.product_section .product_form, .product_gallery { opacity: 1; } .multi_select, form .select { display: block !important; } .image-element__wrap { display: none; }

GUIDELINE DESIGN: ICONIC CHAIRS WITH A CONTEMPORARY AESTHETIC

December 15, 2021 2 min read

Christoph Karl and Roan Synman founders of Guideline Design, makers of fine wooden furniture. They are pictured in the Guideline Design workshop.

Design excellence, craftsmanship and attention to detail have been the driving forces behind Guideline Design, since launch in 2011. The team is headed up by co-founders, Christoph Karl and Roan Snyman. Karl is a German master craftsman with a history of Bauhaus architecture running through his blood. Roan is a South African hailing from the Karoo, armed with local ingenuity and in-depth technical engineering knowledge.

INSPIRED BY SOUTH AFRICA

Karl fell in love with South Africa when he first visited the country in 2003 and decided to move there permanently in 2006. His new home provided the perfect platform to focus on his passion, the design of classic-contemporary furniture pieces inspired by his Northern European roots. After meeting Roan, the decision was made to start Guideline, designing and making their own furniture. Together, these design entrepreneurs have grown their team to nearly 40-strong and produce furniture for homes, restaurants and hotels all over the world.

Guideline Design chairs styled in an office setting. Guideline Design Chairs are available at Sarza Store, Rye, New York

Guideline Design chairs styled in an home setting. Guideline Design Chairs are available at Sarza Store, Rye, New York

COMBINING CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

The Guideline Design process combines master craftsmanship and classic joinery techniques with cutting edge technology. Through 3D computer engineering programs, components are shaped with maximum accuracy and minimal waste. This results in classic, contemporary furniture pieces that resonate tradition and clean-lined modernism.

A trio of Guideline Design chairs. Guideline Design Chairs are available at Sarza Store, Rye, New York

THE AWARD WINNING TULIP CHAIR

Guideline Design’s Tulip Dining Chair has won a coveted A’ Design Award. The inspiration for the Tulip was the simplicity and organic beauty of the Tulip flower. The chair has been praised for well-designed ergonomics, combined with traditional craftsmanship, using the latest manufacturing technology. The chair is available in dining table, bar stool and counter height. The stackability of the chairs also makes them a winner in commercial, high-traffic spaces such as restaurants and hotels. This chair can be found in Soho Houses around the world.

Guideline Design chairs as featured in Soho House, Chicago. Guideline Design Chairs are available at Sarza Store, Rye, New York
Guideline Design Tulip chairs in Soho House, Chicago

AS FEATURED IN THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL SPACES

And it’s not just in Soho Houses that you can find Guideline Design chairs. From the USA, to Johannesburg to Dubai, many of the world’s most beautifully designed spaces feature installations of Guideline Design bar stools, dining chairs and seating.

Guideline Design chairs as featured in Mesh Club, Johannesbug. Guideline Design Chairs available at Sarza Store, Rye, New York

Guideline Design Tulip bar stools in the Mesh Club, Johannesburg

Guideline Design chairs as featured in Wakami Restaurant, Dubai. Guideline Design Chairs available at Sarza Store, Rye, New York
Guideline Design Tulip dining chairs at the Wakami Restaurant, Sofitel, Dubai

WHY WE LOVE GUIDELINE DESIGNS

We love that Guideline Design’s unique pieces are all designed and manufactured in-house by a team of master craftspeople. The timeless, contemporary aesthetic and uncompromising quality mean that these pieces are suitable for both residential settings as well as commercial spaces. We love to think of these as the antiques of the future in years to come.

SHOP COLLECTION

All images courtesy of Guideline Design @guidelinedesign