Artist's Perspective

Philosophy of Systems Thinking

At Covalence, we believe true innovation begins with a broad understanding of interconnected systems. Rather than solving isolated problems, we look at the entire ecosystem surrounding them—breaking them down into layers and focusing on what we can control within the system.

Everything from local production methods and luxury goods surplus inventory to user experience and product life cycle fits within this holistic design philosophy.

Innovation is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing insights from diverse fields and reapplying patterns in new and unexpected ways. With a systems-thinking approach, our designs go beyond superficial solutions—they create clarity, flow, and harmony across all aspects of life.

Covalence: The Bond of Purposeful Design

Covalence represents the moment when two elements meet at their peak energy—united through optimally designed tools to create purposeful function.

Personal Background: Perspective is Everything

Growing up in the Midwest, I saw and felt how natural systems shape the world around us. Discomfort and change were part of growth.

I believe that we have the ability to implement our own systems to create the change we want to see.

My design philosophy is rooted in diverse experiences, each one teaching me systematic methods to achieve meaningful goals. These disciplines shaped my understanding of how design influences interactions, agency, and connection.

 Master Planning and Landscape Architecture: Designing for Longevity

Master planning and landscape architecture expanded my perspective to include long-term impact.

From designing a single city bench to remediating an entire brownfield site, I saw how thoughtful design transforms environments, empowers communities, and even influences crime rates.

 Fly Fishing: Observing Nature’s Systems

Fly fishing taught me to view ecosystems holistically. Understanding the fish’s perspective—seeing how they experience the river and the fly—reinforced the importance of interconnectedness between life and the environment.

 Personal Training: The Cascading Effects of Design & Habit

Personal training revealed how poor ergonomic habits affect more than just the body—they shape behavior, mental resilience, and emotional well-being.

By correcting one small imbalance, we reverse chronic issues and improve quality of life, demonstrating the ripple effects of well-designed systems.

 Live Action Stunt Performance: Crafting Immersive Worlds

Creating immersive worlds for live-action stunt performances taught me the power of environmental storytelling.

The costuming allowed someone to be lit on fire, break dance, or become a prehistoric animal. The designs allowed for the performer to embody how their character was to "show up," as scripted.

This reinforced a key truth:

The elements you choose—what you wear, what you bring with you, and your mindset, allows you to engage and respond to the world around you. There is only so much in our control, so lets capitalize on what we can control. 

Costume Design: 

In costume design, I learned how pockets were often not included in the design of stage designed costumes because of their complexity and framework of the clothing. The use of pockets in clothing is ubiquitous, when worn for the everyday, so they tend to wear out faster and cause a malfunction in the entire framework of the garment.

 I saw how extending the lifespan of this essential detail transformed not just functionality but also personal expression and confidence. Balance Bags add a functional layer to a wardrobe, not only reimagining a look, but allows someone to extend the life of their favorite clothing and compromising the structural integrity through the use of their pockets, so heavily. 

My Design Response:

There is already a heavy environmental footprint laid by the fashion industry. There are enough styles and remixes of styles that I do not see a need to create a traditional clothing line. I see the need for adapting how we dress ourselves to foster a sense of organization, with confidence, and a healthier mental headspace. My response is to create durable, handcrafted products, with premium materials, that last years, allowing your existing clothes to have extended life, as well. 

Balance Bags: A Product of Systems Thinking

Handcrafted in Downtown Los Angeles

Each Balance Bag is meticulously crafted at the Covalence Studio in the heart of Downtown LA.

Our small production space is home to skilled leather artisans who pour their expertise, care, and attention to detail into every piece.

Truly Limited Edition: Sustainability in Action

Our production process embraces the organic scarcity of materials, utilizing surplus luxury leather from the Vega Surplus Reserve.

These materials, sourced from past luxury productions, mean that each run is unique, making every bag a reflection of craftsmanship and sustainability.

Exclusive Production Process

• The Balance Bags are crafted using luxury surplus leather sourced from the Vega Surplus Reserve, which includes materials spanning two decades of high-end handbag production.

• By leveraging existing materials, we avoid contributing to new demand in the leather industry, ensuring sustainability and environmental responsibility.

• Each piece celebrates resourcefulness, giving luxury materials a second life.

Aesthetic Inspiration

The design evokes nostalgia, drawing from the functional elegance of cowboy and vaquero holster aesthetics.

Yet, this timeless style meets a forward-thinking purpose—empowerment.

The Balance Bags are designed to make the wearer feel intentional and prepared, extending the life of their current wardrobe, then offering a functional and stylish accessory that aligns with their values. 

Systems-Driven Design

Covalence products embody systems thinking, serving as wearable tools that help you create ripples of connection and purpose—aligning with your values and identity.

Greater Control

• With everything in its place, you feel more in control of your time, decisions, and interactions.

• Extends life of your existing garments, whose pockets you heavily rely on,  reimagining your personal style

• Small systems in place lead to a clearer mind, fewer micro-decisions, and greater ease in navigating daily life.

• This balance extends to relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Our WHY: The Power of Symbols and Connection

Humans naturally seek trust in the world around them, forming meaningful connections through shared values and beliefs.   In our modern world, the constant bombardment of information and distractions creates unconscious chaos, fragmenting our attention and diluting our sense of self. Covalence addresses this by designing systems and tools that foster order, mindfulness, and connection in our daily lives. These designs (tools) become symbols, which play a crucial role in this process, acting as signals of alignment and trust.

How we present ourselves—and how others perceive that—shapes our ability to build relationships and foster community.

At Covalence, our mission is to enable behaviors that allow you to live your values authentically. Through thoughtful design, we create tools that help you:

• Express who you are

• Connect with like-minded individuals

• Cultivate a community built on trust

Covalence is dedicated to fostering cultural behaviors that elevate individuals, strengthen communities, and evolve shared values. Our designs empower you to engage with purpose, represent yourself authentically, and build a meaningful, connected future.

The Trim Tab Effect

"A small force applied in the right place enables large systems to move efficiently with minimal effort."
— Buckminster Fuller

A trim tab is a small, adjustable surface on a ship’s rudder or an airplane’s elevator that allows large systems to course-correct with minimal force. At Covalence, we design tools that act as trim tabs in your life, giving you subtle but powerful control over your environment, interactions, and daily flow.