Submaterial is Now Composting!
If you have gotten to know Submaterial at all, you know that we have a very firm mission. "Submaterial creates thoughtful and enduring design products by hand. We transform places and spaces by bringing function and...
Submaterial is Now Composting!
If you have gotten to know Submaterial at all, you know that we have a very firm mission. "Submaterial creates thoughtful and enduring design products by hand. We transform places and spaces by bringing function and...
Transform Your Home with a Modern Room Divider
We are so excited to announce a collection of handmade modern room dividers for the home in three bold graphic designs! The Divvy Screen Collection results from a desire to create an aesthetically pleasing and sensible...
Transform Your Home with a Modern Room Divider
We are so excited to announce a collection of handmade modern room dividers for the home in three bold graphic designs! The Divvy Screen Collection results from a desire to create an aesthetically pleasing and sensible...
Past, Present, and Future of Submaterial Products
Each January, as the new year begins, we like to take a moment to consider; think about the past, take stock of where we are right now, and contemplate the future. Last year, we looked at our past, present, and future,...
Lobby Installation 2022
Each year since we moved into our current studio, Submaterial refreshes the lobby for our September Open House. We take the opportunity to feature some of our new products, play around with fun or experimental...
Lobby Installation 2022
Each year since we moved into our current studio, Submaterial refreshes the lobby for our September Open House. We take the opportunity to feature some of our new products, play around with fun or experimental...
A Complete Guide to Wall Art Ideas for Living Rooms
Did you know that studies consistently show a connection between art and healing? Not only that but enriching your life with pieces of artwork can profoundly affect your holistic health. Simply put, incorporating more...
A Complete Guide to Wall Art Ideas for Living Rooms
Did you know that studies consistently show a connection between art and healing? Not only that but enriching your life with pieces of artwork can profoundly affect your holistic health. Simply put, incorporating more...
Introducing Wood Panel Wall Decor
While Submaterial is certainly best known for our wool felt products: wall coverings, wall art, sculptural objects, and more; we have also utilized wood to great success in numerous custom and retail products over the...
Wall Art: A Beginner’s Guide to the Different Textures in Art
One of the most fascinating things about art is there is always something new, even if it's tens of thousands of years old. In 2017 a group of archaeologists discovered cave paintings in Indonesia estimated to be at...
Wall Art: A Beginner’s Guide to the Different Textures in Art
One of the most fascinating things about art is there is always something new, even if it's tens of thousands of years old. In 2017 a group of archaeologists discovered cave paintings in Indonesia estimated to be at...
Five Mirror Shapes to Consider for Your Home
Nobody likes bare walls, but there are plenty of options beyond wallpaper and paint!
Five Mirror Shapes to Consider for Your Home
Whether you’re looking to bring some light into your space or you want a mirror for more practical reasons (mirror selfies!), it’s important to find the right shape for your space. Submaterial’s Wander Mirror...
5 Things with Brigid Harmon
Hello! I am Brigid Harmon the marketing specialist at Submaterial. I joined the team in January of this year. I am a New Yorker who has lived in Albuquerque twice before now and made the move to the Land of Enchantment...
WID + Submaterial Creative Event 2022
An evening of networking and creativity with Women in Design NM
WID + Submaterial Creative Event 2022
On Thursday, April 21, Submaterial hosted Women in Design NM for an evening of networking and creativity. Women in Design NM is a volunteer-driven nonprofit celebrating women in the field of design through networking...
Springtime Renewal
We are embracing spring and its promise of buds that will soon turn to flowers and an exciting sense of renewal.
Springtime Renewal
Spring is here in New Mexico! And what that means is the weather vacillates between two inches of soft, fluffy snow and 75-degree days; our footwear switches between hiking boots and Birkenstocks, all while we sneeze...
The Beautiful Life of Submaterial Scraps
This is the story of the evolution of one artist’s relationship with Submaterial and the beautiful creations that have resulted.
Stand in the place where you are
As Submaterial looks forward to the exciting work we have planned for 2022 and beyond.
Stand in the place where you are
As Submaterial looks forward to the exciting work we have planned for 2022 and beyond, we cannot help—as the change of the calendar reflexively prompts us to —consider where we are right now, how we got here, and where...
5 Things with Tess Lithgow
Fabricator Tess Lithgow, part of the Glue Team, is on board with this seasonal shift! A transplant from LA, they know how to enjoy the little things once the heat lets up.
5 Things with Tess Lithgow
We’re well into fall now, and here in Albuquerque leaves are starting to change and drop. Fabricator Tess Lithgow, part of the Glue Team, is on board with this seasonal shift! A transplant from LA, they know how to...
How We Design: Simple Home Collection
Designing products that define practicality and at the same time make us smile, now that’s a good gig.
5 Things with Bobby Nolan
This week you’ll hear from Bobby, one of our most stalwart glue team members. Floridian in origin, with stints in Chicago and San Francisco before landing in New Mexico.
5 Things with Bobby Nolan
Hello again from 5-Things, an inside peek at what our team members are currently into! This week you’ll hear from Bobby, one of our most stalwart glue team members. Floridian in origin, with stints in Chicago and San...
5 Things with Ashlee Powers King
New Mexico native Ashlee is a beam of light here at Submaterial. Endlessly curious, she’s always asking questions and coming up with creative problem solving.
5 Things with Ashlee Powers King
5 Things this week is brought to you by Ashlee, our Sizing Team Lead. Quite simply, New Mexico native Ashlee is a beam of light here at Submaterial – she loves everything and everyone. Endlessly curious, she’s always...
DEEP DIVE: Wool Felt!
Today we’re dipping into the world of felt and can’t wait to tell you about all the wonderful and fascinating tidbits that make felt a super choice – and super sustainable – material!
5 Things with Damian Garduño
Raised in Dallas, Damian moved to Albuquerque 7 years ago to study architecture at UNM. His Rhino skills make all our products complete with beautiful technical drawings.
5 Things with Damian Garduño
Back again this week with 5 Things: the biweekly sampling of various Submaterial staffers’ favorite things that they’re currently digging! This week, Submaterial designer Damian Garduño brings you his late summer...
5 Things with Corinne Fay
Originally from Maine, she’s the grounding Capricorn of our team, chef extraordinaire, and dog-mom to Bunny the pit bull.
5 Things with Corinne Fay
Today we’re so excited to introduce our newest feature: 5 Things! Get a peek into our worlds as we share 5 hobbies, moods, products, entertainment, bits and bobs, and whatever else that we’re currently digging. Our...
The Intersection of Hands & Tools – Or, How We Remain Handmade with Machinery
At the heart of Submaterial is a group of individuals with the credence of using our hands to make beautiful things – and we will always stay true to that.
David Hamlin Interview
Company Founder + Creative Director David Hamlin interviewed by Melina Bartolomei in our studio in Albuquerque.
David Hamlin Interview
With increasing growth for Submaterial, it’s not often that we find the time to sit down and ask each other questions about where we have been and where we want to go. Melina Bartolomei, Submaterial Designer, did...
Submaterial Lobby Installation
The Submaterial team produced an experiential design incorporating our business partnerships, company values, and conceptual intrigue.
Submaterial Lobby Installation
After several years without a centralized front entrance to greet our clients, a front lobby experience has been a priority for our new space. The Submaterial team produced an experiential design incorporating our...
Submaterial Wool Felt at Hummingbird Art Camp
A few months ago, we had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Voglewede, a local artist who has been teaching at the Hummingbird Art Camp for ten years.
Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity
Last weekend our team spent seven hours on-site in Santa Fe building a home for a local family of four.
Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity
“A hand up, not a hand-out”Through Habitat for Humanity‘s new-construction program, partner-families and members of the community come together to build homes from the ground up. Partner-families purchase the homes...
New Product Line – Fall Release Sneak Peek
After over thirteen years working with clients in the field of commercial design, Submaterial is adding a dynamic line of products for the home
New Product Line – Fall Release Sneak Peek
After over thirteen years working with clients in the field of commercial design, Submaterial is adding a dynamic line of products for the home. Although it seems like a new branch for the company, Founder + Creative...
Submaterial Summer Event: MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottles
Spurring from a tragic accident with life flashing before his eyes, Brian founded MiiR to create something bigger than himself.
Submaterial Summer Event: Cocopotamus
Cocopotamus is operated by a young and ambitions husband and wife duo specializing in chocolate truffles with a wide flavor range.
Submaterial Summer Event: Cocopotamus
Cocopotamus is operated by a young and ambitious husband and wife duo specializing in chocolate truffles with a wide flavor range. See how they’re made here! It is worth noting Cocopotamus is the chocolate provider for...
Explora’s Studio Inventivo – Custom Installation
Our most recent custom project for Explora stemmed from an established relationship via material donation to their arts and crafts area.
Explora’s Studio Inventivo – Custom Installation
When established in 2006, Submaterial relied heavily on custom product orders for both commercial and residential clients. However, over the past five years, our company has been almost exclusively selling a standard...
A’19 – A Materials Playground
In addition to meeting designers and companies from across the country, we got to meet up with some past and present Albuquerque designers.
It’s Moving Week!
Our studio is in the process of moving production operations into our new building, nearly tripling our square footage.
It’s Moving Week!
Certificate of Occupancy is in hand, and the time is finally here! Our studio is in the process of moving production operations into our new building, nearly tripling our square footage. We’ll start with all our...
WiD + Submaterial Creative Event
Women in Design NM, a volunteer-driven nonprofit in celebration of women in the field of design through networking and education.
WiD + Submaterial Creative Event
Women in Design New Mexico Over the past two years, our team has connected with many local designers through networking events and a few lunch & learns. One influential relationship we’ve established is with Women...
New Building Tour – Under Construction
Over the next six weeks, Submaterial is transitioning from seven separate suites to one large building.
HeartFelt – Philanthropy by Design
In early February, some of the best San Francisco Bay Area designers put together artworks for the charitable silent auction, HeartFelt.
HeartFelt – Philanthropy by Design
HeartFelt Event In early February, some of the best San Francisco Bay Area designers put together artworks for the charitable silent auction, HeartFelt. Hosted at Gensler, the event name draws on the month’s theme of...
2018 Design Trends
Each January we are intrigued to see trends from the previous year – and notice a few products jump in popularity and color preferences shifted from cooler to warmer tones.
2018 Design Trends
Each January we are intrigued to see trends in product orders from the previous year. While the 2018 trends are similar to those of 2017, we did notice a few products jump in popularity and color preferences shifted...
WiD: 5th Annual Holiday Design Competition & Auction
Women in Design Holiday Design Competition & Auction where original wreaths and ornament sets are sold via silent auction.
Keeping it Local – Holiday Shopping
To aid in your search for quality gifts, we’ve put together a list of our local favorites!
Keeping it Local – Holiday Shopping
As the end of the year approaches, many of us are looking for that perfect gift for each of our loved ones. To aid in your search for quality gifts, we’ve put together a list of our local favorites! Oropopo “combines...
36th Annual Doggie Dash & Dawdle
The 36th Annual Doggie Dash & Dawdle is a celebration of the bonds we have with our pets, organized by Animal Humane New Mexico.
36th Annual Doggie Dash & Dawdle
Event The 36th Annual Doggie Dash & Dawdle is a celebration of the bonds we have with our pets, organized by Animal Humane New Mexico. The event includes two separate 5k runs and a 1-mile dawdle suitable for pets...
Submaterial at Habitat for Humanity
Through Habitat’s new-construction program, families and members of the community come together to build each home.
Submaterial Open House
Our annual Open House was the perfect way to connect with the local ABQ design community.
Submaterial Open House
Brief History Submaterial has evolved out of a few lost years in art school, two failed companies, a passionate interest in design, and a lifetime of knowledge gained through multiple positions in the furniture and...
Albuquerque Economic Development – Local Installation
We were excited to partner with AED to incorporate our wallcovering designs into their new space.
Albuquerque Economic Development – Local Installation
Albuquerque, New Mexico – The Land of Enchantment Albuquerque is celebrated for its diverse culture, unique blend of cuisine, and breath-taking skies. Situated between a vast mountain range and a winding river, the...
NY Gift Shows – Exploring the Market
While we design a new category of residential products, we’re excited to share some of the experiences along the way.
Create & Curate by Knoll
Our studio transformed from an active production shop to a neatly arranged venue space for Create & Curate, a Knoll design event.
Create & Curate by Knoll
Studio Transformation Earlier this month, our studio transformed from an active production studio to a neatly arranged venue space for Create & Curate, a Knoll design event. Hosted at Submaterial, Create &...
Submaterial Attends ICFF
Submaterial sent two team members to NYC ICFF to gain insight on future design partnerships and increase knowledge for future exhibiting possibilities.
Submaterial Attends ICFF
2018 ICFF The 30th Annual NYC International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) brought in over 36,000 attendees and almost 900 exhibitors from the design industry earlier this month. This four-day platform for...
Pets in the Workplace
One unique benefit to working at Submaterial is the ability to bring pets to the studio on a regular basis.
Wool Felt Dog Toys
Although we’ve been making wool felt toys for our own pups for some time, we recently had the idea to make toys for dogs and cats adopted at Animal Humane New Mexico.
Wool Felt Dog Toys
Over the past few years, our dogs have been stealing strips of wool felt from our fabrication areas. Inspired by their love for felt, we began making simple knots in scrap and turning them over to our dogs. Although...
Local Design Community
We are reaching out to local top design firms, excited to see how we can participate in future interior development.
Local Design Community
This year, Submaterial is looking to increase local brand awareness. Working with world-class companies like Google, Knoll, and Gensler, it is time to connect with our local design community in our home state. We are...
Southwest Creations Collaborative
In honor of International Women’s Day and National Women’s History Month, we want to highlight a local company providing women an opportunity to utilize trade skills, while earning a living wage.
The Life of Wool Felt
In addition to softening harsh acoustics within a space, Merino fleece is stain resistant and non-subjective to odor retention.
The Life of Wool Felt
Wool felt comes from sheep’s fleece, which is pressed tightly into a sheet fabric while applying moisture. Since it is a 100% natural material, wool felt is biodegradable and rapidly renewable. A common question we...
2017 Design Trends
Although we are definitely looking forward, we want to share 2017’s top selling design, largest order, and common color selections.
2017 Design Trends
With a new year, we naturally think of the future and how we’re going to tackle the next twelve months. Although we are definitely looking forward, we want to share 2017’s top selling design, largest order, and common...
Women in Design: Holiday Auction
Women in Design is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to supporting women in the design industry.
Doggie Dash & Dawdle – Community Involvement
We are excited to have had the opportunity to participate in the 35th Annual Doggie Dash & Dawdle.
Doggie Dash & Dawdle – Community Involvement
For Submaterial, this year has been about networking and outreach. Throughout the year, we have been initiating donations to many important causes, both financially and through material donation. We have also been...
Spooky Scraps
Halloween at Submaterial is a fun opportunity for employees to utilize scrap material for original costume designs.
Submaterial at Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity Mission In a world where more than 80% of the population lives in poverty, Habitat for Humanity has made it their mission to help provide affordable housing options in over 1400 communities around...
Form, Function & Acoustic Design
Wallcoverings can act as a textural accent wall, but there are functional properties in addition to the visual intentions.
Local Industry: Molecule Design
Molecule is helping support the work of local artists and designers by hosting a show featuring makers who are currently showcasing work in the store.
Local Industry: Molecule Design
In the design industry, the local market plays a key role in success, as presence encourages other designers, provides jobs in the design field, and it keeps money turning in the local economy. Submaterial began its...
ABQ “Local Art Hive”
One Albuquerque organization we were recently introduced to is the OFFCenter Community Arts Project, which is a non-profit arts organization.
ABQ “Local Art Hive”
As a normal byproduct of any fabrication and design studio, scrap material is always looking for ways to be transformed into something new. Submaterial typically generates felt and cork scraps, and we thoroughly enjoy...
Meet the submaterial team
We are so grateful for the efforts of this talented group of makers and we’d like to share some of their stories.
learn through play
With a vast library of materials at their disposal, children are taught to think outside the box, be inclusive, and ultimately retain the passion for creative discovery.
learn through play
Here at Submaterial, we believe and appreciate the process of learning, the importance of making, and the value of helping members of our community come together. Through a partnership with a local program called...