00:28:13,049 --> 00:28:16,140 - I'm feeling the pressure. $100,000 at stake. 731 00:28:16,160 --> 00:28:18,059 I'm trying to stay chill, but, like, 732 00:28:18,079 --> 00:28:19,220 I can only stay so chill. 733 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:22,059 [drill grinding] 734 00:28:22,079 --> 00:28:25,029 ♪ ♪ 735 00:28:25,049 --> 00:28:26,180 - Do you think it's worth adding that? 736 00:28:26,200 --> 00:28:28,059 - No. That looks so stupid. 737 00:28:28,079 --> 00:28:29,170 - No, that's right. - No, it's not right. 738 00:28:29,190 --> 00:28:31,170 - Here we go. - Let's go at it. 739 00:28:31,190 --> 00:28:33,069 - Yep. 740 00:28:33,089 --> 00:28:37,190 ♪ ♪ 741 00:28:37,210 --> 00:28:39,119 - I'm very pleased with myself. 742 00:28:39,140 --> 00:28:41,089 And now it's in the hands of the judges. 743 00:28:41,109 --> 00:28:42,180 - Thank you. It got a little crazy 744 00:28:42,200 --> 00:28:44,059 towards the end, but we did it. 745 00:28:44,079 --> 00:28:46,009 I'm excited to see what the judges think. 746 00:28:46,130 --> 00:28:49,089 - I have done everything I can to make this as perfect 747 00:28:49,109 --> 00:28:51,190 and well-thought-out as possible. 748 00:28:51,210 --> 00:28:53,069 - Okay. Done. 749 00:28:53,089 --> 00:28:55,230 It looks okay, man. You did good, you did good. 750 00:29:00,180 --> 00:29:03,180 [upbeat music] 751 00:29:03,200 --> 00:29:06,150 ♪ ♪ 752 00:29:06,170 --> 00:29:08,049 - Hey, hey. all: Hey. 753 00:29:08,069 --> 00:29:09,150 - Hi. 754 00:29:09,170 --> 00:29:10,180 - Welcome, you guys. 755 00:29:10,200 --> 00:29:12,049 - Hey, guys. - How are you? 756 00:29:12,069 --> 00:29:13,099 - Welcome. - Oh, my goodness. 757 00:29:13,119 --> 00:29:14,170 How are you? - We're great. 758 00:29:14,190 --> 00:29:16,019 - So good to see everyone in person. 759 00:29:16,039 --> 00:29:17,109 - Yes, it absolutely is. 760 00:29:17,130 --> 00:29:18,200 - Wow, you guys. all: Hi. 761 00:29:18,220 --> 00:29:20,049 - Everybody's here. - Hey. 762 00:29:20,069 --> 00:29:21,119 How are you guys? - Hi. 763 00:29:21,140 --> 00:29:23,000 - Before we get into everything, 764 00:29:23,019 --> 00:29:24,109 I want to introduce my fellow judges here. 765 00:29:24,130 --> 00:29:26,170 So, designers, this is Brigette Romanek. 766 00:29:26,190 --> 00:29:29,000 - Hi, hi. 767 00:29:29,019 --> 00:29:31,210 - And on the other side of her, Fernando Mastrangelo. 768 00:29:31,230 --> 00:29:33,089 all: Whoo! - Yes. 769 00:29:33,109 --> 00:29:34,180 - Welcome, designers. 770 00:29:34,200 --> 00:29:35,230 - Okay, so your first challenge 771 00:29:36,009 --> 00:29:37,089 was to go back to the basics 772 00:29:37,109 --> 00:29:39,200 and use the natural elements of wood and stone 773 00:29:39,220 --> 00:29:42,039 to design a signature piece. 774 00:29:42,059 --> 00:29:43,109 All right. 775 00:29:43,130 --> 00:29:45,029 Alejandro, why don't we start with you? 776 00:29:45,049 --> 00:29:46,170 Let's see your piece first. - Let's do it. 777 00:29:46,190 --> 00:29:48,059 - The rest of you guys can go on backstage, 778 00:29:48,079 --> 00:29:49,170 and Alejandro and I and Fernando and Brigette 779 00:29:49,190 --> 00:29:51,190 will have a conversation. Thanks, guys. 780 00:29:51,210 --> 00:29:53,039 - I am nervous, 781 00:29:53,059 --> 00:29:57,109 but my bench is beautiful, and I trust it. 782 00:29:57,130 --> 00:29:58,210 - When you saw that pallet 783 00:29:58,230 --> 00:30:00,109 full of stone and the crate full of slabs, 784 00:30:00,130 --> 00:30:01,210 what--what was your first thought? 785 00:30:01,230 --> 00:30:04,220 - I mean, my first thought was, "Wow." 786 00:30:05,000 --> 00:30:06,200 I got incredible materials... 787 00:30:06,220 --> 00:30:10,049 - Mm-hmm. - That are primitive and raw. 788 00:30:10,069 --> 00:30:14,000 And I wanted to honor them, most importantly. 789 00:30:14,019 --> 00:30:16,029 - Well, what do you say we take a look at your piece? 790 00:30:16,049 --> 00:30:17,210 - Yeah. - All right. 791 00:30:17,230 --> 00:30:20,049 Let's light it up. 792 00:30:20,069 --> 00:30:24,009 [music swells] 793 00:30:24,029 --> 00:30:26,170 - The concept behind it is, "How true could it be 794 00:30:26,190 --> 00:30:28,039 "to the original stone? 795 00:30:28,059 --> 00:30:30,210 How true is it to the original slab?" 796 00:30:30,230 --> 00:30:35,049 Though I chiseled both and made it stand 797 00:30:35,069 --> 00:30:36,230 in a way that it shouldn't, 798 00:30:37,009 --> 00:30:41,000 it tries to levitate, it tries to be weightless. 799 00:30:41,019 --> 00:30:43,220 [suspenseful music] 800 00:30:44,000 --> 00:30:45,200 - When I thought about this challenge, Alejandro, 801 00:30:45,220 --> 00:30:47,099 I literally thought, 802 00:30:47,119 --> 00:30:50,009 "I hope no one does a slab with a rock through it." 803 00:30:50,029 --> 00:30:52,019 - Mm-hmm. - I feel like I've seen 804 00:30:52,039 --> 00:30:53,220 this piece so many times. 805 00:30:54,000 --> 00:30:55,089 What this piece is about 806 00:30:55,109 --> 00:30:58,079 is that moment where the rock meets the wood. 807 00:30:58,099 --> 00:31:00,140 A little bit rough around there, so for me, 808 00:31:00,160 --> 00:31:02,220 the illusion of it is gone. 809 00:31:03,000 --> 00:31:04,099 - I get that you've seen it before. 810 00:31:04,119 --> 00:31:06,000 I think was an interesting choice, 811 00:31:06,019 --> 00:31:09,019 but there is something really powerful about it, 812 00:31:09,039 --> 00:31:10,109 because it's so simple. 813 00:31:10,130 --> 00:31:12,069 - I absolutely like it. I could see this 814 00:31:12,089 --> 00:31:15,029 in the middle of a big, wide open space, 815 00:31:15,049 --> 00:31:16,140 and almost like if it were in a museum, 816 00:31:16,160 --> 00:31:18,069 the title of it would be "Back to Basics." 817 00:31:18,089 --> 00:31:19,190 - All right, well thank you, Alejandro. 818 00:31:19,210 --> 00:31:21,069 We appreciate your time. - Thank you. 819 00:31:21,089 --> 00:31:23,130 - We appreciate your piece. Thanks, man. 820 00:31:23,150 --> 00:31:25,160 - I really wanted to wow all three judges. 821 00:31:25,180 --> 00:31:27,019 I have Brigette on my side, 822 00:31:27,039 --> 00:31:28,140 I have Scott in the middle, 823 00:31:28,160 --> 00:31:29,220 and Fernando didn't like it at all. 824 00:31:30,000 --> 00:31:32,089 And I'm nervous I could go home. 825 00:31:34,059 --> 00:31:35,170 - Hi, Urvi. - Hi, Scott. 826 00:31:35,190 --> 00:31:37,190 - Hello, hello. - I'm very excited to show 827 00:31:37,210 --> 00:31:39,180 the judges my first piece. 828 00:31:39,200 --> 00:31:43,009 I think it's relevant to who I am as a designer. 829 00:31:43,029 --> 00:31:44,230 - Hi, Urvi. - Hi. 830 00:31:45,009 --> 00:31:46,220 - Did you have a design idea right away? 831 00:31:47,000 --> 00:31:48,049 - Absolutely not. 832 00:31:48,069 --> 00:31:49,200 A part of going back to the basics 833 00:31:49,220 --> 00:31:51,200 is that you have to let the material be. 834 00:31:51,220 --> 00:31:53,140 - Yep. - I was listening 835 00:31:53,160 --> 00:31:57,230 to the material and using it in the best way possible. 836 00:31:58,009 --> 00:31:59,150 - Gotcha. Should we take a look? 837 00:31:59,170 --> 00:32:01,190 - Yeah. - All right, let's light it up. 838 00:32:01,210 --> 00:32:04,130 [sweeping music] 839 00:32:04,150 --> 00:32:06,000 ♪ ♪ 840 00:32:06,019 --> 00:32:08,089 - I decided to create an entryway table. 841 00:32:08,109 --> 00:32:12,000 I weave personal narrative into designing an object. 842 00:32:12,019 --> 00:32:14,119 What came to mind was a childhood game 843 00:32:14,140 --> 00:32:17,200 that I used to play. You stack up seven stones. 844 00:32:17,220 --> 00:32:19,170 So, all of the stones 845 00:32:19,190 --> 00:32:23,160 that connect the top to the base are the maple. 846 00:32:23,180 --> 00:32:26,119 ♪ ♪ 847 00:32:26,140 --> 00:32:28,029 - You've made a sculpture. 848 00:32:28,049 --> 00:32:31,039 It's a cool combination, leaving the live edge of this, 849 00:32:31,059 --> 00:32:33,000 but then your mark-making 850 00:32:33,019 --> 00:32:34,180 on the other stones. - Mm-hmm, yep. 851 00:32:34,200 --> 00:32:36,079 - I would have this in my home. 852 00:32:36,099 --> 00:32:38,220 - Just as a sculpture, just as a piece unto itself, 853 00:32:39,000 --> 00:32:41,079 it is really beautiful. And listening to your 854 00:32:41,099 --> 00:32:42,180 story--which is important to me, 855 00:32:42,200 --> 00:32:45,200 'cause I do love pieces with soul. 856 00:32:45,220 --> 00:32:47,170 - As a piece that goes up against a wall, 857 00:32:47,190 --> 00:32:49,230 I would have maybe taken 858 00:32:50,009 --> 00:32:52,130 one of the live edges and squared it off. 859 00:32:52,150 --> 00:32:54,170 - I thought it added to the piece, and it really connected 860 00:32:54,190 --> 00:32:57,009 the top and bottom, in terms of edge treatment. 861 00:32:57,029 --> 00:32:58,180 - I think you did a really good job, Urvi. 862 00:32:58,200 --> 00:33:00,069 Thank you so much. - Well done. 863 00:33:00,089 --> 00:33:02,109 - Thanks for your time. - Thank you so much. 864 00:33:02,130 --> 00:33:04,170 I'm feeling really happy 865 00:33:04,190 --> 00:33:08,160 because I've set myself up as a contender. 866 00:33:11,109 --> 00:33:12,210 - There she is. Hi, Arielle. 867 00:33:12,230 --> 00:33:14,009 - Hi. - Hello. 868 00:33:14,029 --> 00:33:15,119 - I'm super nervous. 869 00:33:15,140 --> 00:33:18,160 But I'm so excited about my piece, 870 00:33:18,180 --> 00:33:21,000 and I hope the judges love it. 871 00:33:21,019 --> 00:33:23,220 - You know, when we're looking at these pieces, 872 00:33:24,000 --> 00:33:25,180 I think, "Does the piece make a statement, 873 00:33:25,200 --> 00:33:29,140 or does it move something in us emotionally?" 874 00:33:29,160 --> 00:33:31,049 What do you think? Did your piece do any, 875 00:33:31,069 --> 00:33:32,180 or all of those? - I hope so. 876 00:33:32,200 --> 00:33:34,049 - Yeah? - I think so. 877 00:33:34,069 --> 00:33:35,160 - Well, what do you say we take a look, huh? 878 00:33:35,180 --> 00:33:37,019 - Sure, great. - All right. 879 00:33:37,039 --> 00:33:38,170 - Let's get right to it. - Let's light it up. 880 00:33:38,190 --> 00:33:41,130 [soft music] 881 00:33:41,150 --> 00:33:43,019 ♪ ♪ 882 00:33:43,039 --> 00:33:45,109 - I wanted to create something that's timeless, 883 00:33:45,130 --> 00:33:49,049 so I chose to use primarily the two materials given-- 884 00:33:49,069 --> 00:33:50,220 the wood and the rock-- 885 00:33:51,000 --> 00:33:52,140 and add a little bit of hidden bling 886 00:33:52,160 --> 00:33:55,069 that you have to kind of walk around to see. 887 00:33:55,089 --> 00:33:57,130 There's a polished brass side 888 00:33:57,150 --> 00:34:00,130 that has a bracket that holds the table in place, 889 00:34:00,150 --> 00:34:04,109 and it also just really frames the rock itself. 890 00:34:04,130 --> 00:34:06,190 - Look at that. 891 00:34:06,210 --> 00:34:08,030 - Whoa. Ha. 892 00:34:08,050 --> 00:34:09,190 - What you've done is you've taken 893 00:34:09,210 --> 00:34:12,130 these back-to-basic materials 894 00:34:12,150 --> 00:34:14,190 and made something so elegant. 895 00:34:14,210 --> 00:34:17,110 It's absolutely beautifully done, every detail is there. 896 00:34:17,130 --> 00:34:19,110 The creativity, the functionality, 897 00:34:19,130 --> 00:34:22,159 all of these things that are important to me, 898 00:34:22,179 --> 00:34:25,019 are in this table. I'm in love. 899 00:34:25,039 --> 00:34:26,030 - You're in love? - Really? 900 00:34:26,050 --> 00:34:27,119 - I'm in love. 901 00:34:27,139 --> 00:34:29,000 - We're on that same thing 902 00:34:29,019 --> 00:34:30,179 of the slab with the rock in it, 903 00:34:30,199 --> 00:34:32,070 and I'm like-- - I understand. 904 00:34:32,090 --> 00:34:34,130 - But there's something different about this one. 905 00:34:34,150 --> 00:34:35,230 - It's scribed really well here. 906 00:34:36,010 --> 00:34:37,170 - Yes. - You did a good job. 907 00:34:37,190 --> 00:34:39,199 - That looks like a sheet of water, 908 00:34:39,219 --> 00:34:42,190 and then this, you know, monolith is coming out of it. 909 00:34:42,210 --> 00:34:46,000 That shows your chops as a designer, as a thinker. 910 00:34:46,019 --> 00:34:48,030 I wish there wasn't a rock through a slab. 911 00:34:48,050 --> 00:34:50,070 - But if there's got to be a rock through a slab, 912 00:34:50,090 --> 00:34:51,219 this is the way-- - You've done the job. 913 00:34:52,000 --> 00:34:53,130 - This is the way to do it. - Yeah, beautiful! 914 00:34:53,150 --> 00:34:55,059 It's a good piece, Arielle. Thank you so much. 915 00:34:55,079 --> 00:34:57,050 - Awesome, thank you. - You got it, have a good one. 916 00:34:57,070 --> 00:34:59,079 You too. Brigette loves it. 917 00:34:59,099 --> 00:35:01,070 Fernando loves it. Scott loves it. 918 00:35:01,090 --> 00:35:03,230 I am so relieved. 919 00:35:04,010 --> 00:35:05,139 - Alejandro made the same piece. 920 00:35:05,159 --> 00:35:08,119 However, Arielle's craftsmanship was great. 921 00:35:08,139 --> 00:35:10,010 - Looking at Alejandro, 922 00:35:10,030 --> 00:35:12,150 it's a little bit of lack of craftsmanship. 923 00:35:12,170 --> 00:35:14,099 - He should have scribed around the rock instead of cutting 924 00:35:14,119 --> 00:35:15,199 in straight lines. - And we know that it can 925 00:35:15,219 --> 00:35:17,030 be done-- - Yes, because Arielle 926 00:35:17,050 --> 00:35:18,199 did a great job. 927 00:35:20,119 --> 00:35:22,000 There she is. Hi, Christina. 928 00:35:22,019 --> 00:35:23,159 - Hi. I chose a fireplace 929 00:35:23,179 --> 00:35:25,050 because I've never made one before. 930 00:35:25,070 --> 00:35:26,219 And now I'm thinking, "Oh, gosh, 931 00:35:27,000 --> 00:35:28,130 "is this going to be okay? 932 00:35:28,150 --> 00:35:31,050 Is this going to work for me?" I took a risk, 933 00:35:31,070 --> 00:35:33,090 so that does make me a little bit nervous. 934 00:35:33,110 --> 00:35:35,119 - Was this a challenge for you? I mean, is this--do you 935 00:35:35,139 --> 00:35:39,010 usually work with big stones, large slabs of wood? 936 00:35:39,030 --> 00:35:40,130 - When I saw the alabaster, 937 00:35:40,150 --> 00:35:42,019 it was like a visceral-- 938 00:35:42,039 --> 00:35:43,170 like, "Yes, that's what I'm using." 939 00:35:43,190 --> 00:35:45,230 I was quite adventurous in choosing a fireplace. 940 00:35:46,010 --> 00:35:47,010 - All right, well, on that note, 941 00:35:47,030 --> 00:35:49,050 let's--let's light it up. 942 00:35:49,070 --> 00:35:52,139 [soft music] 943 00:35:52,159 --> 00:35:54,019 - The reason why I chose a fireplace 944 00:35:54,039 --> 00:35:56,019 is 'cause it's such an alive piece. 945 00:35:56,039 --> 00:35:58,050 You know, you have the sound of the crackling fires. 946 00:35:58,070 --> 00:35:59,230 You have sound. You have light. 947 00:36:00,010 --> 00:36:02,130 You have all of these elements playing together. 948 00:36:02,150 --> 00:36:04,070 And if you look at the alabaster, 949 00:36:04,090 --> 00:36:06,190 you see all those beautiful patterns. 950 00:36:06,210 --> 00:36:08,210 They actually emulate fire. 951 00:36:09,000 --> 00:36:11,000 - Okay. - Oh, my gosh. 952 00:36:11,019 --> 00:36:12,179 - Look at that. 953 00:36:12,199 --> 00:36:16,110 I have never thought of this as furniture. 954 00:36:16,130 --> 00:36:19,150 - This is architecture. This is interior design. 955 00:36:19,170 --> 00:36:22,039 This is lighting, which is furniture. 956 00:36:22,059 --> 00:36:24,019 There's nothing here that I don't love. 957 00:36:24,039 --> 00:36:25,070 - No, me too! - Which is--you know-- 958 00:36:25,090 --> 00:36:26,150 - It's finished beautifully. 959 00:36:26,170 --> 00:36:28,000 I love the raw materials, 960 00:36:28,019 --> 00:36:29,139 how you matched the grain. 961 00:36:29,159 --> 00:36:31,099 - She did not let up anywhere. 962 00:36:31,119 --> 00:36:33,199 Anywhere your eye goes, it's done really beautifully. 963 00:36:33,219 --> 00:36:35,059 - Thank you for showing it to us, 964 00:36:35,079 --> 00:36:36,159 for making it and bringing it here. 965 00:36:36,179 --> 00:36:38,119 I appreciate it. - Thanks. 966 00:36:38,139 --> 00:36:41,130 It's so validating to be told that your piece is original. 967 00:36:41,150 --> 00:36:43,230 It's a great way to start. 968 00:36:46,190 --> 00:36:48,090 - Hey, man. - Well, hello. 969 00:36:48,110 --> 00:36:50,059 - How are you, Paul? - The best-case scenario for me 970 00:36:50,079 --> 00:36:53,019 is that the very first challenge, you know, 971 00:36:53,039 --> 00:36:56,230 I just wow these very esteemed judges. 972 00:36:57,010 --> 00:36:59,039 - So, wood slabs, stone-- are these materials 973 00:36:59,059 --> 00:37:01,110 you're familiar with, comfortable with working with? 974 00:37:01,130 --> 00:37:03,000 - It was a bit of a gut check for me. 975 00:37:03,019 --> 00:37:04,119 It was like, "Holy cow, Ellen really put me 976 00:37:04,139 --> 00:37:07,070 in a--you know, in a box on this one right here." 977 00:37:07,090 --> 00:37:09,030 - Well, I'm excited to see what you built. 978 00:37:09,050 --> 00:37:11,139 - We should take a look at it. - All right, let's light it up. 979 00:37:11,159 --> 00:37:14,219 [soft music] 980 00:37:15,000 --> 00:37:16,170 - You know, I picked out this slab, 981 00:37:16,190 --> 00:37:18,119 and it had all of this character in it. 982 00:37:18,139 --> 00:37:20,210 And I said, "This thing has got a story to tell." 983 00:37:20,230 --> 00:37:22,219 It requires support. 984 00:37:23,000 --> 00:37:26,010 Stone actually represents principles. 985 00:37:26,210 --> 00:37:28,150 Well, it's not really a bench. 986 00:37:28,170 --> 00:37:30,070 - Oh, shoot. - But that's okay. 987 00:37:30,090 --> 00:37:31,230 That's okay, I hadn't thought about it like that. 988 00:37:32,010 --> 00:37:34,190 But, you know, hey. It's a coffee table. 989 00:37:34,210 --> 00:37:36,130 - Oh, it is? - Ah, see, I saw a bench. 990 00:37:36,150 --> 00:37:38,000 - I saw a bench as well. - Yes. 991 00:37:38,019 --> 00:37:39,199 It's a--it's a--it's a coffee table. 992 00:37:39,219 --> 00:37:43,000 - We have seen a slab with a rock through it. 993 00:37:43,019 --> 00:37:45,090 What we have not seen is 994 00:37:45,110 --> 00:37:47,079 the rock with a slab through it. 995 00:37:47,099 --> 00:37:49,230 And I think that's what differentiates your piece. 996 00:37:50,010 --> 00:37:52,000 I love the angles here. 997 00:37:52,019 --> 00:37:54,019 It's almost like a wing. - I like the piece. 998 00:37:54,039 --> 00:37:55,159 It's, like, technically well-executed. 999 00:37:55,179 --> 00:37:56,219 It looks like something that should be 1000 00:37:57,000 --> 00:37:58,050 in a catalogue already. 1001 00:37:58,070 --> 00:37:59,090 - But I'm struggling a little bit. 1002 00:37:59,110 --> 00:38:00,179 - Yeah. I'm not, like... 1003 00:38:00,199 --> 00:38:03,150 - I'm struggling. - Wowed by...it. 1004 00:38:03,170 --> 00:38:05,199 - I'm concerned 1005 00:38:05,219 --> 00:38:08,110 because this is definitely narrow. 1006 00:38:08,130 --> 00:38:11,000 There are--not rules, but there are some things 1007 00:38:11,019 --> 00:38:12,159 about, like, a coffee table that you're gonna make, 1008 00:38:12,179 --> 00:38:14,119 that really functions well. 1009 00:38:14,139 --> 00:38:16,230 Scale. Scale is important-- 1010 00:38:17,010 --> 00:38:20,090 that it make sense for someone's home. 1011 00:38:21,110 --> 00:38:23,090 - You know, in a railroad apartment in New York, 1012 00:38:23,110 --> 00:38:25,050 this works really well. - There you go. 1013 00:38:25,070 --> 00:38:26,210 That's where it's going. - I appreciate 1014 00:38:26,230 --> 00:38:28,170 you showing it to us, making it and bringing it out. 1015 00:38:28,190 --> 00:38:30,090 - Thank you. - I appreciate it. 1016 00:38:30,110 --> 00:38:31,219 - Okay, does that mean I, uh-- - That's it, my friend. 1017 00:38:32,000 --> 00:38:33,090 - Exit? - Thanks, buddy. 1018 00:38:33,110 --> 00:38:34,230 All right, thank you. both: Thank you. 1019 00:38:35,010 --> 00:38:36,150 - I'm feeling very good about my work, 1020 00:38:36,170 --> 00:38:38,170 so I took it with a grain of salt. 1021 00:38:38,190 --> 00:38:40,179 I'm hoping that I did enough this week to make it 1022 00:38:40,199 --> 00:38:42,199 to the next challenge. It's a long road. 1023 00:38:42,219 --> 00:38:45,019 - Hi, Erica. - Hello. 1024 00:38:45,039 --> 00:38:46,170 - Hi, guys, what's up? - How's it going? 1025 00:38:46,190 --> 00:38:48,170 - I'm nervous, but I definitely want to wow 1026 00:38:48,190 --> 00:38:51,050 the judges immediately, I want them to see my hard work. 1027 00:38:51,070 --> 00:38:53,130 I think I really pulled it together quite nicely. 1028 00:38:53,150 --> 00:38:55,150 - All right. Let's light it up. 1029 00:38:55,170 --> 00:38:58,110 [dramatic music] 1030 00:38:58,130 --> 00:38:59,219 ♪ ♪ 1031 00:39:00,000 --> 00:39:02,159 - I ended up deciding to make one piece 1032 00:39:02,179 --> 00:39:04,230 that's fully done by hand in my studio, 1033 00:39:05,010 --> 00:39:08,019 and the other piece exclusively done by machine. 1034 00:39:08,039 --> 00:39:10,130 By doing that, I used a 3D modeling program 1035 00:39:10,150 --> 00:39:12,059 to model both my forms 1036 00:39:12,079 --> 00:39:15,099 that were based off of sound waves of a forest fire 1037 00:39:15,119 --> 00:39:17,210 that happened at Big Basins, California. 1038 00:39:17,230 --> 00:39:19,199 - Oh, my goodness. 1039 00:39:21,039 --> 00:39:23,039 - Yo, I just want to say, 1040 00:39:23,059 --> 00:39:24,199 these are badass. - Thank you, 1041 00:39:24,219 --> 00:39:26,219 Fernando. - These are badass pieces. 1042 00:39:27,000 --> 00:39:28,090 - That means a lot. - They're doing something 1043 00:39:28,110 --> 00:39:30,030 that I think I've been wanting to see 1044 00:39:30,050 --> 00:39:31,199 through this competition so far. 1045 00:39:31,219 --> 00:39:33,059 They're unique. 1046 00:39:33,079 --> 00:39:37,059 - I love just the idea of turning sound waves 1047 00:39:37,079 --> 00:39:40,059 into a visual medium, right? 1048 00:39:40,079 --> 00:39:43,030 - Only issue with these... 1049 00:39:43,050 --> 00:39:45,130 is that they are not at my house. 1050 00:39:45,150 --> 00:39:47,110 - Wow. [laughter] 1051 00:39:47,130 --> 00:39:49,130 - Okay. - Because... 1052 00:39:49,150 --> 00:39:52,090 these are absolutely stunning. 1053 00:39:52,110 --> 00:39:54,130 - Okay, I definitely nailed this round. 1054 00:39:54,150 --> 00:39:56,230 I don't think this judging could get any better. 1055 00:39:57,010 --> 00:39:58,150 Thank you, judges. I appreciated it. 1056 00:39:58,170 --> 00:40:00,070 See you later. 1057 00:40:00,090 --> 00:40:02,190 ♪ ♪ 1058 00:40:02,210 --> 00:40:04,030 - Here he comes. - Hey, hey. 1059 00:40:04,050 --> 00:40:05,219 - Hello, hello. - Hey, Mark. 1060 00:40:06,000 --> 00:40:09,210 - I'm hoping the judges will think my piece is original 1061 00:40:09,230 --> 00:40:12,079 and thought-provoking. 1062 00:40:12,099 --> 00:40:14,090 - What was the most challenging thing for you? 1063 00:40:14,110 --> 00:40:15,159 - The power went out... 1064 00:40:15,179 --> 00:40:17,130 - What? - For, like, half the day. 1065 00:40:17,150 --> 00:40:18,230 - Yeah, but, you know, you gotta roll 1066 00:40:19,010 --> 00:40:20,110 with the punches. - I like your attitude. 1067 00:40:20,130 --> 00:40:21,199 You gotta roll with the punches. 1068 00:40:21,219 --> 00:40:23,039 You do, indeed. Well, we're excited 1069 00:40:23,059 --> 00:40:24,210 to see what you built. - Okay. 1070 00:40:24,230 --> 00:40:26,079 - All right, light it up. 1071 00:40:26,099 --> 00:40:29,090 [dramatic music] 1072 00:40:29,110 --> 00:40:30,179 ♪ ♪ 1073 00:40:30,199 --> 00:40:32,199 - This was sort of my way 1074 00:40:32,219 --> 00:40:34,119 of communicating the fact that, 1075 00:40:34,139 --> 00:40:36,190 like, yes, we might be different colors, 1076 00:40:36,210 --> 00:40:38,179 but we still can fit together. 1077 00:40:38,199 --> 00:40:40,199 And one of the other concepts I have for this piece 1078 00:40:40,219 --> 00:40:42,199 is sort of my emotional state. 1079 00:40:42,219 --> 00:40:46,050 So, I have these expressions on this form. 1080 00:40:46,070 --> 00:40:48,010 It is a side table. 1081 00:40:48,030 --> 00:40:51,179 - This is really, really a memorable piece. 1082 00:40:51,199 --> 00:40:53,199 - I immediately felt like this 1083 00:40:53,219 --> 00:40:57,030 is a kind of piece that you would find at a retail store. 1084 00:40:57,050 --> 00:41:00,010 Like, it's lacking a bit of luxury aspect to it. 1085 00:41:00,030 --> 00:41:02,079 I would love to see it on the ground. 1086 00:41:02,099 --> 00:41:06,099 - It's really fun. On either side of a kid's bed. 1087 00:41:06,119 --> 00:41:08,079 You know? That just would be so joyous. 1088 00:41:08,099 --> 00:41:09,210 - Why didn't you make two, by the way? 1089 00:41:09,230 --> 00:41:12,000 [dramatic musical sting] - The color, for me, 1090 00:41:12,019 --> 00:41:15,210 I don't love, and I'm missing the stone. 1091 00:41:15,230 --> 00:41:17,159 - Well, it's the eyes. - No, I see that. 1092 00:41:17,179 --> 00:41:19,090 - Right. - I see this is the stone, 1093 00:41:19,110 --> 00:41:20,219 and you milled it down, and you-- 1094 00:41:21,000 --> 00:41:22,090 it fits beautifully in there. 1095 00:41:22,110 --> 00:41:24,079 I don't know. I want more of the stone 1096 00:41:24,099 --> 00:41:28,079 because it was--stone and the wood, the slab. 1097 00:41:28,099 --> 00:41:30,130 - It's like a very contemporary language. 1098 00:41:30,150 --> 00:41:33,019 And-- - Jesus, mother. 1099 00:41:33,039 --> 00:41:34,210 - All right, well, that makes me a little nervous. 1100 00:41:34,230 --> 00:41:36,159 - Yeah, that would make me nervous as well. 1101 00:41:36,179 --> 00:41:38,070 - You know, there's some issues with the craftsmanship. 1102 00:41:38,090 --> 00:41:39,130 - Mm-hmm. - I'll be honest. 1103 00:41:39,150 --> 00:41:41,010 I'm not sure how I feel about it. 1104 00:41:41,030 --> 00:41:42,099 But Mark, thank you so much 1105 00:41:42,119 --> 00:41:44,000 for showing it to us. We appreciate it. 1106 00:41:44,019 --> 00:41:45,179 - Yeah. - Yep, thank you. 1107 00:41:45,199 --> 00:41:49,159 Emotionally, I think I'm just flat-out disappointed. 1108 00:41:49,179 --> 00:41:50,219 I fudged it up. 1109 00:41:51,000 --> 00:41:52,170 I think I might go home. 1110 00:41:52,190 --> 00:41:55,030 [upbeat music] 1111 00:41:55,050 --> 00:41:56,150 ♪ ♪ 1112 00:41:56,170 --> 00:41:57,179 - Hi, guys. - Hello. 1113 00:41:57,199 --> 00:41:59,050 - Hey, designers. - Hi. 1114 00:41:59,070 --> 00:42:00,139 - Hi. 1115 00:42:01,119 --> 00:42:03,139 - Designers, if you guys were trying 1116 00:42:03,159 --> 00:42:06,019 to not make this easy on us, congratulations. 1117 00:42:06,039 --> 00:42:07,110 You did a great job. 1118 00:42:07,130 --> 00:42:09,219 You know, this first challenge was a tough one, 1119 00:42:10,000 --> 00:42:11,099 not just for you guys, but for us, 1120 00:42:11,119 --> 00:42:14,199 because you all delivered incredible design. 1121 00:42:14,219 --> 00:42:16,030 There were three of you 1122 00:42:16,050 --> 00:42:19,000 that really knocked it out of the park. 1123 00:42:19,019 --> 00:42:20,150 That was Arielle, 1124 00:42:20,170 --> 00:42:22,090 Urvi, and Erica. 1125 00:42:22,110 --> 00:42:24,000 Congratulations, you guys. 1126 00:42:24,019 --> 00:42:26,139 - Thank you. - Congratulations. 1127 00:42:26,159 --> 00:42:28,090 - Now, the hard part. 1128 00:42:28,110 --> 00:42:32,010 There were two of you that came up a little short this week. 1129 00:42:32,230 --> 00:42:34,230 - Alejandro. 1130 00:42:35,010 --> 00:42:38,150 We know that you are an incredible designer. 1131 00:42:38,170 --> 00:42:42,070 Again, we have slab and stone. 1132 00:42:42,090 --> 00:42:44,179 But the originality wasn't there, 1133 00:42:44,199 --> 00:42:47,230 and the craftsmanship really wasn't there. 1134 00:42:48,010 --> 00:42:50,210 And that's something that I have to think about intensely 1135 00:42:50,230 --> 00:42:53,110 before I put it in front of a client. 1136 00:42:55,010 --> 00:42:56,110 - Mark. 1137 00:42:56,130 --> 00:42:58,090 I love that you did something original. 1138 00:42:58,110 --> 00:43:00,219 That was the best part of the piece. 1139 00:43:01,000 --> 00:43:04,000 The problems with the piece were the execution 1140 00:43:04,019 --> 00:43:05,130 of the craftsmanship. 1141 00:43:05,150 --> 00:43:08,219 It just is not to the level that we 1142 00:43:09,000 --> 00:43:11,130 expect from this competition. 1143 00:43:12,219 --> 00:43:14,119 - Unfortunately, it is a competition. 1144 00:43:14,139 --> 00:43:15,199 Someone has to go home. 1145 00:43:15,219 --> 00:43:17,090 This week... 1146 00:43:18,170 --> 00:43:20,019 we're sending Alejandro home. 1147 00:43:20,039 --> 00:43:22,079 ♪ ♪ 1148 00:43:22,099 --> 00:43:24,019 Thank you so much for your time here. 1149 00:43:24,039 --> 00:43:25,139 - Thank you. - You're a great designer. 1150 00:43:25,159 --> 00:43:27,010 - Yeah. - I'm so sorry. 1151 00:43:27,030 --> 00:43:29,019 Someone has to go first. I'm so sorry it's you. 1152 00:43:29,039 --> 00:43:30,199 But we appreciate your time and everything you've given 1153 00:43:30,219 --> 00:43:33,039 to this competition. - Thank you. 1154 00:43:33,059 --> 00:43:35,000 Thank you. - Thank you. 1155 00:43:35,019 --> 00:43:36,159 - ♪ It's been fun ♪ 1156 00:43:36,179 --> 00:43:38,230 - Completely shocked by this. 1157 00:43:39,010 --> 00:43:41,130 It's devastating to go home, 1158 00:43:41,150 --> 00:43:45,030 because I put everything I had 1159 00:43:45,050 --> 00:43:46,199 on this competition. 1160 00:43:46,219 --> 00:43:49,130 I gave it everything. - ♪ Start a new war ♪ 1161 00:43:49,150 --> 00:43:53,010 ♪ Hear the march of hearts beating ♪ 1162 00:43:53,030 --> 00:43:58,199 ♪ I can't seem to breathe in ♪ 1163 00:43:58,219 --> 00:44:02,170 - But I get to go back to what is an incredible family 1164 00:44:02,190 --> 00:44:04,099 and keep doing what I do, 1165 00:44:04,119 --> 00:44:07,179 which is, I get to go back and design tomorrow. 1166 00:44:07,199 --> 00:44:10,219 ♪ ♪ 1167 00:44:11,000 --> 00:44:12,039 - Mark, we actually really respect 1168 00:44:12,059 --> 00:44:13,099 that you took a big swing, 1169 00:44:13,119 --> 00:44:14,230 that you did something original. 1170 00:44:15,010 --> 00:44:16,199 Um, I just hope that next week, 1171 00:44:16,219 --> 00:44:18,230 your piece is a little bit more successful. 1172 00:44:19,010 --> 00:44:21,059 - You guys just put a lot of fire under my ass. 1173 00:44:21,079 --> 00:44:22,139 - Good, man. I'm glad to hear it. 1174 00:44:22,159 --> 00:44:23,190 - [laughs] In the best way. 1175 00:44:23,210 --> 00:44:25,119 - Good. - Listen, 1176 00:44:25,139 --> 00:44:27,000 we know we design for hours and hours, 1177 00:44:27,019 --> 00:44:28,090 and I go to see a client, and they'll go, 1178 00:44:28,110 --> 00:44:29,150 "Oh, I hate it." 1179 00:44:29,170 --> 00:44:31,050 And that's what we do. 1180 00:44:31,070 --> 00:44:33,059 But here's the thing. We have to use it as fuel. 1181 00:44:33,079 --> 00:44:34,150 - Yeah. - You know, 1182 00:44:34,170 --> 00:44:36,010 if you're passionate about what you're doing, 1183 00:44:36,030 --> 00:44:38,010 it is only gonna make you better. 1184 00:44:38,030 --> 00:44:39,070 - Thank you, guys. 1185 00:44:39,090 --> 00:44:46,130 ♪ ♪ 1186 00:45:22,010 --> 00:45:23,110 - Anyway.