What’s DxD All About?

Ten years ago when we began to contemplate how to mark the 30th anniversary of AURAS Design, our initial idea was to produce a book of our past graphic design work. But, really, who wants to look at that more than once? We wanted to create something that people would actually refer to now and again. Then, an obvious idea sprung to mind—let’s make a cookbook using recipes from the studio’s creative director and owner.

The result was Delicious by Design, a collection of recipes that reflect the same design philosophy that propels the best work at AURAS Design: quality ingredients, bold editorial flavoring and expert production techniques that expand familiar ideas into inspired projects that look great and create memorable experiences.

Prepare some of the 50 recipes (30 main dishes plus sauces and sides) in this book and you will begin to see a similar philosophy at work. These are classic dishes found on dining tables at restaurants and in homes across America, but each recipe has a special ingredient, an inspired cooking technique, or a twist on the familiar approach to preparation that raise them above their humble “comfort” origins

In fact, every recipe in this book has been made many times and improved along the way—delicious entrées and sides that have passed the “empty plate test” at countless meals, parties and celebrations. These aren’t fancy, trendy recipes that require unusual tools, obscure ingredients or tricky preparations. Every one of these tasty dishes can be made by anyone who enjoys working in their own kitchen.

Along with the recipes, running commentary helps the reader understand the inspiration behind the preparation as the author dispenses entirely opinionated advice on techniques, tools, sources for ingredients and recipe variations. In the back of the book, there’s a personal history of AURAS Design and how it grew, along with some samples of the studio’s work.

Even if you never cook anything from Delicious by Design—and that would be a shame—reading through the book will provide insight into how ideas are shaped into real products with maximum appeal; ways that experimenting with details and paying attention to process can make all the difference in the world; and in the end, elicit an appreciation for how the final presentation is as much about substance as it is about style.