The Phillips Collection: Nature's Inspiration
now serves as the Prada shoe table in Nordstrom. You can't help but feel good when you see these beautiful natural surfaces, and I confess, I feel really good when I look at their shoes."
The company's present is strong and the future looks secure, especially with their two children now involved. Jason is a top designer, while Jessica is working in hospitality and marketing.
Through it all, nature has provided the inspiration and ingredients.
"People will tell us they wanted their console at a certain height," Julie said. "When you tell them, 'I'm sorry, this is how nature created it,' then it's absolutely perfect."
— MARK AND JULIE PHILLIPS/THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION
Facing page: Mark Phillips with a Mai Teng burl in its original home. Left: The Phillips team collaborates over a work in progress. Above: Finished pieces include one of Mark's favorites, a table made from a Sonokeling root; the teak root sculptures that Julie favors and a bar table fashioned from a teak root.
Frequently asked questions
Where is a Phillips Collection piece featured in Nordstrom?+
A Phillips Collection natural surface piece serves as the Prada shoe table in Nordstrom.
Who are the next generation leaders at The Phillips Collection?+
Mark and Julie Phillips' two children are involved in the business. Jason is a top designer, while Jessica works in hospitality and marketing.
What inspires The Phillips Collection's furniture designs?+
Nature provides both the inspiration and the ingredients for The Phillips Collection's pieces. The company embraces the natural forms of materials rather than altering them to customer specifications.
How does The Phillips Collection handle custom sizing requests?+
The company does not alter pieces to meet specific customer height requests. As Julie Phillips explains, they tell customers the piece is the height nature created it, and customers come to see that as perfect.
What materials are used in signature Phillips Collection pieces?+
Signature pieces include a table made from a Sonokeling root, teak root sculptures, a bar table fashioned from a teak root, and items made from Mai Teng burl.