Eight questions for the interested and interesting: Ernst Frame-Tolmie

There’s something reassuring about a designer whose reference points include John Lautner, Marilyn Manson album artwork and a trusty Bialetti moka pot. Enter Kalahari-born Ernst Frame-Tolmie, the well-known head of Cape Town interior architecture studio Framework Design. He brings a broad creative lens to his work, shaped by alternative subcultures, sci-fi and a lifelong love of Lego. It also makes for a great eight questions. From Depeche Mode to dog walks, here’s what he had to say.

What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year? And why?

I’ve just finished The Odyssey, a retelling by Stephen Fry of Homer’s famous and timeless story. Which is quite handy, given that Christopher Nolan’s adaptation is coming out later this year. The entire Greek mythology series by Fry is just brilliant.

How do you keep fit? 

A personal trainer keeps me in check, along with walks with my dog Jasper and bicycle rides with my four-year-old son.

Week-night, low-key restaurant go-to?

A two-minute walk takes me to Bardelli’s pizzeria in lower Kenilworth. Never disappoints.

What is the one artwork you’ll always love, and why? You needn’t own it!

The photography and art direction Dean Karr did in 1996 for Marilyn Manson’s album, Antichrist Superstar. The album packaging was as important to the album’s success as the music itself. A close second is the futuristic graphic design and art direction for the early PlayStation game Wipeout 2097 by The Designers Republic. Besides being one of my favourite games of all time, it also has a banging soundtrack. From visuals to sound, everything about it is pure perfection.

Do you have a hobby? What is it?

A bit tough to limit this to one, but I’ve been a long-term Lego fan, which I now share with my kids. I also got into PlayStation 3 refurbishment and gaming about two years ago.

The one unusual item you can’t live without?

Definitely my Bialetti moka pot. It usually comes with me on weekends away, along with the Woolies coffee beans I grind at home.

Who was your high school celeb crush? 

Claire Danes in My So-Called Life. Nineties teenage angst summed up in one show.

Three songs you’d take to a desert island? 

Ordinary World – Duran Duran; Beautiful Ones – Suede; Home – Depeche Mode.

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_{Top image: supplied.}