Baird Architects releases first furniture collection as "natural extension" of studio
US architecture studio Baird Architects has released its inaugural furniture collection, with seating, tables, and shelving, designed by in-house architects and collaborators and made in Portugal.
The twelve-piece BA Objeto collection was led by Baird Architects founder Matthew Baird, who designed several pieces and also commissioned studio employees and collaborators.
Each piece is credited to its designer, and the designers will receive a portion of the profits, according to Baird.
The works include a solid walnut "surf" table by Baird, a swooping aluminium coffee table by Ines Gulbenskian and a dark brown cork bench by Gina Jiang.
The pieces are primarily produced in Lisbon, Portugal, where Baird Architects has established a new studio to support its furniture making.
Baird said a "considered approach to materiality, a crisp aesthetic, and a desire to push the boundaries of furniture design" draws the collection together.
The move points to an expansion of the studio's work beyond one-off furniture creation and illustrates a different business model for architecture studios.
"Furniture feels like a natural extension of our architectural practice because it allows us to explore our interests in materiality, form, and craftsmanship at a more intimate scale," Baird told Dezeen.
"We also wanted to create something that celebrates the individual designers within our studio, giving them the freedom to develop pieces of their own while contributing to a collective endeavour."
Other pieces in the collection include a mirror by Portuguese designer Teresa Mascarenhas and a plywood and leather chair by designer Katy Cheng.
Baird said the collection is an extension of the furniture the studio has created for private clients over the years, and that the team is already "looking ahead" to a second collection.
From design fairs to heritage brands, designers and architects are currently attempting to restructure business models in the design world, primarily to receive more profit and credit for their work.
Recently, Dezeen spoke with design companies OMHU and Rarify about their unique business models and outlooks that aspire to change the industry.
Baird Architects previously designed a shingled house in Maine.
The photography is courtesy of Baird Architects.
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