it IS a state of mind
ISFAD Studio
ISFAD Studio is a high-end, full-service interior design, development and city planning firm working internationally. Renowned designer Ian Stallings has nearly two decades of experience with residential and commercial projects around the globe — including San Francisco, London, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, Michigan, Indiana, Montana, and in China.
Whether the goal is to encourage productivity, to attract customers or to enhance a space for a specific lifestyle, ISFAD Studio aims to create functional and aesthetic design that fit the unique needs of the client.
What differentiates ISFAD Studio from others in his industry is an appreciation, love and passion for art. As an accomplished and well-respected artist, Ian’s work explores the concepts of connectivity. In his art and in his interior design work, Ian relies on a combination of architecture, interior decoration and contemporary art — which has resulted in profound, meaningful and long-lasting relationships.
IS Community Development
Ian Stallings' community development work includes the creation of an artist residency and art gallery, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists. The residency offers a space for creativity and collaboration, allowing artists to engage with the local community and create meaningful work. The accompanying art gallery showcases these creations, making art more accessible and fostering cultural exchange. Through this initiative, Ian Stallings has contributed to the growth of local culture, creativity, and community engagement.
WIAR - SILVERMOON - LAGRO DELPHI
In March 2013, Ian Stallings and his cousin Justin envisioned a revitalized future for Lagro, Indiana, a small town in decline. Inspired by the success of Marfa, Texas, they sought to bring art and culture to Lagro, transforming vacant spaces into an artist residency and gallery. This led to the creation of the Wabash International Artist Residency (WIAR), which has supported numerous artists and contributed to Lagro's cultural and economic growth. Through historic preservation, community engagement, and artistic collaboration, Ian's efforts have helped bring new life and pride to the town.
WIAR
Wabash International Artist Residency
The Wabash International Artist Residency (WIAR) is an artist-in-residency program in Indiana, founded in 2019 by Ian Stallings. Ian is an interior designer, developer, city planner and artist working internationally.
Born in Huntington, Indiana and raised between Huntington and Wabash counties, he was inspired by the area’s long history of innovation to develop a grassroots art program that ignites culture and a love of art throughout the Northern Wabash River Valley. WIAR’s mission aims to educate and to energize the local area with culture and art by hosting artists from all over the world and introducing these makers to the local creatives living in the region. The intent is to make connections and nurture creative expression.
WIAR hosts artists in the Northern Wabash River Valley. WIAR provides artists with support, housing and studio space, where artists create bodies of work to exhibit in the region. One piece of art is selected for the permanent collection to display in public areas throughout the Northern Wabash River Valley.
GLADDEN SPACE
Art Gallery
Gladden Space stands as a dynamic art gallery and sanctuary for contemporary art, centrally located within Lansing's lively cultural enclave in the historic Old Town neighborhood. With a commitment to showcasing diverse and innovative artistic expressions, it serves as a beacon for both established and emerging artists.
Here, the discerning observer encounters the transformative potential of art. Vibrant abstract canvases ignite the senses, while intricate sculptures beckon viewers to redefine their perceptions of form and dimension. It is a sanctuary that calls upon its patrons to embark on a voyage of profound visual discovery, where the boundaries of innovation, creativity, and emotion blend seamlessly into one another.
In the ever-evolving narrative of Gladden Space, every visit is a revelation, a testament to the ephemeral nature of art itself. The collection breathes, morphs, and adapts, unfurling fresh narratives and dimensions with each rotation. But it doesn't stop there. Gladden Space extends an invitation to actively participate in this ongoing artistic dialogue. Engrossing exhibitions, thought-provoking artist dialogues, and enlightening events foster a dynamic community of art and design devotees.
LAGRO CANAL FOUNDATION
Revitalization Project
In 2013, Ian Stallings and his cousin Justin dreamed of revitalizing Lagro, Indiana, a small town struggling with economic decline and abandoned spaces. Inspired by the transformation of Marfa, Texas, they envisioned using Lagro’s empty buildings to create an artist residency and gallery, bringing creativity and culture to the area. Ian originated a strategic plan to revitalize Lagro, the second oldest city in Indiana (pop. 349), which led to the formation of the Lagro Canal Foundation to restore vacant and dilapidated historic spaces. With a focus on historic preservation, cycling, and the town's natural assets, Ian and Justin sought to breathe new life into Lagro by fostering artistic collaboration and cultural exchange. After over a decade of work, Lagro went from having only one open business and 30% housing vacancy to several thriving businesses and occupied housing. Their work, combined with community engagement, has contributed to the restoration of Lagro’s historic buildings, the growth of local businesses, and the revitalization of a once-forgotten town.
IS News
Welcome to the ISFAD Studio News where you can stay updated on our latest projects, design innovations, and industry achievements. Here, we share insights into our work in interior design, historic preservation, and community development. Whether it's a new project launch, a collaboration with artists, or a feature in a design publication, this page highlights the creative journey of ISFAD Studio and its contributions to both local and global design landscapes. Keep an eye on this space for exciting updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our ongoing work.
November 21, 2024
Venue
Gladden Space
Oldtown Lansing
March 15, 2025
Venue
Gladden Space
Oldtown Lansing
Please join ISFAD Studio and Gladden Space as we host a book signing for Peter Forguson, featuring his new book, CONTEMPORARY MICHIGAN: Iconic Houses at the Epicenter of Modernism. This book is the second volume in his series.
Forguson previously showcased a generous sampling of Michigan’s modernist architecture in his book DETROIT MODERN: 1935–1985, published in 2022. Now, connoisseurs of modern residential design will be delighted to discover that he has even more masterpieces to share in CONTEMPORARY MICHIGAN.
In addition to iconic projects by Frank Lloyd Wright, Forguson’s new book highlights impressive works by historic and contemporary architects such as Gunnar Birkerts, Alden B. Dow, William Kessler, Robert Metcalf, Don Paul Young, and Irving Tobocman, among others. Many of the homes featured in this new volume are located in the Lansing Capital Region.