F5: Tom Parker’s Surfing Secrets: Discover His Favorite Sofa, Vinyl Finds & More!

Tom Parker didn’t always see design as his future career, yet he was captivated by certain details in a manual he discovered at home during his childhood. “There was a car repair book my father owned, filled with axonometric hand drawings that were technically mechanical but artistically detailed,” he recalls. “As a child, I spent hours poring over those drawings, trying to sketch them myself.”

Choosing to pursue interior architecture, Parker felt a strong connection to his chosen field, diving deeply into its various aspects and enjoying the diverse materials and scales it offered.

His career path led him to Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, where he befriended Andy Goodwin, another creative mind. In 2015, they launched Fettle, establishing offices in both Los Angeles and London, focusing on hospitality projects for a broad spectrum of clients globally, from emerging startups to established names.

The dual-city setup allows for a fruitful exchange of ideas, with the team relishing the blend of European heritage and American innovation. This fusion is evident not just in their unique interior designs but also in the custom lighting and furniture they provide to clients, enhancing the overall ambiance.

Now a decade into running Fettle, Parker has no intentions of switching careers. However, should he ever choose to do so, creativity would still be his focus. “I admire painters and the world of fine arts,” he mentions. “The thought of a chaotic, paint-splattered garden shed filled with canvases is quite tempting to me.”

Today, Tom Parker joins us for Friday Five!

1. Arthur Lyman’s Hawaiian Sunset

After moving into our new home, all our records were boxed up, and the only one I could find was Hawaiian Sunset, a find from a morning at the Rose Bowl flea market. With no other options, we played it repeatedly while unpacking. Eventually, it grew on me immensely, its sound embodying the exotic allure of distant Hawaii, a place uniquely behind our time zone in L.A.

2. My Surfboard

My surfboard, a glossy green custom piece from my friend Tyler, is so aesthetically pleasing that I’m almost too cautious to even wax it, let alone use it. It mostly serves as a decorative piece next to my desk, despite its intended purpose.

3. Orior’s Atlanta Sofa

Orior, a family venture initiated by Brian and Rosio McGuigan in Northern Ireland and now managed by their son Ciarán, crafts striking, unique furniture. Their Atlanta sofa, which I particularly adore, perfectly balances traditional craftsmanship with modern lines, featuring detailed armrests and tassel trim that complement its clean, contemporary silhouette.

4. Adam Ellis Studio

5. Conor Harrington’s The Beast At The Banquet

This piece by Conor Harrington intrigues me with its blend of classical painting and urban street art, presenting a striking contrast between visible and concealed elements. The Beast at the Banquet is part of a series exploring the theme of personas and the masks people wear.

 

Projects by Tom Parker and Fettle:

Le Jardin De Verre, Paris, France, 2025

Opened early this year, Le Jardin De Verre saw Fettle design key public areas and two feature suites, drawing inspiration from the historical and architectural essence of Paris’s Latin Quarter and the original building structures, which include classic French houses and a 19th-century factory. The designs integrate the Locke brand, offering a series of uniquely captivating spaces.

Caramella, Las Vegas, USA, 2025

Designed for the Tao Hospitality Group, Caramella is a new Las Vegas hotspot featuring Italian 1970s flair. Spanning 9,500 square feet, the venue includes a bar, restaurant, and lounge centered around an Italian sweetshop, with design elements inspired by the Italo Disco music of the late ‘70s, reflecting the era’s escapist and playful spirit.

Bar Issi, Palm Springs, California, 2025

In collaboration with Boujis Group, Bar Issi at the Thompson Hotel embodies the lavish 1970s Mediterranean style, using vibrant colors and sustainable materials to create a lively atmosphere that echoes the glamour of the Italian Riviera.

The Georgian, Santa Monica, California 2023

The historic Georgian has been a Santa Monica landmark since 1933. Its recent restoration by Fettle respects its Art Deco heritage while modernizing its spaces to reflect the vibrant history of the West Coast.

Cicchetti, Knightsbridge, London, UK, 2022

Cicchetti’s design draws heavily on Venetian influences, featuring luxurious materials and details that evoke the city’s iconic watercraft, creating an opulent yet welcoming atmosphere.