While studying furniture design at the Danish Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark, I felt at home as the city’s coastal environment mirrored my hometown of Portland, Maine. Both places share a deep connection to natural materials and a design philosophy centered on simplicity, function, and longevity.
Drawing from these shared values, I set out to design a chair that reflects these qualities—clean lines, natural tones, and timeless craftsmanship.
Translating Inspiration Into Tangible Concepts
I analyzed countless chairs, noting the ergonomics, materiality, and construction techniques to carry into my own design.
Scale Models
To test proportions and structure, I built several scale models. These allowed me to experiment with visual balance, stability, and construction before committing to the final form.
Full Scale Drawing
Creating a full-scale drawing brought the design to life in its true dimensions - ensuring every curve and angle aligned with the ergonomic and structural goals.
Cut List & Assembly
I created a cut list to optimize material use and ensure a smooth transition to the assembly phase. Using traditional wooden dowel and biscuit joinery techniques, I ensured the chair’s strength and durability while maintaining a seamless appearance.
I designed this chair to reflect Maine and Copenhagen’s design philosophy centered on simplicity, function, and longevity.
The result is a chair with clean lines, natural materials, and enduring craftsmanship—meant to be lived with, loved, and passed down for generations.
Articulating Backrest
The backrest articulates smoothly on a single pivot point using a metal rod and walnut spacer, allowing for gentle movement and enhanced comfort.
Natural Soap Finish
This technique provides a soft, matte surface that ages gracefully over time, aligning with the project’s goal of longevity.
Hand Woven
I hand wove the seat and backrest using durable cotton marine grade rope, to celebrate a material seen everyday on the coast.
