Winner

Karl and Rita

Student Designer

Karl and Rita

Project Info

Created to encourage the exchange of stories, the Karl and Rita love seat is a tribute to timeless design and craftsmanship.

With angled seating designed to nurture intimate conversation between sitters, the chair also features a hidden compartment that doubles as a memory box for cherished mementos.

The main structure is crafted from solid ash timber with an ebonised finish, while the backrests use layered ash veneer. Touch points such as the arms and backrests are intended to develop character over time, revealing the chair’s history through the patina of its finish. Drawing inspiration from Arts and Crafts influences, the seats and back panel are woven from Danish paper-cord, its natural colour contrasting beautifully with the ebonised ash.

The construction of the chair utilises honest manufacturing methods, highlighting the joint details and celebrating its longevity and craftsmanship.

LocationNottingham

SpeciesAsh (UK)

DesignerAlex Radivan

ManufacturerAlex Radivan & Andrew Lee

University / CollegeNottingham Trent University

PhotographerAlex Radivan