Alan Tipp and Gamal Prather Created MTRLobjects with One Mission in Mind: Put Meaning in the Making

Moving away from mass-produced products—accessories to apparel—with little thought to their deeper significance, two designers, Alan Tipp and Gamal Prather, are forging a new path. Under their shared venture, MTRLobjects, they are not just designing products; they are creating products that tell stories, evoke emotions, and connect people with brands in a way that feels authentic and personal. 

Their mission is clear: design should not be disposable. Instead, every accessory created should show the meaning behind its creation, including its utility and purpose. With extensive experience in industrial design, the duo has taken a holistic approach to their craft, moving beyond aesthetics to focus on psychology, functionality, and storytelling. 

But, before launching MTRLobjects, Tipp and Prather each ran their own successful design consultancies. Tipp, founder of ATIPPICAL, built a reputation in the Midwest for his expertise in manufacturing, concept development, and product commercialization, working with everyone from startups to Fortune 500 companies. On the other hand, Prather, founder of The Original Article, carved his niche in Long Beach, focusing on turning creative ideas into profitable products with a clear vision and collaborative approach. 

Despite working in the same industry for years, both specializing in eyewear, they were unaware of each other’s work until fate brought them together in a mentorship program. This program was designed to teach designers the business side of their craft, a topic often overlooked in traditional design education. 

What started as casual conversations about industry challenges quickly turned into a realization: instead of competing for the same audience, they could be stronger together. That marked the beginning of MTRLobjects—a movement toward more thoughtful, intentional design. 

Tipp and Prather don’t see themselves as just industrial designers; they prefer the term “Object Architects.” As Prather puts it: “What people do for buildings, we do for accessories.”

Their focus is on smaller, intimate products—wristwatches, eyewear, accessories—items that are deeply personal and reflective of an individual’s identity. These are the everyday objects that people carry, wear, and interact with, and MTRLobjects ensures that they hold meaning beyond mere functionality. 

The philosophy extends beyond just eyewear. While they specialize in this space, their approach can be applied to any product—from consumer electronics to home goods to vehicles. Their goal remains the same: to make something people truly want and need rather than repetitive things already in the market. 

For Tipp and Prather, MTRLobjects is about more than just making beautiful products; it’s about building trust and redefining how people engage with design. Their approach resonates with modern brands that seek differentiation in an increasingly homogenous marketplace. “Most brands don’t take the opportunity to truly differentiate themselves,” says Tipp. “We want to change that. Design should tell a story, and that story should feel personal, intentional, and meaningful.” 

To further this mission, MTRLobjects is launching a podcast that will take listeners behind the scenes of their creative process. The show will explore the intersection of design, storytelling, and innovation, offering a rare glimpse into how truly great products are made. 

This duo’s journey is just beginning, but their vision is clear: a world where every product has a story worth sharing. This ethos drives everything they do. Whether working with clients, developing their own products, or mentoring the next generation of designers, they remain committed to putting meaning in the making.