About

Behind Designed With Purpose

After receiving a BFA in furniture design and sculpture from Virginia Commonwealth University, Mark Plakotoris followed his passion of woodworking to trade schools across America and Japan in pursuit of technical mastery.

Mark has studied the craftsmanship that is required to make an acoustic guitars, learned the importance of precision and joinery with Japanese timber framing, as well as the focus on anthropomorphism in chair design to create traditional Windsor rockers. This diverse skillset allows him to work and design unconstrained by any one discipline.

About Designed With Purpose

In 2019 I started Designed With Purpose, which produces original pieces of furniture and lighting for a modern home, without compromising a timeless style. Every piece is made from raw materials in our shop in Baltimore, Maryland.

Our “collection" is the group of designs that we are most proud of and sell regularly. Each one of these pieces have been iteratively designed from the ground up. We consider everything from the height, the grain patterns, the joinery, the comfort, to how it gets to your home. Every fastener and piece of hardware we choose has been tested and installed with the upmost care to ensure it works when assembled in your home. It is of the upmost importance that our products function, and last to pass on to the next generation.

Designed With Purpose also works closely with architects, interior designs and homeowners to create unique custom pieces. These projects can be detailed and involves a collaborative process that everyone can benefit form.

We also have a number of learning opportunities for both in person and online. See our learn page for more information on upcoming classes.