Designs to impress, improve

CREATIVITY IGNITED: Anastasia Laurenzi and Michael Larsen are partners in Oblique Studios LLC. Some of their creations include the scorched-wood coffee table in front of them and a Southern yellow pine bench, below. / PBN PHOTOS/MICHAEL SALERNO
CREATIVITY IGNITED: Anastasia Laurenzi and Michael Larsen are partners in Oblique Studios LLC. Some of their creations include the scorched-wood coffee table in front of them and a Southern yellow pine bench, below. / PBN PHOTOS/MICHAEL SALERNO

Anastasia Laurenzi and Michael Larsen met as graduate students at the Rhode Island School of Design. Today, the duo are partners in life and work. Last summer they launched the artisan furniture and architecture company Oblique Studio LLC in Providence.

Laurenzi focuses on design and project management; Larsen is a registered general contractor. Together they cater to the stylistic and practical needs of their customers, according to Laurenzi.

“Sometimes we say, ‘Man, I really wish that we had this thing,’ ” Laurenzi quipped. “Then we look at each other and say, ‘So maybe we should make it.’ ”

One such item is a cast-iron sandwich press.

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The approach has caught the attention of the city and DESIGNxRI, which last month granted Oblique Studio funding through the Providence Design Catalyst program.

Laurenzi says the money is going toward new equipment and new studio space on Narragansett Avenue. •

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