Designers to Keep Your Eye On

This year at ICFF, I had the privelege of meeting many talented designers like Tom Dixon and seeing pieces from established companies like Vitra and Artemide.  However, those that impressed me the most were the younger designers, particularly those of the Pratt Institute and of smaller firms.  These forward-thinking creative talents showcased their use of materials and their understanding of practicality.  There is no doubt that each of these individuals will go far and do good work.  These are the designers to watch out for.

Joerg Student/Frank Shum

Luximo LED Lamp

Winner of the 2008 Lighting of Tomorrow Competition

At a glance this piece looks sturdy and efficient and it is.  When you dig beneath the surface you find that California based designers Joerg Student and Frank Shum have put real thought into this piece.

• -Full range of motion.
• -Fully dimmable
• -The aluminum body and base are 100% recyclable.
• -9 LEDs make this piece 6 times more effecient than a 75w halogen bulb and just as bright.  The LEDs produce a warm even light.
• -LEED certified and exceeds Energy Star requirements
• -Ease of use

Evan Dewhirst

Buoy Chair

I’ll admit it’s hard to create a chair that offers movement, stability, and comfort.  Not to mention it has to look good.  Designer Evan Dewhirst has done just that.  Said to have been inspired by designers who work at tall drafting tables, Dewhirst came up with a surprsing solution. The Buoy Chair as seen in the BKLYN DESIGNS installation at ICFF 2009.

The chair requires the user to balance using both legs while seated.  What this does is it allows for quick and easy movement.  It increases the user’s reach and flexibility.  The piece is also quite ergonomic and allows for amazing circulation in the lower extremeties.  Above all, it provides relief for the weary.  The piece is simple and yet by studying the piece one can tell that a lot work went into it. The Buoy Chair uses green manufacturing techniques and recycles products and materials that may otherwise be discarded.

It’s quite the balancing act to create a piece of furniture that offers constant interaction between the user and product in a practical way.  Some have tried and failed in either design or execution. Dewhirst has succeeded admirably.

Jerad Mack/Shane Pawluk

IZM

Well-made was the first thought that came to mind upon viewing the work of Jerad Mack and Shane Pawluk at ICFF.  Rich grain, quality wood, and quality construction coupled with a minimalist design.  Based in Canada, the design duo didn’t rely on shiny pulls or gimmicks, just a really well-made product.  I can’t stress just how well-made these pieces are.  Looking at these designs made me realize just how rare good pieces are to find.  Even at DWR and Room and Board you’ll be hard pressed to find construction like this.

Everything from the hinges to hardware was carefully thought out so that these pieces can be passed down to future generations as heirlooms.  For me, these pieces speak volumes about what Minimalism can be. It doesn’t have to be stark and cold.  These pieces are from it.  Simple and quite beautiful.

Sukmo Koo/Young Taek Oh

Metamorphosis

As part of the Pratt Institute’s installation ‘Design For a Dollar’ the intention was to design and manufacture a product for less than a dollar. Working within these parameters forced young designers to put considerable thought into their pieces from concept to execution.  Koo and Taek Oh have used discarded egg cartons to create a piece of sculptural lighting that can be configured in a variety of positions.  This piece shows that the designers were innovative but also environmentally conscious (a primary concern at this year’s show).  If a product that is environmentally conscious, sculptural, and practical can be created on such a shoestring budget, future possibilities are endless for these two creative talents.