When Listening Leads the Design

Leveling Up on Gifting

Some of the most meaningful projects at Twenty-one Astor didn’t begin with a product idea — they began with conversations.

People told me they often give gift cards, checks, or cash because it’s simple and flexible. But almost everyone said the same thing afterward: it never quite feels special. The envelope is disposable. The gesture fades quickly.

So instead of rethinking the gift itself, I focused on the part that’s usually overlooked.

This leather envelope was designed to be kept, not discarded. Elegant but restrained. Functional, yet intentional. Something that adds weight to the moment without competing with what’s inside.

The cash or card may disappear, but the object remains — as a reminder of the thought behind it.

That’s what listening does. It turns everyday habits into opportunities for better design. And it’s one of the reasons building Twenty-one Astor continues to lead me to unexpected, rewarding projects.