Specs: Steel, Felt, Birch Plywood
24”(W) x 30”(H) x 14”(D)

Process: I was interested in designing and building a pair of counter stools with an open and light profile that incorporated a creatively integrated use of upholstery. I debated constructing the seat out of either heat-bent acrylic or bent plywood. Ultimately I chose plywood because it would survive a fall to the floor better than acrylic, which  might shatter. I created molds for the plywood and jigs for the legs. Once I had the legs and seat built, I routered slots at either ends of the seats to pass the felt panels through. The panels conform nicely to the shape of the seats and are joined underneath with fasteners. I asked people of various heights to sit on the stools to determine the optimal height of the foot rests, which is crucial to getting on and off of a stool.

Materials: Birch plywood was chosen for its ability to be molded into interesting forms that are quite rigid and strong.

Mild steel was used for the legs to give the stools heft and adequate support for sitters of various weights.

Felt was used to soften the seating surface.