The design darling explores new techniques while utilising unexpected combinations of colours and materials
Named the Designer of the Year at the January edition of the Maison & Objet (M&O) fair in Paris, Sebastian Herkner has collaborated with some of the biggest furniture companies including Cappellini, Moroso, Fontana Arte and Thonet.
The 37-year-old industrial designer founded his eponymous studio in 2006, while he was still studying product design at the Offenbach University of Art and Design in Germany; his internship at Stella McCartney in London sharpened his eye for colour and material as well as his attention to details.
He has become known for designing objects and furniture that are a beautiful and harmonious balance of cultural context, new techniques and traditional craftsmanship.
See also: 5 Minutes With... Glenn Pushelberg & George Yabu, Founders Of Yabu Pushelberg
Herkner’s big break came in the form of the Bell table. The table was shown at the Salone del Mobile fair in Milan in 2009, before it was produced three years later by Classicon. “Sometimes you need to take a risk,” says the designer. “When I designed the Bell table, the combination of glass and brass was new at that time. Now the table is one of the most successful designs at Classicon and the material combination is everywhere.”
We speak to Herkner about his design philosophy, the M&O accolade and his plans for the future: