Design : Building for Tomorrow

Whether removing forms from the recently poured concrete foundation of a multifamily unit, helping a family establish its new home, or collaborating on a work of art to be auctioned as a benefit to arts education, Seattle area designers are at work in the community, building for tomorrow.

Chair Project

10 interior designers | 10 artists | 10 chairs

Our goal was to create a partnership between the worlds of art and design. Seattle Design Center had interior designers, Pratt Fine Arts Center had artists, Baker had the chairs, and together, we created The Chair Project. Teams were challenged to blend their creative talents to produce fine art. The finished pieces represent a fascinating array of design and artistic influences. They premiered at SDC's Northwest Design Awards Gala February 17, 2011, and then went on exhibition at Nordstrom (downtown Seattle), McCaw Hill, Neiman Marcus (Bellevue) and the Fetherston Gallery. They were auctioned in August 2011 and raised more than $12,000 to support education programs at Pratt Fine Arts Center.

The beginningBaker's Louis Dining Chair. Inspiration record in design journal.The Bolton / Ward team Shape and texture ideas from the Bolton / Ward team suggest an interesting finished piece. The Burfiend / Jensen team poses with the chair now bearing marks for carving, a signature of Jensen's work. A quick sketch of the chair in its native form.Steve Jensen Journal Scott Cole and Chris McMullen Artist / Designer teams celebrate the five month design challenge at the September kick-off party. Jennifer Randall Steven Hensel Metal worker Dylan Andersen poses while reviewing placement of a solid bronze panel that will be worked into the center of the chair back. Jared Rue (left), Sara Johnson of SMJ Studios, and Steven Hensel at work. Barbara Hyde Evans Debating design concepts.The JPC / O'Neill team JPC Architects: Amanda Hyman, Brooke Prince, Char Patterson, Jamie Herring, Jennifer Mukai, Leslie Fernandes, Rebecca Durr, Yvignette Tang  Deep contemplation, channeling their inner chair.The Hyde Evans / Kindler team Laura Ward The Marinello / Regarde Bustillo team begins to layout a range of fabrics, finishes and textures in early concept development. Nancy Burfiend Piper O'Neill Jared Rue Susan Marinello Artist Tom DeGroot experimenting with embellishments. Chair upholstered by Queen Anne Upholstery. The JPC / O'Neill team draws inspiration from Marie Antoinette's luxurious lifestyle—with a twist. Perfect example of how a team is approaching the project from their respective disciplines.Randall / Murphy team Perfect example of how a team is approaching the project from their respective disciplines.Randall / Murphy team Tyler Engle Sylvia Bolton and Laura Ward Dispersion Premieres at the Northwest Design Awards Gala February 17 2011 – by Marinello / Regarde Bustillo Refined but Dangerous RaconteusePremieres at the Northwest Design Awards Gala February 17 – by Evans / DeGroot Upward SeasonsPremieres at the Northwest Design Awards Gala February 17, 2011 – by Bolton / Ward Luna PienaPremieres at the Northwest Design Awards Gala February 17, 2011 – by Hensel / Rue MenageriePremieres at the Northwest Design Awards Gala February 17, 2011 – by JPC / Piper O'Neill A Kind of ParadisePremieres at the Northwest Design Awards Gala February 17, 2011 – by Randall / Murphy Ying and YangPremieres at the Northwest Design Awards Gala February 17 – by Burfiend / Jensen ChangelingPremieres at the Northwest Design Awards Gala February 17 – by Engle / Calkins Please Identify What This IsPremieres at the Northwest Design Awards Gala February 17 – by Kindler / Hyde Evans Louis' AscensionPremieres at the Northwest Design Awards Gala February 17 – by Cole / McMullen Nordstrom introduces the chairs. Nordstrom introduces the chairs. Nordstrom introduces the chairs. Nordstrom introduces the chairs. Nordstrom introduces the chairs. Chairs welcome patrons of Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet in the lobby of McCaw Hall. Chairs welcome patrons of Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet in the lobby of McCaw Hall. Chairs welcome patrons of Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet in the lobby of McCaw Hall. Chairs welcome patrons of Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet in the lobby of McCaw Hall. Chairs welcome patrons of Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet in the lobby of McCaw Hall. Chairs welcome patrons of Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet in the lobby of McCaw Hall. Neiman Marcus salutes Pratt Fine Arts Center and the Chair Project. Neiman Marcus salutes Pratt Fine Arts Center and the Chair Project. Neiman Marcus salutes Pratt Fine Arts Center and the Chair Project. Neiman Marcus salutes Pratt Fine Arts Center and the Chair Project. Neiman Marcus salutes Pratt Fine Arts Center and the Chair Project. Neiman Marcus salutes Pratt Fine Arts Center and the Chair Project. Chairs greet passersby at Fetherston Gallery. Chairs greet passersby at Fetherston Gallery. Chairs greet passersby at Fetherston Gallery. Chairs greet passersby at Fetherston Gallery. Chairs greet passersby at Fetherston Gallery.
Seattle Design Center Pratt Baker
The designers and artists would like to collectively thank the following for their support:
 
Allied Furniture Always Perfect Yacht Interiors AW Hoss & Sons Upholstery
Baker Cantalupi USA D.A. Burns
Dixon Group Durante Furniture Dylan Andersen
Evangelia Decorative Art Studio Ion Bhutan James Mongrain
Mark Joseph Design and Workroom Mike Sofie Morgan Fine Finishing
Neiman Marcus Nordstrom Pollack
Queen Anne Upholstery Randy Hillam Robert Allen | Beacon Hill
Sara Johnson of SMJ Studios Village Interiors Walenta's Upholstery
West Coast Marine Woods Custom Upholstery