If you’ve driven just West of U.S. 1 on King Street in the past several months, you might have noticed a facelift happening within the strip of commercial spaces, situated on the south side of the street. Helping bring a revived energy to this district is the newly opened, independent design house, Yield Design Co., the brain-child of Andrew Deming and Rachel Gant.
Bringing their graphic design, industrial design, and business backgrounds together, Yield was founded by the two in 2012, while living in San Francisco.
As a Florida native, and Flagler alumnus, Andrew is no stranger to the St. Augustine area, and has made numerous return trips to the city in the past few years, alongside Rachel. Last summer, the two decided to exit the fast-paced world of San Francisco, and relocate their Yield headquarters here to St. Augustine.
Yield officially opened its doors on West King back in December. The front of Yield’s space functions as a retail shop, while the back is a spacious warehouse that is now the hub of their operations.
Read more about Yield’s space renovation and see some detailed before and after photos, here.
NEW AMERICAN STANDARDS
When you think of design that is tied to a specific region of the world, there’s typically a distinct image that immediately pops into your head. Through their products, Andrew and Rachel seek to create their own visual for American design, by developing what they refer to as “New American Standards.”
Style-wise, there is minimalistic essence across their work. While some may attribute the word “minimal” to something that is cold, or stark, the two incorporate their own personalities and liveliness into their minimalistic style, adding warmth, and a human touch.
Yield’s products are crafted to be timeless, both in look, and construction. In short, they are products made for keeps.
With each and every distinct product Yield creates, there’s a focus on style, quality and functionality. “We’re not tied to a certain fashion calendar or trends. We aim for a timeless quality,” said Andrew. Most often, the idea for their next product arrives from Andrew and Rachel looking for something they can’t quite find.
YIELD PRODUCT SNAPSHOT
What types of products can you expect to see in the Yield shop? Here’s a quick snapshot of some of their best sellers.
For the Cocktail Enthusiast: COPPER CUP
The copper cup is Yield’s clean and simple interpretation of a classic drinking vessel, known for its use in housing specialty cocktails, such as the Moscow mule.
For the Nostalgic Print Lover: GEO STANDS
Although originally designed as a way to display printed digital photographs, these solid brass paperweights offer a creative way to showcase any printed materials—from wedding place settings to recipe cards.
For the Stylish Traveler: TOKYO TOTE 2015
The Tokyo Tote is coined as the essential, minimalist bucket-style bag. The 2015 edition includes new color options and upgraded materials. No visible seams here. Just a stylish bag made with heavy duty canvas, built to endure.
For the Coffee Addict: FRENCH PRESS
A recent addition to Yield’s product lineup is the French Press. Available in gray and cream, this ceramic vessel is a must for anyone creating their own custom coffee setup in the comfort of their home.
For Longtime Lovers: ENDSWELL RINGS
These wedding bands or special occasion rings each tell a unique, customized story. Endswell rings are cast in solid, ethically sourced precious metals, from 3D prints, then hand finished. Pictured here is a century and an infinity band pairing.
Read more about each of these products (and more) by visiting Yield’s online shop.
LOCAL TOUCH, WORLDWIDE REACH
A key component across all of Yield’s products is sustainability—both in design, and manufacturing practices.
Yield’s relocation to St. Augustine has only helped to increase access to local manufacturing. With their expanded space and room to breathe, plus the help of a sewing loft, they have been able to move every aspect of their soft goods production in house (i.e. their tote bags). Their pendant lights are also manufactured in Florida.
As they move forward, Yield is eager to bring in more makers from the local St. Augustine community to help further communicate their design story to their worldwide audience.
“It’s exciting for us to find someone with a trade who has been doing it for years in their backyard,” said Andrew.
In addition to selling their products via their online shop, and locally thanks to their St. Augustine storefront, Yield currently sells their products in 150 retail stores worldwide, ranging from small boutiques to larger retailers. Most recently, they’ve been included in West Elm’s local initiative, with select products featured in stores throughout Florida.
Their work has received quite a bit of press and applause, and has been featured by countless publications, including Dwell Magazine. Yield recently returned from NY NOW, and is currently gearing up to take part in Sight Unseen during fashion week.
STOP IN & SAY HELLO
For a full, detailed look at Yield’s products, check out their retail space in person.
Yield is located at 201 W King St. And regular shop hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: ART WALK, THIS FRIDAY
This Friday night, Yield will be keeping their doors open during the evening hours. With this week marking the first spring art walk, the two have decided to join in the festivities and invite the community into their shop after-hours, 7 – 10 p.m.
While you’re perusing downtown St. Augustine this Friday night during art walk, simply take a quick walk (or drive) across U.S. 1 to West King and stop by to meet Andrew and Rachel, enjoy some festive beverages and snacks, and check out their products.
Keep up with Yield’s latest happenings on Instagram @yielddesignco
*All photos courtesy of//property of Yield Design Co.
