Matthew Plumstead

Interlace Chair - Powder-coated & CNC cut Aluminum, Steel 32" (H), 20" (W) and seat height 18" The chair is designed to flex in a manner that mimics interlaced fingers for supporting one’s back. The seat is perforated which allows for it to be bent into shape by hand and for more comfortable sitting. A CNC router was instrumental in creating this chair. The chair’s pattern was created using software and cut out of sheet aluminum.

Amalgamation Chair - Cordura, Aluminum, Steel, Maple 40" (H), 21" (D), seat height is 15.25" I was interested in the idea of a chair’s design suggesting a specific sitting position. In this case, I created a leg-rest for propping a leg up as the sitter shifts weight to the side in a lounging posture. A slight curve in the leg-rest allows for increased ergonomics.

Variation Desk - EcoResin Plastic, Powder-coated Mild Steel, Maple 27.5" (H) x 41" (W) x 20" (D) The design for this desk was driven by materials. My focus was to use as environmentally-friendly materials as possible but not negatively impact the table's aesthetic qualities. The desktop is made of recyclable EcoResin which can be returned to the manufacturer for reprocessing and the mild steel can be recyled as well.

Stand-in Light - Gypsum, Wax 10" (H) x 8" (W) I produced this light using a Rapid Prototyping machine. I was interested in creating a piece that was ready for use with very little finishing work. Once it is was printed and given a wax bath, it was ready to use. The natural translucent qualities of gypsum makes for an excellent diffusor.

H/H Stools - Steel, Felt and Birch Plywood 24" (W) x 30" (H) x 14" (L) I completed these stools as a pair. I was interested in working with bent plywood to create an open and light profile. I wrapped the seat in industrial felt to make sitting more comfortable. By using jigs, I was able to create a pair of stools that were almost identical.

Day and Night Light - Acrylic 12" x 6" x 8" With this light, I was playing with internal/external spaces and different levels of transparency and diffusion. It can be hung like a pendant light or placed on a surface like a lamp. I designed it using CAD software and cut the beveled pieces out using a CNC router.

Snowman Stool - Acrylic, Steel and Canvas 16" (H) x 13" (W) x 13" (D) I was interested in extending the usefulness of a stool's cushion. By sewing a looped strap to the top of the cushion and passing it through routered openings in the acrylic casing, I was able to integrate it into the overall stool design. The strap functions as handles for easy transporting.

Totem Lights - Material: Acrylic These lights come in a kit of pieces and can be assembled into different configurations. When the light is not on, they work as sculptural pieces. The light cord is emphasized instead of reduced in the design.

Construction Worker Day Bed - Steel, Industrial Plastic Fence Material, Fleece and Casters 84"(L) x 14" (W) x 15(H)" The design for this piece was guided by the use of a non-traditional material. I used two layers of industrial fencing material and sewed a layer of fleece in between them to soften the look and feel of the material. Left-over fleece was used as filling for the accompanying pillow resulting in very little waste.

BioFiber Chair - 29" (H) x 21" (W) x 21" (L) EcoResin Plastic, BioFiber Wheat Board The main materials in this chair are recyclable and/or sustainable. It folds up neatly and the legs are held together lightly with embedded neodymium magnets in the feet.

BioFiber Chair - This image shows how the chair folds up and is held in place by magnets.