Honoring Craft: Susie Novak’s Collaboration with Mexico’s Next Generation of Designers

Susie Novak isn’t just inspired by Mexican design—she’s redefining how we experience it. The interior designer has built a career crafting spaces with soul, and her latest endeavor is a love letter to Mexico’s rich artisanal heritage. Teaming up with Jim Warnock of Dunes Design and master makers like Daniel Orozco, Salvador Compañ, Marcos Jassan, and Marva Studios, Novak is seamlessly weaving handcrafted, heirloom-quality pieces into contemporary homes—most notably in her latest project at The Orchid Gala in New York City. The result? Interiors that don’t just tell a story—they honor a legacy.

A Journey of Inspiration

Her journey began with travel. “My love affair with Mexico started with a trip to San Pancho,” Novak shares. That visit, followed by time in San Miguel, revealed a world of artistry that felt both timeless and modern. “I was seeing incredible craftsmanship everywhere—traditional techniques being used to create bold, fresh designs.”

As she continued exploring, this passion evolved into meaningful collaborations with Mexican artisans whose work merges history with innovation. Orozco’s sculptural totems, Compañ’s woven baskets, and Marva Studios’ playful ceramics all became central to Novak’s vision. “Daniel Orozco’s work is so iconic—his use of spheres and organic forms is completely unique,” she says. “And Marva Studios is doing crazy fun things with traditional Mexican ceramics while still honoring the past.”

Bringing Artisan Craft to the Global Stage

For Novak, collaborating with designers goes beyond sourcing—it tells a story. She treats each handmade piece as a bridge between past and present. “So many hands create something truly special,” she says. “Artisans craft each piece by hand, and designers push boundaries with their vision. It’s a conversation between history and what’s next.”

While many of her discoveries unfolded naturally, others came as surprises. “The woven vase at the center of the table was an unexpected collaboration,” she recalls. “I hadn’t met Salvador Compañ before this project, but his work added such a unique energy.”

Novak’s passion for Mexican craftsmanship extends beyond aesthetics. She ties it directly to sustainability and ethical sourcing. “Knowing where items come from is so important,” she says. “You don’t have to preach about sustainability—just share the story behind an object, and it makes a difference.”

Because of this, she urges her clients to invest in artisan-made pieces instead of mass-produced decor. “Supporting artisans doesn’t have to break the budget,” she says. “So many high-quality, handmade pieces come from North America, and they’re more accessible than people think.”

Casa Luis Barragán’s Influence

Beyond her collaborations with artisans, Novak also drew inspiration from Casa Pedregal by Luis Barragán, the famed architect’s Mexico City home. “The pink and black palette, along with the volcano votives, drew inspiration from the lava rock in Barragán’s recreation room,” she explains. This connection added depth and architectural significance to her vision, merging contemporary artisan work with Mexico’s design heritage.

By weaving these elements into her table, Novak did more than showcase craftsmanship—she honored one of Mexico’s most celebrated modernists. The contrast between dark, moody textures and warm pinks reflected Barragán’s signature approach, which played with light, materiality, and emotion.

A Grand Showcase at The Orchid Gala

With these inspirations in mind, Novak’s admiration for Mexican design recently took center stage at The Orchid Gala in New York City. There, she crafted a tablescape that celebrated her favorite artisans. The event, themed Mexican Modernism, aligned perfectly with her vision. However, rather than focusing solely on the past, Novak emphasized today’s most exciting Mexican creators. “I wanted to bring attention to the current and next generation of makers,” she explains. “We have to nod to the past, but also bring today’s artists forward.”

To bring this vision to life, she carefully curated a thoughtful mix of textures, forms, and materials. First, an obsidian-toned tablecloth by Marcos Jassan grounded the setting, providing a bold yet neutral foundation. Next, gold accents echoed the grandeur of The Plaza Hotel’s ballroom, seamlessly tying the table into its elegant surroundings. Additionally, sculptural napkin rings, woven vases, and ceramic bud vases—crafted from repurposed tequila glasses—added both depth and playfulness. “I love incorporating functional pieces that also feel unexpected,” she says.

Beyond aesthetics, the table offered an immersive experience. More than just a visual statement, it created a tangible connection between guests and artisans. To make this experience even more meaningful, Novak ensured that each guest could take home an artisan-made bud vase. By incorporating this thoughtful detail, she transformed the event into more than just a showcase. Instead, it became a moment of appreciation, exchange, and support for Mexico’s rich design heritage, reinforcing the idea that true craftsmanship carries both cultural and personal significance.

A Future Rooted in Collaboration

Looking ahead, Novak sees this project as just the beginning of a larger movement. “So many of my clients want to bring unexpected elements into their homes,” she says. “I definitely plan to continue incorporating these artisans’ work in my designs.”

More importantly, her mission remains clear: she wants to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern interiors, ensuring that Mexico’s rich design heritage is not only celebrated but also supported on a global scale.

As mass production continues to dominate the design industry, Novak offers a compelling alternative. “It’s about knowing where something is made, how it’s made, and who made it,” she says. “That connection makes all the difference.”

Her collaborations with Mexican artisans aren’t just about creating beautiful spaces. Rather, they are about honoring a lineage of craftsmanship, telling stories through design, and ensuring that heritage-driven artistry has a place in the modern world.

And that’s a love letter worth writing.

Photography: Gabriel Magdaleno – Header image: Jim Warnock of Dunes Design, designer Salavdor Compañ and Susie Novak at Lørdag & Søndag in Mexico City

Stocklist: Orchid Gala Photography: @csoph123 Sophia Chambers – Florals: @studiojoness Lindsay Jones – Votives: @andjacob.mx – Tableware & Napkin Rings: @danielorozcoestudio – Textiles: @marcosjassan – Tequila Glasses: @_marva_studio