About Us

In 1995, publisher and editor-in-chief Chris Force founded ALARM Press to share young, contemporary bands with the world outside the independent music scene. Fifteen years later, Force acted on his passion for edgy, gritty design and launched Design Bureau magazine. Like ALARM Magazine, Design Bureau strives to support designers working across all fields and aims to inspire dialogue on innovative design. ALARM’s passion in discovering exceptional musicians and designers is shared by its tireless cast of contributors. With their help, ALARM Press books and magazines can now be found around the world.

a few past stories and features

50 Unheralded Albums from 2011

Karim Rashid: An interview with the designer we know and love, or love to hate? 

Are Mokkelbost & KILLL: A New Meaning to “Art Metal”

Soccer School Architecture: With a new take on school design, a Chicago architect scores big in the Latino community

John Vanderslice with The Magik*Magik Orchestra: A “Wild” Analog Opus

Renegade Architecture: Young designers are proving there’s more than one way to the top

Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra: Reinventing the Classics

Magic Eye: Tokyo-based art collective Nam throws gravity and realism out the window with its mesmerizing photos

Vernon Chatman: A Twisted TV Writer’s Inadvertent Porn Comedy

At Home & Work with Tony Chi: The worldly designer gives us a look inside both of his artfully arranged homes and shares with us his style philosophy—or lack thereof

Ratatat: Electro-Rock “See-Alongs” with Licks, Lights, and Lasers

Indian Matchbook Iconography: Matt Lee’s collection of vintage matchboxes is filled with the milestones of a long, complex journey 

Adebisi Shank: Spasmodic, Electronic, Riotous Rock

Hair Raising Fashions: Outlandish hairstyles created for the Asia Beauty Expo

Moon & Moon: Musical Theater Meets “Hyper-Art”

All Eyes on Fernando: Stepping out from behind Carlos Slim’s shadow, Fernando Romero is securing his position as one of the power players of architecture

Son Lux: A Composer’s Mind, a Sampler’s Perspective, and an Unlikely 28-Day Challenge

Swiss with a Twist: A small space, European ethos, and an enterprising architect prove eco design can be chic

Killing Joke: Honoring the Fire

Redesign: Polishing up the packaging design for Town Talk Polish

The 2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Sorry, Santa—we’ve already done the hard work so you can look like a generous genius this holiday season 

Inside/Out Photo Essay: Five photographers interpret what it means to be on the flip side of things

Pretty Packaging: Whimsical cosmetic designs from Topshop that are as fun as playing dress-up

Buzzworthy Hair cuts: Straight outta London, graffiti designs for your dome

staff q&AS

What was your first concert?

Reba McEntire. I brought a book with me, just in case I got bored. Kristin Lamprecht, managing editor

The Beach Boys with John Stamos. Paula Abdul was the opening act. Chris Force, publisher & editor-in-chief

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What is your can’t-live-without album/CD?

Palace of Mirrors by Estradasphere, Book of Horizons by Secret Chiefs 3, Blackjazz by Shining (the Norwegian one), California by Mr. Bungle, anything by The Dillinger Escape Plan, …And Justice for All by Metallica. Is that more than one? Scott Morrow, music editor

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Which band do you wish would just go away?

Oh, easy—Nickelback Allison Weaver, account executive 
Poor Nickelback. Now I’m piling on. Scott

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What font do you hope is used on your tombstone?

American Typewriter Jenny Palmer, account manager

Veranda because it rhymes with Miranda! Miranda Myers, account executive