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...
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!
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...
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.
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.
The Beautiful Life of Submaterial Scraps
Limiting our environmental impact is one of Submaterial's deepest-held values. It drives our decision to work exclusively with natural, sustainable, and renewable materials. We care about the sustainable creation of...
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.
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.
How We Design: Simple Home Collection
We simply love natural materials partnered with clean, modern shapes. And in this era of staying home-based for health, we realize firsthand the benefit of being surrounded by items that both boost our mood and elevate...
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.
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!
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! Submaterial is not a felt company,...
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.
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.
The Intersection of Hands & Tools – Or, How We Remain Handmade with Machinery
Here’s a little big secret: everything at Submaterial is made by hand. If you’re here, you probably know that already. But what exactly does that consist of? And in the age of mass production, why do we still insist on...
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 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.
Submaterial Wool Felt at Hummingbird Art Camp
Hummingbird Music Camp For over sixty years, Hummingbird Music Camp has been giving elementary and middle school age children a place to learn and grow in their musical and creative talents. The structured environment...
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
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: MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottles
MiiR Spurring from a tragic accident with life flashing before his eyes, Brian founded MiiR to create something bigger than himself. His goal was to fill the obvious need for a less cumbersome and reusable water...
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.
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.
A’19 – A Materials Playground
Intended to provide those in the Architecture and Interior Design professions with material and brand options, the AIA Conference on Architecture is a materials playground. With over 600 booths, manufacturers range...
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.
New Building Tour – Under Construction
Over the next six weeks, Submaterial is transitioning from seven separate suites to one large building.
New Building Tour – Under Construction
Front Lobby Over the next six weeks, Submaterial is transitioning from seven separate suites to one large building. Our new space is nearly tripling our square footage and we’ll finally have dedicated spaces for...
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.
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.
WiD: 5th Annual Holiday Design Competition & Auction
Women in Design (WiD) Women in Design is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to supporting women in the design industry. The New Mexico Chapter hosts the Annual Holiday Design Competition & Auction, where...
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.
Submaterial at Habitat for Humanity
Through Habitat’s new-construction program, families and members of the community come together to build each home.
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...
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.
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.
NY Gift Shows – Exploring the Market
As Submaterial continues to develop new product lines, we’ve begun looking into ways to break into the gift market. While we design a new category of residential products, we’re excited to share some of the...
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.
Pets in the Workplace
One unique benefit to working at Submaterial is the ability to bring pets to the studio on a regular basis.
Pets in the Workplace
Company culture is an important aspect to consider when choosing where to spend a forty-hour work-week. One unique benefit to working at Submaterial is the ability to bring pets to the studio on a regular basis. Often...
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.
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.
Southwest Creations Collaborative
We are thrilled to finally see communities pulling together in support of women. In honor of International Women’s Day last week, and National Women’s History Month, we want to highlight a local company providing women...
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.
Women in Design: Holiday Auction
Women in Design is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to supporting women in the design industry.
Women in Design: Holiday Auction
Women in Design is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to supporting women in the design industry. Established in 2012, the group immediately drew-in over 75 women from various design backgrounds. WiD hosts...
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.
Form, Function & Acoustic Design
Wallcoverings can act as a textural accent wall, but there are functional properties in addition to the visual intentions.
Form, Function & Acoustic Design
Acoustics are important in every space, whether in a home, office, retail space, or even outdoors. By minimizing unwanted noise, one can focus on the sounds or conversations intended for the respective programmatic...
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.
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.
Meet the submaterial team
Submaterial thrives as a direct result of the enduring commitment of our staff to an extraordinary level of craftsmanship. We are so grateful for the efforts of this talented group of makers and we’d like to share some...
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.
NY Gift Shows – Exploring the Market
As Submaterial continues to develop new product lines, we’ve begun looking into ways to break into the gift market. While we design a new category of residential products, we’re excited to share some of the...
chaircuterie 2014
We were very excited to be selected for the new Chaircuterie event.
Aerial Wall Panel
The mosaic-like surface of different colors and thicknesses of wool felt is especially tactile in this high-contrast colorway.
Aerial Wall Panel
We’ve been busy in the Submaterial studio exploring prototypes for our fall product releases. One of our favorites is this new wool felt and cork wall panel we have decided to call Aerial (since the surface reminds us...
index color-blocked wool felt and cork wall covering
A custom version of our Index Color Blocked wool felt and cork wallcovering.
index color-blocked wool felt and cork wall covering
Submaterial created a custom version of our Index Color Blocked wool felt and cork wallcovering for our Canadian client Imperial Oil. The tiles were enlarged to 12″ H x 24″ W and the stripe orientation became...
in the studio
We’ve had a lot of fun working on this wall panel 067 for one of our Los Angeles clients.