Ebichi Nduka moves seamlessly between engineering and design, exploring how technical precision shapes creative expression. As the founder of Polymer Studios, he applies production techniques from engineering to garment construction, designing clothing with structure, purpose, and artistry. At NeueHouse, he’s thinking about the future of materials, fabrication, and the intersection of disciplines. Get to know the NeueHouse Hollywood member in our latest Think Outside the Office Member Spotlight below.
Name: Ebichi Nduka
Hometown: Jackson, New Jersey / Dallas, Texas
Current City: Los Angeles, CA
Profession: Engineer / Designer / Art Director
I never leave the house without:
My rings, sketchbook/notepad, and cell phone
What’s a word to describe your creative process?
Unorthodox
The best ideas come to me when:
I’m traveling or I’m unplugged from all forms of technology and in a pure state of curiosity.
Current read or listen:
Read: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. Listen: Lancey Foux— Friend or Foux
Current obsession: Architecture and fabrication
The best part of the work I do is:
Having full autonomy to dictate the pace of my work and create what I want, when I want to. And, the fact that there’s no right or wrong— there’s only learning and forward progress.
The hardest part of my work is: Keeping a schedule/routine that sticks. Because I’m so untraditional, every day looks different.
How do you get yourself out of a creative rut? I typically do a fast, pray, and reflect to understand what may be the creative blockage.
Who or what artist or work as most inspired your creativity? God is the most influential creative director.
What was the moment or project that led to the creation of Polymer Studios in 2019?
I believe I was in my last semester of my undergrad learning about filaments and polymers. Funny enough, I’d learned what a polymer in chemistry, but it didn’t register till the day; so I jotted down Polymer Studios three times in my notebook. The name ‘Polymer’ stuck out to me because of its scientific meaning; it’s a chemical bond where two or more monomers come together to make a stronger bond— a polymer. I then used that theory to express my passion for fashion, architecture, art, music and engineering. Each discipline can be seen as a monomers, joining them together makes Polymer Studios.
What role does technology play in your creative process? Are there any specific tools or innovations you’ve embraced?
I’m kind of old school when it comes down to my creative process, I still use Tumblr, magazines, and books throughout my creative process.
Which artists, designers, or engineers have influenced your perspective the most? The late and great Virgil Abloh was definitely an inspiration for my overall perspective when it came to being Ghanaian-American (me being Nigerian-American) approaching fashion and design from an engineer’s standpoint — he gave me confidence that it was possible.
What’s next for you and Polymer Studios? Are there any upcoming projects or ambitions you’re excited about?
Storytelling, expounding deeper on my thesis of the brand, designing and building more products outside of clothing, being more consistent. I have a project entitled Re-Engineering that I’ve been working on for months, that I’m going to be very excited to present to the world when it’s done.
How does your personal identity or cultural background inform your work?
There’s a quote, “to know where you are going, you must know where you come from.” I paraphrased Maya Angelou, but that sets the tone with everything that I do: noting that my cultural background and my personal identity, from my name to my traditions, morals and views— inform everything that I do, not just in my work but in my life.
How does living in LA influence your art?
Living in LA has definitely influenced my approach of ideating to designing to storytelling, the creatives that coexist here will help you grow creatively by challenging you; it really feels like iron sharpening iron here.
How has NeueHouse factored into your creative process or daily routine?
It’s definitely helped with my creative process because of the art, the reference books available. It’s a very inviting space for creatives.
What does “thinking outside the office” mean to you personally?
Everything. I’m inspired by the non-traditional, unconventional way of doing things. Existing in different settings while creating is very important to me.
What do you do outside of visual art to recharge or find inspiration?
I listen to music and play recreational basketball and football. I approach sports the same way I approach my art forms.
Favorite life hack? ChatGPT
Interested in becoming a NeueHouse member?
Explore membership at our houses in Hollywood, Venice Beach, and New York.
