3M
3M Creative Direction
Establishing a position of authority within an industry
Known for material innovation and powerhouse engineering, 3M approached Todd Bracher Studio for direction when they took their own architectural market position. The challenge: to create a position of authority within the established industry of architectural lighting and surfaces. We began with an in-depth analysis of 3M’s brand, culture, and capabilities, limitations and strengths.
We studied the market, scanning for breakthrough opportunities. And we developed a plan to bring it all together that leveraged 3M's unique capabilities of material engineering and physics. Our approach was to create attention-getting, iconic, beautiful projects and a unique brand position that capitalized on the existing capabilities of 3M—in short, to make an unprecedented statement only 3M could make. Working closely with 3M’s team of physicists and optical engineers, we went far beyond decorative lighting, leveraging capabilities at the cutting edge of lighting technology and science to produce two groundbreaking works: Vessel and Lightfalls. Operating as a strategic partner in direct engagement with 3M senior leadership, we were tasked with articulating a voice for the brand — developing events, trade show appearances, advertisements, print collateral, video, and still photography. Our work culminated in the creation of a brand DNA book, designed as a roadmap for the processes and thinking that would help differentiate 3M's position in the architectural markets: a true innovator with applied sciences at the core.
Lightfalls
The Birth of the Virtual LED
Collaborating closely with 3M’s optical physicists, we invented Lightfalls, an innovative system to showcase 3M’s technological capabilities and core differentiation in the lighting industry. We created Lightfalls, a “Virtual LED” that is powered by the laws of physics and distributes light from a single LED source over a nearly limitless distance. Each fixture passively steers light from one module to another through a mix of design and engineering, optical physics, and material science, creating the illusion of multiple LED sources when in fact there is only one. The result is energy and cost-efficient on an unprecedented scale, highlighting 3M’s competitive advantage in the market. It’s a solution possible only with 3M materials, and an invention that captured the imagination of the industry. Lightfalls owes its beauty not to aesthetics, but to a single-minded focus on 3M’s capabilities, culture, and passion for innovation. Lightfalls represents the marriage of 3M’s technical prowess with our design vision and market expertise.
Vessel
The Invention of glare-free Light
Our intent was to showcase best-in-class optical engineering while creating a uniquely marketable entry for the architectural lighting sector. So we started the project with a dream: was it possible to create a light completely free of glare?
Working backwards from this lofty goal in close collaboration with optical physicists, we concealed an LED light source above a finely-tuned quartz cylinder, shaped to refract light downward without letting it escape. The result is strikingly new and speaks to the future of LED lighting design, founded not in aesthetics, but in physics. Vessel is a first-of-kind pendant that was engineered completely from the 'perfect light throw'. It casts a supremely balanced and even light, emanating from a beautiful, essentialist object purpose-formed to guide the light toward its intended surface.
3M Strategic Advisory
Uniting Diverse Teams Across 3M
When 3M sought to integrate a new business into its larger organization, we delivered the essential tools and strategies to ensure a seamless transition. Our comprehensive internal communication effort focused on aligning various departments, including scientists, legal teams, and business leadership, along with the international branches of 3M. Through targeted communication plans, strategic alignment meetings, and cross-functional workshops, we fostered collaboration and unity across the diverse teams. This alignment was crucial in harmonizing the different functions and ensuring a cohesive integration process. The outcome was a successfully integrated business that operates smoothly within the larger 3M ecosystem, driving innovation and efficiency across the board.
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Antler
Antler Advisory
Supporting success from the start
As an expert advisor at Antler, we guided early-stage startups from the ground up, helping passionate founders lay the foundational roadmaps for their innovative ventures. Our collaboration with Antler involved addressing a wide range of founder needs—from crystallizing their initial opportunities to strategizing sustainable pathways to scale. Our commitment to tailoring advice and providing hands-on support ensured that these emerging businesses were not only ready to launch but also equipped for long-term growth and success.
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Bank of America
Bank of America
A personalized approach for a financial giant
Bank of America embarked on a comprehensive redesign initiative spearheaded by their Global Head of Design. As a design advisor, I supported this transformation through two separate initiatives: creating custom furniture solutions for a national rollout and developing the concept design for their flagship location in Brooklyn.
The challenge for the national rollout was to blend functionality with modern aesthetics, ensuring the new design reflected the bank’s commitment to innovation and customer experience. We designed customized seating solutions that balanced the brand voice, contemporary culture, and client needs. By working closely with the design team, we crafted bespoke furniture that met specific requirements while enhancing the overall ambiance.
For the Brooklyn flagship, the concept design integrated a localized spirit to help embed the brand with authenticity and relevance in the Brooklyn market. This location's design was meticulously planned to create a welcoming, efficient, and cutting-edge environment, capturing the unique essence of the area while maintaining brand consistency.
Betterlab
Lightwash
Reinventing hand sanitation with sustainable germicidal light
Covid Response As a science-informed designer, I felt obliged to contribute in a meaningful way. Seeing the waste associated with hand sanitizers emerging overnight, understanding the water consumption, plastic bottle waste, transportation issues, I researched and developed a healthier, more effective, and lower-cost alternative.
In the winter of 2020, our studio was asked to support a science-based response to the global pandemic. We understood well the emerging technologies around viral deactivation using 222nm spectrum (Far-UVC) light. We felt rather than deploying this technology throughout architecture which was the area of focus for so many businesses, we saw a greater concern unfolding. Hand sanitization was and remains key in stopping the spread of the virus and most all other pathogens for that matter. As we watched the world deploy record amounts of liquid sanitizer everywhere possible we knew this would have dire environmental consequences. The enormous consumption of water, plastic bottles, transport, ongoing maintenance, resulting in a tremendous environmental, and financial burden. Our solution is hypoallergenic, requires no water, no maintenance, no staffing, no refilling and is more effective in deactivating virals. We, therefore, launched our solution to deliver a better alternative for our world, at a fraction of the cost by using the power of light to address one of the world's most pressing concerns.
Myopia-Preventing Eyewear
Addressing the largest threat to eye health this century
The World Health Organisation has classified Myopia as the leading threat to eye health this century. They have concluded that by 2050, half of the world's population is projected to be myopic. One billion are expected to have high myopia, a severe state of the condition that can lead to retinal disease with an increased risk of blindness. We aimed to address this concern in a science-based, kid-approved solution, designed to meet the need at scale.
Between 2018 and 2050, worldwide blindness associated with myopia will triple, and estimates of a total societal cost associated with myopia will reach $1.7 Trillion. Compared to costs of other major comorbidities in the US in 2018, myopia already ranks 11th, ahead of congestive heart failure, lung and breast cancer. The two leading causes of myopia are genetics and environmental factors. While genetics are beyond our control, the increase of screen time, longer durations of school work, and the value engineering of LEDs that light our environment, all contribute to this rapid prevalence of the condition. It has been identified that with exposure to a specific spectrum of light, light that our environments have successfully eliminated, we can reverse the malformation of the eye when in childhood and therefore mitigate the progress of myopia. Our solution deploys a passive technology that emits a healthy spectrum of light, therefore promoting and stimulating healthy eye development.
Cappellini
Alodia
Lightness in line
The Alodia stool achieves its bracing, minimalist design with a single-minded focus on function over form. After reducing the concept of a stool to the bare minimum of material, we arrived at a surprising, magical design: Alodia presents a refreshing, bold profile, and a daring modernist take on the bar stool. Carefully engineered to withstand the rigors of life as a bar stool and sitters of all weights while using the bare minimum of materials, Alodia is more than a stool. It’s a magic trick.
Bar stools are important for an architect’s finished space — especially in the hospitality field, where there may be many in a room. We wanted to create a piece to support the architect’s vision, not one that spoke loudly on its own. So we set out to design a stool with the bare minimum of material, reducing as far as possible, until only the absolute necessities remained. The result is not stylish, it’s timeless: Alodia is a stackable seat that’s able to thrive in any space and any configuration.
Cartier
Red Ink
Cartier's Story in a Bottle
In the world of luxury fragrances, Cariter sought to redefine the user experience by exploring the concept of the ink bottle as a symbol of elegance and personalization. The challenge was to create a packaging design that not only reflected the premium nature of the product but also provided an intimate and unique experience for each user.
Our approach centered on the development of a laureled glass bottle, meticulously crafted to offer a glimpse into the essence within. The design features a transparent glass volume, allowing users to view the fragrance inside, akin to peering into a precious ink bottle. This transparency not only showcases the product but also adds a layer of personal connection, making each use an exclusive and memorable ritual.
By integrating this innovative design, we successfully elevated the fragrance's presentation, enhancing its perceived value and aligning it with Cariter's brand ethos of sophistication and individuality.
Ceasarstone
Ceasarstone
Elevating Quartz
To promote Caesarstone as the original quartz surface manufacturer through a compelling installation that captures the essence of New York architecture, emphasizing both the intelligence and poetry inherent in Caesarstone's material.
Drawing inspiration from New York’s iconic architectural landscape, the installation was meticulously designed to highlight the versatility and beauty of Caesarstone quartz. The design team integrated elements that reflect the city’s architectural grandeur, including sleek lines, geometric forms, and dynamic structures that resonate with New York's skyline. Special attention was given to the texture, color, and finish of the Caesarstone material to ensure it complemented and enhanced the overall aesthetic of the installation.
The installation featured an array of Caesarstone surfaces, showcased in a façade-like structure that provided viewers with a new perspective and appreciation of the quartz material. This innovative display allowed the surfaces to be experienced in a manner akin to architectural elements, highlighting their adaptability and aesthetic appeal. The façade-like surface played with reflections and light, creating a dynamic visual experience that emphasized the depth and richness of the quartz.
Each component of the installation was carefully crafted to demonstrate Caesarstone’s range of applications and its ability to seamlessly blend with various architectural styles. The use of lighting and spatial arrangement played a crucial role in emphasizing the material's unique properties, creating an immersive experience for viewers. The installation also incorporated interactive elements, allowing visitors to engage with the material and appreciate its unique properties firsthand.
Ceccotti
Lia
As light as light
Drawing inspiration from the slender form of stick insects, embodying an approach that maximizes light output while minimizing physical presence. Crafted in either burnished or brushed brass, the Lia's tubular structure epitomizes the essentialist ethos—achieving optimal functionality with the least possible material.
Designed to offer both floor and table versions, the Lia Lamp integrates advanced LED technology, ensuring that it delivers bright, focused light from a remarkably slim profile. This efficient use of space and material does not only meet aesthetic goals but also practical ones, catering to varied lighting needs in both personal and professional settings.
Ceccotti Collezioni's commitment to superior craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of the Lia Lamp, from the choice of high-quality materials to the meticulous attention to detail in its construction. This lamp is a testament to the brand's philosophy of blending practicality with visual grace, making it a timeless piece in any environment.
Corian
Physical Illusion
A new view of something familiar
Commission by Corian, Todd Bracher was tasked with reimagining the possibilities of a simple A4 sheet of Corian, a challenge that sought to explore and express the intrinsic beauty and material versatility of Corian. Todd's approach was to 'reorganize' the physical composition of this material, transitioning it from a mere flat sheet into a three-dimensional expression.
The project, aptly named “Physical Illusion,” encapsulates the essence of transformation and perception. By maintaining the original mass and weight of the Corian sheet, Bracher reshaped it into a dynamic structure that challenges and defies the conventional limitations of form and perspective. The art piece stands as a testament to the philosophy of seeing beyond the apparent, showcasing “Same mass, same weight, different beauty.”
This piece not only highlights the adaptive nature of Corian but also reflects Bracher's ability to merge artistic vision with material science, creating a visually striking piece that invites viewers to question their perceptions and appreciate the transformed aesthetic of a familiar material. Through “Physical Illusion,” Todd Bracher invites onlookers into a realm of optical exploration, where the lines between dimension and perspective blur, revealing new forms of beauty in everyday materials.
Datesweiser
Momentum
Bridging Premium and Functionality for Contemporary work
In collaboration with Datesweiser, we developed a series of sophisticated meeting solutions tailored for the high-end market. The challenge was to simplify technical aspects while maintaining the premium quality that Datesweiser is known for and adapting to the agile needs of contemporary work environments. By integrating advanced yet user-friendly technology and high-end materials, we successfully delivered a suite of meeting solutions that blend elegance with functionality.
DuPont
Alyn
Aligning a brand for an emerging market
Vertical surfacing offers many benefits for architects. But the market is saturated with decorative options, which may conflict with an architect’s vision or simply fall out of fashion too soon. Todd Bracher Studio was trusted to build the Alyn brand from the ground up.
From the name, logo, and brand collateral to the positioning, strategy, and product offer, our concept for Alyn is a sophisticated, timeless brand, one that lives not in the world of style, but within the sphere of contemporary architecture itself.
Alyn's colors are carefully sampled from the concrete, wood, stone, metal, and glass that already exist in the architectural space and are chosen to work in harmony with these essential materials. Painstakingly designed textures and translucency options offer a beautiful canvas for lighting designers and allow the architect to create vertical depth and impact on the wall.
Dunny
Dunny
Design by New York City
We celebrated New York City's vibrant spirit and creativity through a unique art installation for the 'I Heart NY' event. In collaboration with a select group of designers and artists, we were tasked with decorating the iconic Dunny figure. Rather than applying our own artistic vision directly to the character, we allowed New York City itself to be the artist. By 'escorting' the Dunny through the urban landscape, we let the city's physical environment shape its final design. This approach honored the the essence of New York, resulting in a one-of-a-kind piece imbued with the city's physical presence.
The resulting Dunny figure was a humorous unique artifact, showcasing the physicality of New York City. The project not only celebrated the city herself but also highlighted our approach to collaboration and design.
Duxiana
Dux
Connecting Heritage and Modern Design
Duxiana sought to explore their brand identity within the premium bedding market, aiming to connect more deeply with the design community. They wanted to establish themselves as a design-connected brand, resonating authentically with contemporary cultural trends. To address this, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the market and their brand DNA. Our strategy involved identifying key elements that aligned with both Duxiana's heritage and the expectations of modern design enthusiasts. We crafted a comprehensive approach that emphasized authenticity and cultural relevance, ensuring Duxiana's brand would stand out in the premium bedding space.
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Elica
Halo
A Celestial Upgrade for the Kitchen
Elica, a premium Italian brand, sought a range hood design that would blend functionality with a distinctive aesthetic inspired by Italian heritage. The challenge was to create a product that not only performed efficiently but also stood out as a piece of art in the kitchen.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Italian image of the Madonna with a halo, we developed a range hood that features an innovative halo effect. This design integrates both lighting and air extraction seamlessly, providing a unique visual appeal and exceptional functionality. The light ring enhances the kitchen's ambiance while the powerful extraction system ensures a clean and fresh cooking environment.
The outcome is a range hood that marries tradition with modernity, offering a unique combination of elegance and efficiency. This design elevates the kitchen space, providing a functional appliance that also serves as a conversation piece, reinforcing Elica's reputation for innovation and quality.
Eva Danmark
Tools
For The Culinary Workshop
The kitchen, often likened to a workshop, requires equipment that marries functionality with performance. Recognizing this, we designed the Tools collection for Eva Danmark, a range of kitchen tools crafted to enhance the culinary experience. To ensure these tools meet the highest standards of practicality and efficiency, we collaborated with professional chefs who provided invaluable insights during the research phase. This collaboration allowed us to incorporate features that elevate the performative aspects of each tool, ensuring they are not only functional but also a joy to use. The result is a collection that embodies precision, durability, and an intuitive design, transforming everyday cooking into a refined art.
Fogia
Fragment
Equipped for the new contemporary
Fragment is a configurable solution that addresses the wide variety of contemporary needs in both the home and workplace. Designed as components, a sort of alphabet where the specifier can arrange the elements as needed, to solve for work from home, privacy, connectivity, or simply as a cosy place to nap on the weekend.
Responding to the rapidly changing ways in which we work and live today, Bracher’s design enables a wide variety of configurations, adapting to multiple settings and uses. Fragment reconsiders the balance between plush home seating and the typically less inviting office equivalent. Instead, the proportions are slim, light, and mobile – but Fogia’s trademark comfort is retained through the use of cushions, handily tethered to the seats. Commitment to an exceptional user experience manifests in every detail, from stitching to materials and acoustics. ‘Glimpse gaps’ slice through corners so it’s easy to gauge occupancy without interruption, while back and side sections flow upwards to grant the sitter privacy. This thoughtful approach makes Fragment the ideal solution for seating in the workplace, the home, or wherever the two worlds meet.
Fritz Hansen
T-no1
The creation of forward heritage
Fritz Hansen is known the world over for its timeless design, marquee architect-designers, and global cultural influence. Todd Bracher Studio was tasked with creating another icon for the brand — an executive table designed to live next to some of the greatest pieces of furniture ever made — and to give Fritz Hansen a unique position in today’s marketplace.
Designed to fit effortlessly into the Fritz Hansen catalog while charting a course for the future of the brand, T No.1 is revolutionary in its simplicity of construction. Two legs, a center spine, and a minimal rib give the table extraordinary strength and extensibility, while presenting an organic, natural fluidity of composition. Its efficient design approach allows the table to adapt easily to any application — T No.1 makes for an elegant dining table, and it’s more than ready to do real work, from executive offices to conference rooms. T No.1 quickly became one of the most successful conference tables in the industry, helping Fritz Hansen articulate a bold new vision for the future.
Gandia Blasco
Mass
The building blocks of outdoor comfort
MASS introduces a modular solution for designing outdoor spaces that require both flexibility and functionality. This modular outdoor sofa system is tailored to support various social settings, enhancing interactions in both private and public areas. With its user-driven design, MASS can be easily reconfigured to meet changing needs and spaces. Simple in its concept yet versatile in application, MASS is powered by a fractal geometry, offering a wide array of socially-focused configurations that prioritize comfort and utility.
Georg Jensen
Georg Jensen Creative Direction
Reigniting a cultural icon with a 100-year heritage
Charged with transforming Georg Jensen’s offer to maintain relevance in a contemporary market, we developed a product design and communications strategy that evolved the brand for a new audience.
We refreshed Georg Jensen's products across all five product categories: jewelry, watches, living, holiday, and silverware. We worked to discover new market opportunities, new materials, and move into a position to execute. Our creative approach humanized their products, contextualizing Georg Jensen within the luxury lifestyle world, while reviving the spirit of their legacy and century-old archive with bold new work in silver and stainless steel. We helped define new spaces, identify new opportunities, and assemble new design teams to compete in various new markets.
Flora
Giving birth to an icon
Georg Jensen made his name as a design icon by bringing natural inspiration to the world of Danish silver. When his namesake brand asked Todd Bracher studio to collaborate, it was clear we would begin with a return to nature, and end with a powerful gesture that the Georg Jensen brand was making a return to form.
Taking its shape from the poetic sprouting of a flower bud, the beautiful, organic lines of Flora are at home in any setting. The long, graceful neck serves another purpose. It harnesses the reflective power of stainless steel to play the colors of a floral arrangement all the way down its length, making flowers themselves the hero of this piece, and ensuring that Flora’s style remains fresh and dynamic. Flora has been deemed a Jensen ‘Masterpiece’: a distinction reserved for only a handful of the most iconic products from the brand's century-old legacy.
HBF
HBF Creative Direction
The rediscovery of a brand
Todd Bracher Studio has been tasked with reinventing the famed brand HBF with a deep and aggressive Creative Direction effort. However a brand doesn’t communicate with products alone. HBF engaged us to develop and execute an integrated strategy to revitalize their brand both from a product point of view but also imagery and collateral.
Our work so far includes a strategic audit of their product portfolio, a refresh of their material palette, art-direction, photography, and design of a limited-edition brand book and give away, and a complete revamp of their flagship Chicago showroom. The results speak for themselves: HBF is an energized brand, poised for return to the newly evolving market opportunities.
Nest
Bringing a brand to the contemporary
HBF has decades of experience and brand equity in producing lounge chairs with wood structure. Our challenge was to honor and capitalize on this heritage while bringing the lounge chair — and the brand — into today’s collaborative open office spaces.
We set about designing a system that brought a functional yet iconic language to the collaborative space. We knew it should look and feel different from traditional office lounge furniture, while speaking to HBF’s expertise in wood through the framing. The result is Nest: a collection comprising side chairs, tables, and a signature lounge chair. Nest is designed to enhance social connection and nurture collaboration while also acting as a landmark piece, repositioning HBF as a force in innovative office solutions.
More upright than a traditional lounge, and employing transparent mesh upholstery as a metaphor for the open space office plan, everything about the Nest chair’s appearance says “work” without sacrificing exceptional comfort. Nest’s wedge shape makes it particularly suitable for today’s offices, placing the sitter in an open spatial relationship with more than one co-worker. The mesh cradle offers substantial ancillary benefits: since the Nest lounge chair doesn’t rely on staples, foam, and glue for comfort, it’s lighter, faster, and more cost-efficient to produce.
Citiscape
Reconfigurable seating for ever-changing spaces
Our latest collection for HBF reimagines modular seating for public spaces with a compelling new planning geometry and refined detailing. Cityscape's unique pointed back cushions evoke accent throw pillows, providing a palette for creative design expression with a wide range of HBF Textiles. Their residential-inspired form belies their durability, engineered to withstand high-traffic demands with foam construction to maintain their shape and fasteners to prevent movement. Thoughtfully considered modules like the ‘Cityscape Pentagon’ evoke comfort and progressive design, empowering designers to create ‘rambling’ lounge landscapes with 120° and 150° planning possibilities. As a timely response to social distancing requirements, Cityscape's integrated table modules maintain required spacing and allow for easy future reconfigurations.
HBF Advisory
Bringing a Contemporary Edge to HBF’s Brand
I was engaged to lead a transformation of Creative Direction for HBF, I took on the challenge of modernizing the brand to better align with today’s market. I began with in-depth market research to understand current trends and consumer preferences, which guided our change management efforts.
I focused on updating the brand’s colors, materials, and finishes to create a more contemporary look. I also built a team of talented designers, including OeO, Nao Tamura, and Jonathon Name, to bring fresh perspectives to our projects. Together, we developed a product roadmap that helped recalibrate the brand's image and improve our market presence.
The result was a more modern and cohesive brand identity, supported by updated visuals and a stronger go-to-market strategy. This approach ensured that HBF remained relevant and appealing in a competitive market.
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Rediscovery
A Rediscovery
HBF faced the challenge of revitalizing their brand to stay relevant in a competitive market. They needed a strategic communication plan, a new color, material, and finish (CMF) strategy, and a contemporary update to their offerings. Our team worked closely with HBF to develop a comprehensive brand communication strategy that highlighted their core values and unique strengths. We introduced a fresh CMF approach that aligned with current trends while maintaining HBF's distinctive style. Additionally, we modernized their product offerings through updated finishes and contemporary imagery, ensuring a cohesive and appealing brand presentation.
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Habitat
Masai
Structure as a style
In collaboration with Habitat UK, we developed the Masai storage solution, designed to meet the needs of the design-forward middle market. This fun and simple project balanced market demands and consumer preferences, resulting in a versatile range of storage options.
Masai's minimalist design showcases its structural elements, creating an elegant and functional piece. Available in multiple sizes, the range includes both enclosed and open storage options to cater to various needs. The modular components ensure easy assembly and transport, making it practical for modern living.
Masai known for its blend of style and utility, it highlights how thoughtful design can meet market demands while providing consumers with stylish and practical storage solutions.
Hearth and Home
Hearth and Home
The Future of Fireplace Design
In the evolving landscape of the fireplace industry, "Hearth and Home" sought to redefine its approach to color, material, and finish (CMF) to stay ahead of market trends. Our team was commissioned to conduct an in-depth research project aimed at identifying innovative CMF, materiality, and design strategies.
We began by analyzing current market trends and consumer preferences, diving deep into the aesthetics and functional aspects of fireplace design. Through comprehensive research and collaboration with industry experts, we identified key trends and emerging materials that align with the brand's vision of cultivating new solutions.
Our findings provided "Hearth and Home" with actionable insights and strategic recommendations. These included novel material combinations, cutting-edge finishes, and fresh design approaches that not only enhanced the product's aesthetic appeal but also improved functionality and sustainability. The project culminated in a detailed report that guided the brand's future development and innovation efforts.
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Herman Miller
Distil
Innovation through simplicity
Seeing a rapidly growing demand for small and medium business solutions, Herman Miller approached Todd Bracher Studio for a solution that would be adaptable to the shifting office setups and smaller technologies that typify modern workspaces. The result of our work is Distil: a solution engineered to serve new markets and small - to medium-sized offices. At home in a small office or dining space, and easily expandable for large communal workspaces, Distil is the realization of a desk refined to its essence.
Herman Miller’s legacy is molded plywood, so we set about honoring that heritage in a way that solved for the challenges of weight, cost, and strength. Distil’s gently curved top adds strength and greatly diminishes the need for supporting material underneath the table — reducing cost and making the table easy to ship, lift, and move around — while also providing a uniquely comfortable pad for arms and hands. An additional storage module elegantly keeps power sources and wires nearby while hiding them beneath the surface. Distil tables ship flat, assemble in minutes, and easily link together for larger expanding offices.
Balance
The Restorative Office
In 2018 Studio Bracher led a research project to explore and enhance cognitive wellness in the workplace. The primary challenge identified was the neglect of cognitive health in traditional office environments, which primarily focused on physical ergonomics and productivity.
Through comprehensive research and analysis, we developed the concept of the "Restorative Office." aimed to create workspaces that support both physical and intellectual health by incorporating a science-based approach. Leveraging empirical research, expert interviews, and ethnographic studies, the Restorative Office emphasized energy-renewing activities such as contemplation, visual ergonomics, and sensory recovery, addressing the psychological needs of employees alongside their physical well-being.
By integrating Bracher's context based approach and collaborating with experts in health and human sciences, the work identified new workplace typologies and environmental modifications designed to enhance job satisfaction, creativity, and overall well-being. This approach not only aid to improve cognitive functions but also significant cost savings for employers through reduced healthcare expenses and increased productivity.
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Holmegaard
Topshade
From Pendant To Chandelier
Holmegaard, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship in blown glass, sought to push the boundaries of traditional lighting design. The challenge was to create a lamp that would not only reflect their heritage but also stand out as a bold statement piece. We embraced this challenge by conceptualizing and designing the Topshade lamp.
The Topshade lamp uniquely combines the familiar round base of the classic ball lamp with the sleek, angular form of a conical pendant. This fusion results in a visually striking design that culminates in an audacious point at the top, showcasing both innovation and elegance. By leveraging Holmegaard's expertise in blown glass, we meticulously crafted each component to ensure flawless execution and exceptional quality.
Versatility was important to us where the design works beautifully as an individual piece or in a series. The Topshade lamps nest geometrically together, offering buyers the flexibility to create stunning chandeliers or elegant single pendants. This modular approach allows for a wide range of creative configurations, making the Topshade lamp suitable for various interior settings.
Horm
Canard
Invisible innovation
Horm engaged Todd Bracher Studio to create a groundbreaking product. The brand prides itself on a heritage of simplicity and innovation; our task was to honor and highlight those concepts while creating a new market position for Horm in an already-saturated space. For us, innovation means simplicity, taken to its logical conclusion. In radically simplifying the form of the table, we arrived at a decidedly new, unique approach.
Canard is a table system with almost no visible structure - its supports are completely hidden inside the surface. Simple, folded sheet metal leaves wrap the tabletop at each corner, creating structural integrity and a streamlined appearance. But the real magic is hidden within the tabletop, where a corrugated material efficiently supports the span with a minimum of materials, evenly distributing the table’s weight over its length. Because the table doesn’t rely on support beams or extraneous legs, it can be easily produced at a nearly infinite number of custom sizes—a completely unique product and a completely unique market opportunity for Horm.
Hosoo
Ferro Magnetism
Revealing natures patterns
A research project for the Japanese textile house Hosoo, we embarked on a journey to explore patterns driven by the fundamental laws of nature and physics. Our goal was to transcend traditional design methods by leveraging the intrinsic properties of ferro magnetism, enabling us to create intricate patterns and figures free from human interference.
The project began with an in-depth study of ferro magnetism, a phenomenon where certain materials exhibit spontaneous magnetic alignment. By understanding and harnessing this principle, we developed a method to manipulate magnetic fields and create visually captivating designs. The process involved carefully controlling the magnetic forces to influence the arrangement of ferromagnetic particles, resulting in patterns that are both organic and precise.
Our approach was rooted in the appreciation of natural processes, allowing us to step back and let the laws of physics guide the creation. This method not only ensured the authenticity of the patterns but also highlighted the inherent beauty and complexity found in nature. The resulting designs are a seamless integration of art and science, where each pattern is unique, reflecting the dynamic interplay of magnetic fields and material properties.
The outcome of this research is a collection of textile patterns that push the boundaries of traditional design. These patterns offer a fresh perspective, showcasing the potential of nature-inspired creativity in modern textile design. By removing the human hand from the process, we achieved a purity in the designs that speaks to the power and elegance of natural forces.
Humanscale
Path
The world's most sustainable work chair
Introducing a new standard in environmental responsibility. Path takes Humanscale's ethos to the next level, building on our legacy of designing products that are minimal, ergonomic and sustainable; and a lifetime commitment to creating a measurable impact.
Built for the Workplace of Today - Path is a revolution in everyday work seating, combining integrated ergonomic support with a customizable aesthetic to fit any work environment, whether in-office or at home. Designed for You and Your Environment - Path was engineered to make the complex simple. No matter where you work, Path seamlessly adapts to meet your needs. Inclusivity Included - Path's unique weight compensation mechanism means that 95% of the population can sit comfortably on the chair, unlike most chairs, which only consider an overall target at the 50th percentile average weight of all genders. Humanscale considers everyone and every body when we design our seating.
Bodies In Motion
A celebration of human movement
Bodies in Motion is an exploration of the essence of human movement and a visual metaphor of Humanscale’s commitment to ergonomics. The experiential installation highlights the company’s pioneering use of natural ergonomics, which draws on the laws of physics and motion to design products that automatically adapt to the user's position.
Humanscale invited long-time design collaborator Todd Bracher to design a multi-dimensional experience at Salone del Mobile. With an interest in exploring new modes of expressing human movement, Bracher tapped Studio TheGreenEyl, a design and research practice with a focus on digital design. The installation reinterprets the original scientific method of motion perception developed by Swedish psychophysicist Gunnar Johansson in 1973, which involved placing lights on key points of the human body to highlight movement. Bodies in Motion applies 21st-century technology of digital projection and sensors to collect and communicate data through 15 beams of light that project across the space in a striking visual display.
Trea
Faster, younger, smarter
Humanscale approached Todd Bracher studio with the desire to create a standout product for a rapidly changing market. Workers are getting younger, and their workspaces more open and adaptable. Our target was the new global worker fully aware of her work environment and tools. Technology has made these tools simpler, streamlined, intuitive — all while delivering better performance in a beautiful package. We looked to provide the same level of execution in a multipurpose chair.
We investigated how nature had solved the problem of integrated articulation and were inspired by the lobster shell: an exoskeleton that moves in harmony with the living organism it protects. By following the cues of this natural design, we arrived at a solution that perfectly responds to the body’s desire to move and recline, without knobs, dials, and levers: a groundbreaking “solid state” recline mechanism that adapts seamlessly and intuitively to sitters of all sizes.
The final product is a universal, multipurpose chair that speaks a design language at once modern and timeless. Available in three leg variants, a variety of finishes and colors, and an optional upholstered seat, Trea is a key part of Humanscale’s product offer in helping them position the brand at the forefront of intuitive design for the workplaces of the future.
IMM Cologne
Das Haus
The Elementalist House
For the 2017 edition of its international interiors show, imm cologne has selected New York-based designer Todd Bracher to design Das Haus 2017. Now in its sixth installment, Das Haus is a design event that focuses on contemporary living and serves as a simulation of a residential property that combines architecture, interior design, and furnishings.
"For me, design isn't an art or a personal matter— it's an experiment. My work is based on the desire to reduce something down to its essence. My job is to look for what's really important to people and give it to them." —Todd Bracher
A platform for experimentation, Das Haus is an installation at the international interiors show Imm Cologne that gives a young and influential designer the opportunity to make a personal statement on contemporary living. Each year, a designer is selected by the directors of the prestigious furniture fair in Germany to design the interior and exterior architectural elements of the almost 2,583 square foot house. Blending the art of installation with real-life concerns, the highly-visible platform allows the designer to share their philosophy on living with a large audience.
For the 2017 edition of Imm Cologne, the New York-born and based designer Todd Bracher was selected as the guest of honor. In his installation, opening this week, Bracher focused on his design credo, reducing the elements to their essential. At Das Haus, Todd Bracher translates basic human needs — sustenance, rest, and hygiene into elemental spaces. Luminaire is delighted to share this accomplishment with our community and would like to congratulate Todd on this incredible achievement. Since the start of his career, Luminaire’s founder, Nasir Kassamali, has been a keen advocate of Todd Bracher’s talent. Click here to view Das Haus.
"Eating and reading, cooking and learning...those things don't happen in separate places and at separate times. In Das Haus, everything happens organically, everything exists side by side." — Todd Bracher
Issey Miyake
a Drop d'Issey
Perfume in perfect harmony
As a long-time collaborator of Issey Miyake, we were tasked with defining a new era for the Miyake brand that connects to a new audience in a sustainable, meaningful way.
The Issey Miyake brand is concept-driven. Their fragrance brands are known for their purity and essential expression of nature. Having a collaboration that extends over ten years we have guided the brand to meet the new generation of consumers who value design, poetry, and above all sustainability. An example of an innovation we have introduced was the fragrance a'drop d'Issey, a concept that is fundamentally pure, precise, and human. We challenged the notion of the fragrance bottle but laid it nearly flat. Allowing for a new user experience in hand. By making this decision we also reduce the use of the material in the packaging by 8%, which at scale for the Miyake business, is a meaningful reduction of its environmental footprint without disrupting existing supply chains and material resources.
Parfum Pur
The next chapter
In 2016, Issey Miyake is breathing new life into L’Eau d’Issey by opening the second chapter of its story. The source of L’Eau d’Issey is one drop, a single drop. Rare and precious. Faced with the inexorable passing seasons, Issey Miyake rekindles his love of a nature that takes time, its own time, to begin moving, revived by water. A water that is born, then flows peacefully.
Pure water that creates moments suspended in time, dreams and escapism, timeless moments of serenity and fulfilment. This artistic decision was made by the American designer Todd Bracher, who expresses a return to nature “L’Eau d’Issey is what all other perfumes are not. L’Eau d’Issey evokes the genuine simplicity and purity that exist around this idea of water. For L’Eau d’Issey Pure I believe we have captured the most basic image of water, a droplet. The droplet symbolises the fragrance and becomes the bottle.”
L'Eau Majeure d'Issey
The next generation
Issey Miyake fragrances reveal the new L'Eau Majeure d'Issey expanding the collection of L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme with a heritage of over two decades.
L'Eau Majeure d'Issey expands the concept of water fluidity and its freedom in the image of masculine strength and motion in advanced style bringing the sensation of salted woodiness. The composition moves in woody aquatic olfactory theme with a marine ambiance, opening with fresh citrus fruits of bergamot and grapefruits with the heart unfurling in an aura of saltiness like a stimulating sea breeze. The dry down expands in a firm density of woody cashmeran notes adding character to the formulation.
Italesse
Vas
Giving form to water
Inspired by a pelican’s pouch, and celebrating the basic form of water, the form of Vas is the intersection of three objectives: the smooth pouring of water, the perfect amount of capacity, and the ability to comfortably grasp and lift it with one hand. Vas arrives at its completely original silhouette by emulating the natural shapes that most efficiently store and move liquid. A graceful, serpentine, mouth-blown glass carafe, the asymmetrical Vas is comfortable to hold, easy to pour, and available in three colors. An ageless design in its own right, Vas is a differentiator in the crowded Italian glassware market for Italesse.
Knoll
Fass
The Agile Workplace
In 2018, Knoll and Studio Bracher embarked on an extensive research project to address the evolving needs of the contemporary workplace, focusing on modularity and flexibility. The primary challenge identified was the rigidity of traditional office environments, which often hindered collaboration and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic work setting. Recognizing the need for a more flexible and responsive workplace, the project aimed to develop innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate furniture elements with technology.
Through comprehensive research and analysis,we explored new methodologies to foster collaboration and adaptability. This project involved a multi-disciplinary approach, incorporating insights from material experts, technology specialists, and behavioral scientists. The goal was to create a workplace that could easily adapt to changing needs and support a variety of work styles and activities.
Central to this initiative was the development of modular systems. These systems were designed to be highly flexible, allowing for quick reconfiguration to support different tasks and team sizes. By integrating advanced technology, such as smart desks, adjustable lighting, and wireless charging stations, these modular solutions provided a seamless blend of physical and digital workspaces. This integration enabled employees to move effortlessly between different work modes, from focused individual tasks to collaborative team efforts.
The research also highlighted the importance of creating environments that support both physical and cognitive well-being. By incorporating ergonomic design principles and sensory-friendly elements, the modular systems aimed to enhance comfort and reduce stress, ultimately contributing to greater productivity and job satisfaction.
Service
Kvadrat
Hadr
Beauty in every strand
To celebrate the longevity of their Hallingdal 65 textile, Kvadrat invited Todd Bracher Studio to explore, honor, and promote the fabric. To begin, we asked ourselves: what makes Hallingdal unique?
Kvadrat is a truly unique company: they manufacture textiles at scale and dye each yarn before weaving, creating a material of unparalleled quality and depth. To showcase the beauty in every strand of Hallingdal, we completely deconstructed the material and sewed Hadr together by hand, strand by strand. The resulting piece showcases both the delicacy and strength of the material while celebrating its beauty, communicating the care represented in every strand of Hallingdal.
La Manufacture
Static
Strength in Simplicity
Static is a table defined by its essential form, where the beauty lies in its clear, structural expression. This design strips away the non-essential, leaving only the necessary elements visible: bracing rods, welded steel, and a clear glass top. Each component is selected for its ability to resonate with modern architectural principles, embodying the laws of physics in a tangible form. Static's design is light-spirited yet robust, capable of enhancing any space with its subtle yet powerful presence. Whether standing alone or integrated into a group, Static showcases its structural integrity and functional aesthetics, making it a foundational piece in any setting.
Assemblage
The sum of parts
The Assemblage lounge chair redefines ergonomic seating through a unique design where each element is expressed independently, enhancing both customization and functionality. This approach not only allows each component to clearly articulate its purpose but also makes Assemblage highly adaptable to user preferences and varying environments.
Crafted with sustainability in mind, the chair’s modular design facilitates a flexible manufacturing process, reducing waste and energy use. Each part of the Assemblage can be easily disassembled for repair or replacement, extending the life of the chair and minimizing its environmental impact.
Whether in formal or informal settings, from workspaces and lounges to entrance halls and conference rooms, the Assemblage offers a customizable seating solution that does not compromise on style or comfort. Its independent elements come together to provide a tailored experience, showcasing how thoughtful design can meet sustainability and ergonomic needs in harmony.
Lab Crafters
Lab Crafters
Redefining lab spaces for contemporary research
Laboratories have not seen significant changes in decades, but with the rapid growth of technology and the digitization of research, it's imperative to rethink and redesign lab environments. Our mission was to create innovative design solutions that empower researchers to perform at their best. To achieve this, we conducted an in-depth analysis of how labs function and, more importantly, how researchers work within these spaces.
Through extensive observations and research, we developed a series of solutions tailored to modernize laboratories. Our approach focused on integrating advanced technology, optimizing workflow, and enhancing the overall efficiency of research activities. By reshaping the contemporary lab, we are helping researchers overcome traditional limitations and unlock new potentials in their work.
Service
Larca
Thread
Divine design
Larca commissioned Todd Bracher Studio to reimagine the rosary. It’s difficult to think of an object more sacred, traditional, and historically consistent than the rosary. The rosary is fraught with meaning: it’s a holy icon and a symbol of devotion and the divine. But at its core, the 800-year-old rosary is a utilitarian object—it’s a prayer counter.
We stripped away everything extraneous to that central utility, revealing its most essential form. Thread is made with only one piece of thread, and the “beads” are made from knots. With no adornment, indeed with almost no physical form at all, the user can focus completely on the pure act of prayer.
Lifetime Work
Lifetime Work
Coworking for a healthy generation
Life Time Work (LTW) sought to establish itself as a leader in workplace wellness by developing comprehensive guidelines that promote a healthy lifestyle within the workplace. The challenge was to create an environment that enhances physical and mental well-being, maximizes productivity, and fosters a sense of fulfillment among members.
The project was guided by LTW’s brand pillars: Health, Premium, and Fulfillment. To address the challenge, the team defined four key activities: Working, Learning, Community Building, and Restoration. Each activity was designed to support members' overall well-being.
For the Working activity, sophisticated work zones were created, featuring ergonomically designed furniture and tools that promote focus and productivity. The Learning activity included spaces that inspire curiosity and exploration, catering to different personal development styles from quiet independent study to interactive workshops. Community Building zones were dispersed throughout the workplace, offering various formats for professional and personal connections. Restoration zones served as antidotes to productivity, providing spaces for meditation, stretching, and nourishment.
Additionally, the wellness design principles focused on identifying opportunities that reinforce LTW’s brand pillars. This included the use of non-toxic materials, ergonomic furniture, and adherence to Well Building Standards®. The design also incorporated varied environments, such as quiet zones, creative studios, and green spaces, which were vetted for ease of execution and impact.
Service
Lighting Science
Lighting Science
Bringing light to life
Facing the urgent challenge of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, we stepped in as the Chief Design Officer to accelerate the deployment of innovative germicidal technologies using light. Our primary objective was to bring these critical solutions to market swiftly, meeting the immediate needs of facility managers and architects who were on the frontlines of ensuring safe environments.
Collaborating closely with the founding scientist and their engineering team, we streamlined the development process to ensure rapid production and deployment. Our deep understanding of the unique requirements of the built environment allowed us to tailor the technologies for optimal integration and performance.
In addition to technical advancements, we established a strong, recognizable brand identity that emphasized both efficacy and differentiation. This strategic branding positioned the company not just as a performer in the market but as a definitive leader. The result was a product that was not only timely and effective but also stood out distinctly in a crowded marketplace, reinforcing trust and authority in their solutions.
Luminaire
Annular
Glaslove
Glass is characterized by the duality of its strong yet fragile nature. Poetically and metaphorically, glass reflects the spirit of those battling cancer, and therefore, is the material of choice for the fourth edition of Luminaire’s “Love” fundraising auctions to benefit cancer research. Driven by their desire to give back and help find a cure, Luminaire founders Nasir and Nargis Kassamali are hosting GlasLove.
Joining forces with the Kassamalis and Luminaire are some of the most distinguished international designers and design manufacturers, including Nendo, Fernando and Humberto Campana, Marcel Wanders, Naoto Fukasawa, Todd Bracher, Glas Italia, Lasvit, Arcade, and Venini, among others. These noted designers and design producers are generously donating their LOVE: time, talent, and one-off, limited-edition, or prototype works created in glass. Produced by Yale University Scientific Glassblowing Laboratory (New Haven, Conn.).
Mater
Dome
Giving credibility to a new brand
Launched in 2007, Mater looked to establish their position as a new but credible player. We guided the brand through the development of supply resources, worked to assess potential opportunities in the market, and helped to develop a complete product offer. Finally, Mater needed a bold statement piece to anchor their collection, introducing this new Danish brand to the world design stage.
Our challenge was to establish instant brand credibility, to communicate in the clearest terms— in short, to create an icon. Dome Lamp was a success, establishing Mater’s position as a brand with a bold vision for timeless design and winning Lamp of the Year from Wallpaper* Magazine.
Essentially a globe carved to allow the distribution of light, the Dome Lamp uses geometric symmetry to achieve its ageless, iconic design. Inspired by the phases of the moon — and the beautiful interplay between shadow and light — the Dome Lamp is a classic, at once familiar and new. Its spherical shape celebrates one of the core properties of light: that it emanates 360º from its source.
Mater Founding Member
Giving credibility to a new brand
Launching in 2007, Mater looked to establish their position as a new but credible player. We guided the brand through the development of supply resources, worked to assess potential opportunities in the market, and helped to develop a complete product offer. Finally, Mater needed a bold statement piece to anchor their collection, introducing this new Danish brand to the world design stage.
Ethical manufacturing As a founding member of Mater, we had constructed a new method of manufacturing, not by only using sustainable practices, but also by looking to coach suppliers on how to work ethically. We had looked for offending vendors, and polluters, and brokered an agreement that we would supply proper ventilation, clean water solutions, masks, and whatever was needed to get them online to be an ethical vendor. In return, they supplied our products while they as a supplier became available to other manufacturers looking for clean suppliers to collaborate with. A win-win for all.
Narciso Rodriguez
Balance
New approaches in fragrance bottle design
In the highly competitive beauty fragrance bottle space, we were tasked with researching and developing innovative solutions. Our approach centered on providing new insights into sustainable practices, ensuring that our solutions not only stood out but also aligned with growing environmental concerns.
We developed advanced methodologies for integrating color, creating a palette that enhanced the aesthetic appeal while remaining true to the brand's essence. By understanding and leveraging Narciso Rodriguez's unique identity, we helped cultivate an expression that was both differentiated and distinctly on-brand.
Our work ensured that the fragrance bottles were not just visually striking but also resonated with consumers' growing preference for sustainability, reinforcing Narciso Rodriguez's position as a leader in the industry.
New York City
Linear
Sustainable seating for modern museums
We were commissioned to design a bench for NYC museums, with a clear mandate to focus on minimalism and sustainability. The challenge lay in creating a piece that could seamlessly blend into the diverse and often intricate interiors of various museum spaces while also embodying eco-friendly practices. To address this multifaceted challenge, we selected recycled aluminum as our primary material, a choice that ensured both exceptional durability and a significantly reduced environmental footprint.
Our design process prioritized simplicity and an understated form that would not detract from the surrounding exhibits. This approach allowed us to achieve a harmonious balance between aesthetic simplicity and functional beauty. The final product is a quiet and sustainable bench that has been enthusiastically received by both the museums and their visitors. The bench not only enhances the overall museum experience by providing comfortable and stylish seating but also reinforces the museums' commitment to sustainability and responsible design practices.
Nooka
Fulfillment Clock
Essential time
Exploring our accepted notion of a clock, and of the passage of time itself, the Fulfillment Clock dispenses with conventional measures like seconds, minutes, hours, or days in favor of one 72-year-long revolution modeled on the average human lifespan.
Commissioned by Nooka to build a clock for the heart, Todd Bracher Studio developed Fulfillment Clock as a pendant, made to be worn over the heart. Its transparent face, inspired by Cartier’s legendary mystery clocks, allows the wearer to read the clock from either side. An optimist, watching from the front, sees the clock tick forward as her life progresses. A pessimist, watching from the back, sees the clock count down to the end of her life.
Othr
Kyou
Tradition meets technology
Kyou are cooperative sugar and creamer vessels for the daily ritual of tea or coffee drinking. Its contrasting materiality intends to present the beauty of the contents while its form to compliment the hand and promote elegance when in use.
Pearl Lam Gallery
Granum
Tradition Meets Modernity in 46 Stone Slabs
Pearl Lam's Contrasts Gallery in Shanghai commissioned us to create a piece for their 'Crossover Exhibitions,' aiming to harmonize traditional materials with contemporary artistic expressions. We responded by crafting a granite piece composed of 46 stone slabs meticulously shaped and assembled to represent a singular, fluid gesture. Each slab was individually carved to contribute to the overall movement and unity of the piece, symbolizing the blend of tradition and modernity. The granite, with its timeless durability, juxtaposed with the contemporary concept of a singular gesture, captures the essence of convergence between past and present. The final artwork not only stood as a testament to our innovative approach but also resonated with the gallery's vision of bridging artistic traditions.
Schumacher
Schumacher Editions
The Making of Schumacher Editions
The Schumacher Editions project was conceived to elevate the brand's position in the luxury design market by introducing exclusive, meticulously crafted collections. Faced with the challenge of creating a unique product line that stands out in a competitive market, the strategy revolved around a seamless collaboration with the CEO to establish a robust supply chain, carefully select top-tier design talent, and develop a cohesive product portfolio.
Through an in-depth collaboration, we identified and onboarded leading designers such as Alessandra Branca, Miles Redd, and Mark D. Sikes, ensuring that each collection reflects the distinctive, high-quality aesthetic Schumacher is known for. The collections span various categories including fabrics, wallpapers, pillows, accessories, and furniture, each designed to embody both timeless elegance and contemporary trends.
The outcome is a series of collections that not only showcase exceptional design and craftsmanship but also reinforce Schumacher’s reputation for luxury and innovation in home decor. This strategic initiative has significantly Schumacher's product offerings, contributing to increased market presence and customer engagement.
Service
Serralunga
Boom
Explosive design
For nearly 200 years, the Serralunga brand has brought the spirit of Italian design to the world of outdoor furniture. Boom Tables are designed to faithfully interpret this tradition of excellence while making a big, modern impact for the brand. Boom truly explodes with bold color, iconic shape, and sheer size. The system is six feet in diameter. Boom Tables are flexible, decoupling to fill vast spaces, or nesting and overlapping to form one powerful, standout piece.
Shaw Contract Group
The Music Project
Bringing a story to environments.
When Shaw Contract Group approached Todd Bracher Studio to produce a new flooring collection, we worked to deliver a unique selling proposition. Our insight was simple: that flooring could be designed, not according to an arbitrary aesthetic, but to tell a more compelling story. That story, in turn, would become a unique way of connecting with architects, designers, and specifiers.
In exploring the concept of filling spaces, we immediately gravitated towards music and the power of how music filled a space. Music is truly universal, transcending culture, class, and time. Could we produce a floor that leveraged the timelessness of music? The Music Project is the answer to this question. It’s an authentic visual translation of the language of music, representing sound, design, and science in harmony. We commissioned custom software, built to convert audio data into Studio-curated imagery. The resulting textiles capture a universal reality—a tempo and pattern that reflect music’s every nuance create a timeless look that transcends fashion and style. Offered in a five-element collection, our clients now have the ability to fill an environment physically, not with ‘stripes’ or ‘dots,’ but with the essence of Jazz, Classical, Electronica, or Ambient music, complete with moments of well-timed silence: a wholly new and unique position in the marketplace.
Shiseido
Shiseido
Exploring Tomorrow’s Trends Today
As a long-standing contributor to the Shiseido brand, we have confidentially cultivated cutting-edge research for the beauty industry. Our focus has been on exploring new form factors, innovative materials, and emerging trends that are set to shape the industry for years to come. By leveraging our extensive experience and deep understanding of the beauty sector, we have been able to anticipate and respond to market needs with precision and creativity. This proactive approach has enabled us to develop pioneering solutions that not only enhance the consumer experience but also drive the industry forward. Our efforts have consistently resulted in groundbreaking advancements that solidify our position as a trusted partner in the beauty space.
Service
Sodastream
Fountain
Giving free water to the world
Sodastream commissioned Todd Bracher Studio to create an innovative marketing platform: an inversion of the traditional vending machine concept that would deliver free water to the world. Working closely with Sodastream leadership, our design helped solidify a premium brand position, creating a beautiful object and experience for the public. Fountain is Sodastream’s first-ever public water machine, dispensing purified still and sparkling water, free of charge, in public spaces throughout the world.
With its universal design language and iconography, Fountain can and will go anywhere in the world—from a sleek, modern airport to a traditional European train station. Fountain is unlike any other vending machine in that it’s beautiful enough to be placed front of house. Fountain is instantly recognizable as a beverage machine, but it’s been made slimmer and sleeker, to emphasize the health benefits of water and the environmental benefits of bottle reuse. Designed to stand the tests of time and travel, beautiful both indoors and outside, and available in black or white Corian© in addition to steel, Fountain’s relentlessly function-focused design makes it stand alone.
Swarovski
Strandelier
The Architect's chandelier
Swarovski dabbled in the chandelier market for decades as a licensor. When they decided to build their own production facility and re-enter the market with original designs, they tasked Todd Bracher Studio with creating a flagship chandelier. We knew our design had to make a splash, quickly differentiating Swarovski from the rest of the marketplace and heralding a new era in the brand’s history.
Swarovski’s century-old story is the mastery of crystal. We immediately set about creating a structure that would honor that heritage with light, keeping all other distractions to a minimum. By making Swarovski crystal the star, we arrived at a truly contemporary chandelier for the architectural audience. Nothing is decorative on the Strandelier. Each individual crystal has pride of place, suspended along filigree-thin wires and reflecting the light hidden within variable-sized rings. The result is at once classic and futuristic: completely unlike any chandelier on the market.
Strandelier is made with only the materials essential to its construction. Because gravity creates its shape, Strandelier can pack flat and ship easily. The design is also easily adaptable across a wide range of sizes and configurations: a family of products produced with the same components. Strandelier is a bold statement, and it created the opportunity for Swarovski to define and relaunch their lighting brand.
Timeshifter
Timeshifter
Supporting Growth and Innovation Through Design Advisory
Timeshifter, a company dedicated to improving sleep and travel through circadian science, sought to enhance its brand presence and explore new growth opportunities. As a design advisor, I worked closely with the CEO to identify and evaluate potential avenues for brand expansion. Together, we developed initiatives that utilized the latest circadian science research. I provided guidance on branding and product development, ensuring alignment with Timeshifter’s mission and values. Through careful market analysis, creative brainstorming, and iterative feedback, we launched several successful brand activations and new products. These efforts strengthened Timeshifter's brand identity and expanded its reach in the market.
Service
Tom Dixon
Collaboration
Transformation of a Design Studio
Over five years, I played a pivotal role in transforming the renowned design studio from a boutique entity into a recognized name in the industry. As lead designer, my contributions spanned various projects, including developing much of the brand's iconic lighting and furniture lines. I also spearheaded several significant client projects, led our inaugural restaurant design ventures, and managed the brand’s first architectural project, an innovative building located in Tokyo, Japan. This period was marked by a commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, fostering innovation, and ensuring the seamless execution of complex projects from concept to delivery through our manufacturing network.
Via Light
Raia
The texture of light
Commissioned by Vialight, Raia is an art piece designed to express the materiality and minimalism of pure light. The installation comprises only one sheet of raw metal and a single light source, exploring the contrast between limitless light and raw carbon steel.
Raia begins with a straightforward concept: using a single sheet of raw carbon steel to highlight the industrial aesthetic of the material. This unpolished, untouched metal brings a sense of weight and permanence. In contrast, the light source represents the intangible quality of light, transforming the space it inhabits.
The light interacts with the carbon steel, casting shifting shadows and reflections. This interplay creates a visual dialogue between the two elements, emphasizing simplicity and purity in design. The raw metal stands in contrast to the fluid nature of the light, symbolizing the intersection of permanence and change.
Raia invites viewers to contemplate materiality and minimalism. By focusing on fundamental elements, the piece challenges perceptions and encourages appreciation for simplicity. Raia captures the essence of light and metal, offering a visual experience that is both thought-provoking and straightforward, making it a notable addition to Vialight’s collection.
Wallpaper* Handmade
Corkwear
Exploration in dimension
Commissioned by Wallpaper* Magazine to participate in their annual Handmade exhibition, Todd Bracher Studio was paired with Amorim, a Portuguese cork manufacturer, to produce an art piece exploring this familiar medium in a fun, unfamiliar context.
We received the material and immediately fell in love with its unexpected, textile-like qualities. The sheets of cork behaved similarly to leather or denim - warm, natural, beautiful, sewable - and, considering cork’s inherent performance qualities of insulation and water resistance, we decided to build a jacket. Corkwear’s construction is exposed to highlight this unconventional fabric’s rawness, natural structure, and intention.
Zanotta
Tod
Italian icon
Inspired by Cindy Crawford’s beauty mark, the Tod side table was an instant classic for Zanotta, a modern icon of Italian design. The side table is never the largest object in a room, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have the biggest personality.
Tod creates energy, color, and a sense of flirtatiousness as it transitions fluidly from floor to surface, simultaneously cantilevering away from and leaning in to embrace any piece it sits beside. Tod became an international success for Zanotta, adding a dash of style to some of the world’s most-recognized spaces—from airport lounges to landmark hotels.
Freud
A sofa, daybed, lounge chair, sculpture
An amusing and intelligent view of an everyday piece of furniture, the couch. It won the ID Award and is also in the collection of the Freud Museum in Vienna. Freud is a a sofa, daybed, or lounge chair and depicts the full range of motion from sitting to reclining. This unique sofa comes in several colors and fabrics and leathers and is also available with left or right side versions. The couch sits atop chrome-plated steel legs attached to a steel frame and is made with polyurethane foam, a nylon non-removable cover, and a removable external cover of fabric or leather upholstery.
Slim
A New Twist for the Bookcase
Publishers invest heavily in designing book covers, but these covers often go unnoticed when books are stored spine-out on shelves. To address this, we developed 'Slim' – a unique bookcase that rethinks traditional design. By angling the vertical dividers, we encourage books to display their covers, transforming them into an integral part of the room's decor. This simple yet innovative solution not only showcases the artistic value of book covers but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of any space.
Zero First Gallery
Libri Lounge
The library in repose
An art piece commissioned by Zerofirst Gallery, Librilounge pays homage to traditional Japanese woodcraft and culture. Sofas are often used simply as a place to sit and read. Taking this idea to its logical extreme, we wondered if these functions could be combined into one essential object, offering commentary on the function-focused, material efficiency we associate with the best Japanese design.
Librilounge is the physical embodiment of the universal concept of “relaxing with something to read.” The bold, expressive shape of Librilounge is serene but filled with quiet energy—the contrast between its confident, swooping line and underlying structure is meant to surprise and excite, even as it simply and honestly conveys its one intended purpose. In foregoing cushioning, upholstery, and backing, Librilounge reduces the chaise concept to its most elemental form, celebrating the shape of the human body in recline and offering a favorite read where it’s most needed.