February One to Watch: Daniel Schofield


FX takes a look at just some of the new designs from prolific British furniture and product designer Daniel Schofield


Words by Sophie Tolhurst

Who

Daniel Schofield is a British furniture and product designer. He has received many accolades and awards from design publications and leading industry figures, including being heralded a ‘one to watch’ previously by Terence Conran. Schofield is a prolific creator: in 2019 alone products will be released in collaboration with British and international brands including Conran, Benchmark, Decode, Woud, Very Good & Proper, and Please Wait to be Seated. Based in London, Schofield originally hails from the Midlands. 

Why

Explaining his design philosophy, Schofield says: ‘I believe that no detail should exist without reason, so I take a reductive approach to materials, form and function. I try to solve problems in the simplest possible way, removing anything that is unnecessary, and distilling the result into a clean, honest, and understated aesthetic, with the ultimate aim to create useful, understandable and timeless products.’ 

Beyond this, Schofield credits his training pre-university for his creative approach, including his arts education, covering art and graphic design, as well as hands-on craft experience gained through a carpentry apprenticeship that took him from working on new houses and offices to restoring historic buildings. 

What

Image credit: Rowan Morgan.
Image credit: Rowan Morgan

Valley Cabinet for Very Good & Proper: This storage unit is defined by a ribbon of solid oak around the four sides. The ribbon’s raised height functions as a handle for the doors, leaving the exterior ‘clean’ and creates a ‘framed’ display area on top, highlighted by a chamfered end-grain edge detail. Inset is a linoleum top; the base is powder-coated steel.
 

 

Image credit: Rowan Morgan.

Image credit: Rowan Morgan

Tenon Table for Ercol: One of two recent occasion table collections for Ercol, Tenon is a sculptural design: the leg is wide and weighty at the bottom, while above, its bulk is carved out in a dramatic curve, the slimmer volume meeting the table top in a wedged tenon joint. The oversized joint becomes the focus of the table top, its detail highlighted by contrasting natural grains. 

 

Image credit: Rowan Morgan.

Image credit: Rowan Morgan

Backer Chair for Hayche: The Backer Chair is Schofield’s first for Hayche. Designed for the contract market, sturdiness, comfort and ergonomics have been carefully considered. The oak-formed ply seat is lightweight and defined by sweeping curves on a slim profile. The chair comes in a natural oak finish, as well as stained versions in burgundy, blue and black.

Where
www.danielschofield.co.uk








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