Living Sculpture: Rare Cacti, Clay Pots, and the Case for Slow Design

“I think there’s something important about processes that are real and slow, and everything about Living Sculpture is slow,” Isaac shares. “These plants take years and years to grow, and the pots are handmade, so each one is different. In a world where everything is being sped up, there’s something impactful about a business that’s slow and impossible to automate.”

While plants play an important role in interior design and architectural wellness, seldom are they sold within the context of a luxury design showroom. Living Sculpture aims to more closely connect the two realms by operating directly from Studio Como’s headquarters in downtown Denver. Not only does the proximity provide convenience for designers—who are often tasked with sourcing greenery for clients—but it also rightfully positions plants and pots as critical components in a holistic design vision. “Designers have the eye for how statement plants like these can be incorporated into a home or office space,” says Isaac.

Living Sculpture cacti are cultivated at farms in Arizona, and Isaac regularly makes the 14-hour drive to hand-select specimens, observing and developing a close relationship with the landscape along the way. “I’m looking for distinct, characterful plants,” he says, explaining that part of his process includes assessing each plant for its personality and presence. “Cacti have evolved to withstand the harshest climate conditions and are incredibly durable,” he says. “They need to be watered once a month, and they need sunlight. That’s about it. They’re easy to care for, hard to kill, super beautiful, and really easy to love.”

The artful array of clay pots and vessels in the Living Sculpture showroom come directly from Domani and Atelier Vierkant, both based in Belgium. “Belgium has a strong history of craft,” Isaac says, showing how subtle variations in each vessel across a large order reveal the artist’s touch. “Everything at Living Sculpture is one-of-one,” he says. “Domani and Atelier Vierkant are perfect partners because they view their processes and products as art, emphasizing material, texture, and color.”