“It’s hard to believe that this will be our fifth time at the Fair,” said designer Derek Chen, Council’s founder, who launched the company in 2007. “In many ways we still feel like a start-up——certainly, we still bring that newcomer energy and enthusiasm to every new collection——but it’s also very satisfying to watch the brand mature in the marketplace. We look forward to showing our new work, and also to being inspired by what we see.”

Council’s collection has included the work of a veritable who’s who of designers from around the world, including Arik Levy, Monica Förster, nendo, and Karim Rashid. In 2011, Council is delighted to introduce new pieces by Mike and Maaike, One & Co, and Jonah Takagi.

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The basiK desk is a graceful interpretation of the modern writing desk. It’s slender surface features two drawers on waxed maple runners and a butterfly wire management portal.

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The collection’s name is very deliberate: much as the post-war optimism of the ’50s and ’60s spawned some of America’s most-recognized design classics, Council believes that a rebirth of optimism will fuel the creativity of the coming decades. As in previous eras, it is not strictly nationality that will define these designs as "American"; it is the spirit of hopeful innovation embodied in the designs. These days, "optimistic" is not often used to describe the American zeitgeist—but it is with optimism nonetheless that Council prepares to enter the competitive furniture market.

Designer Derek Chen founded Council last year. "Council is about combining bold design with craftsmanship, detail, and quality in modern pieces that go well beyond the superficial. Our goal is to create furniture that is beautiful, practical, expressive, and authentic."

The brand is targeting what it believes to be a growing market for high-end design-driven home furnishings. Influenced by their parents’ mid-century tastes and an increasing accessibility to thoughtful design, Council’s customers will value utility and design, character and substance.

About the Collection
Chen has tapped an impressive international crew of designers to conceive Council’s debut line. In addition to furniture, these designers have distinguished themselves in other categories of design including consumer goods, wearables, interiors, and conceptual art—taken together, they have designed wrist watches, tabletop items, consumer electronics, skateboards, soft goods and theatrical sets, in addition to home décor. This diverse experience translates to a collection in which conceptualism and technology complement classic proportions and contemporary notions of style and utility.

The designers behind "Optimism" include Israeli-born Arik Levy, Iranian-born Khodi Feiz, and the San Francisco design firms One & Co and Mike & Maaike. Chen, himself the designer behind the company Urbana Design, has also contributed to the collection. Please refer to the bio pages for more information on Council’s creative team.

"Optimism," Council’s debut collection, includes:

Geo Low Tables by Arik Levy – Designed to be used individually or arranged in clusters, these eccentric, multi-sided tables are available in a trio of sizes. Available with wood veneer on aluminum or powder-coated aluminum for both indoor and outdoor use.

Geo Dining Table by Arik Levy – A seamless blend of contemporary form and traditional craftsmanship, the faceted Dining Table comes as a six- or eight-seater and is handcrafted of solid American hardwoods.

System 24 by Khodi Feiz – This graceful modular storage system can be configured in endless combinations. Each beveled unit has the versatility to be combined with others and the integrity to stand alone. Available in natural woods and high-gloss finishes (Red, Gray, and others).

Peel by Khodi Feiz – This is convertible furniture made transparent. The simple conversion mechanism that takes Peel from vertical to horizontal is on display in this study in minimal elegance. Available as Sofa, Chaise Longue, or Lounge Chair; 100% wool upholstery comes in Green, Red, Blue, and Oatmeal.

Periodic Coffee Table by One & Co – This striking piece puts equal emphasis on surface and substance. Eminently functional, the low-lying table is made from a massive block of wood coated with a layer of silver. The wood’s natural grain, visible through its glittering surface, gives the piece a look and feel that is utterly unique. Available in Natural Silver, Gun Black, and Red.

Aura Credenza by One & Co – A unique layering of surfaces and textures distinguishes this credenza: it has a high-gloss lacquered interior, a wood veneer outer layer, and stands on sleek stainless steel legs. Aura’s inner storage space is separated from its exterior shell by a layer of air, creating the illusion of floating. Exterior finishes available in Wenge, White Oak, and Walnut.

Chrysalis Stool by One & Co – At once delicate and robust, this stool is wonderfully simple. A sleek and comfortable leather seat (available in White, Black, and Gray) is perched atop a slender stainless steel base; the cross bar doubles as a foot rest.

Introvert by One & Co – A quiet inversion of the traditional chest of drawers, Introvert’s supporting structure is concealed within. Three spacious, wraparound drawers create a piece that can hold its own from any angle. Available in Walnut, White Oak, and High-Gloss White Lacquer.

Mute Chair by Mike and Maiike – The Mute chair is designed to inspire serenity and calm. The seat is a single, fluid form, with no angles or seams; the simple base is made of powder-coated steel. Seats, upholstered in 100% wool fabric, come in Charcoal, White, Blue and Red.

Section Bench by Derek Chen – Raising the bar for modular flexibility, this piece can be used as seating (hard and soft) or storage and display. Hollow units sliced at an angle can be arranged in myriad formations—stacked, joined, or isolated—to reveal new surfaces and cavities. Available veneered with natural wood or upholstered for indoor use or in powder-coated steel or polished stainless to extend its application to the outdoors. Finishes include natural woods, various upholstery options, and powder coats in brilliant hues.

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