EDGE & VIA
Modern Seating for Bernhardt Design
THE ASK
Bernhardt Design, a leading U.S. furniture company, is renowned for blending craftsmanship with modern aesthetics through collaborations with globally recognized designers. I was invited to contribute by developing seating concepts that would complement and expand their existing product catalog.
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I designed two modern seating concepts for Bernhardt. The 'Edge' chair, was in production for over 15 years, and was one of their longest-running and most popular designs.
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“It was very difficult to select only one concept to manufacture with all the great ideas Justin put in front of us.”
- Jerry Helling, President and Creative Director -
As an independent contractor I created several modern seating concepts. The process spanned from initial sketches to CAD modeling and prototyping; ensuring alignment with the distinctive Bernhardt aesthetic. Collaborating closely with Bernhardt's manufacturing team, I engaged in making design refinements to ensure compatibility with their manufacturing processes and targeted price points.
APPROACH
I took proportional inspiration from the Eames LCW, using key dimensions like seat height, pitch, and knee-to-seat depth as anchors. My goal was to design two functional elements - seat and supporting structure - and explore different ways how they might come together. This connection became the defining feature of each chair.
EDGE
Working with wood, I was inspired by the contrast of a hard exterior and soft interior, like an acorn and its shell. I carved space in the walnut shell to nest the upholstered cushion, ensuring it rose enough to keep legs and shoulders from touching hard edges.
VIA
I wanted the steel structure to weave in and out of the upholstered seat in one continuos line that would bend and conform when and where it needed to provide function, like the legs going up to become the armrests.
Knowing that Larry David’s ass sat in a chair I designed is one of the highlights of my career.