Bespoke Chair

Design Objectives:

• Design & build a custom chair to specifically form to another person's body, needs, & wants

• Improve original studio stool that is uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time

User Preferences:

• Retain current stool and footrest height

• Make chair comfortable to sit on for long periods of time

• Include back support

Original stool is plain metal with no cushioning. Derek would sit in this stool for hours while working on studio projects. He wanted a stool that was cushioned and also supported his back when he needed a break from sketching.	After studying my studio partner's sitting, sketching, and socializing habits, multiple quick concepts were developed. Ideas focus around a cushioned seat and a supportive backrest.
To build the complex curvature of the backrest, 1/8" sheets of bendy plywood were laminated together using an existing chair as a mold. The addition of a backrest restricted Derek's ability to turn in his chair and socialize with friends. A lazy Susan turntable was installed in the base of the chair to allow uninhibited movement.	Bespoke Chair
Final chair in use: • Great to sit on while sketching and using the computer • Comfortable seat and footrest support the body • Excellent back support allows user to lean back and stretch • Lazy Susan turntable in base of seat provides full rotation movement	Multiple views of final chair

This chair was published in PlyDesign: 73 Distinctive DIY Projects in Plywood (and Other Sheet Goods) by Philip Schmidt in 2012 and was used as one of the main marketing images.

Kristin J. Hare