Studio TK and Artifort Unveil Alliance
In yet another case of cross-pollination between contract and residential sectors, Studio TK has inked an alliance with Artifort, the venerable—and venerated—Dutch seating specialist, to manufacture and distribute the 128-year-old line across North America.
Under terms of the agreement, Studio TK will begin producing select Artifort products from its facility in Clayton, North Carolina. “This will provide clients with shorter lead times and a U.S. shipment point,” says Studio TK president Charlie Bell. “The core of the relationship is to continue to expand the Artifort product offering over time.”
The brand traces its roots to an upholstery business launched in 1890 by Jules Wagemans in the Netherlands, which in 1928 was officially christened as Artifort. “As a family company, we look forward to this sustainable partnership,” says Artifort vice president of sales Maurits Van der Lande. “It will have a positive influence on the awareness of our iconic, timeless and accessible design in North America.”
The alliance will be formally unveiled in Chicago next month at NeoCon, coinciding with the debut of Studio TK’s new 10th-floor showroom at the Mart, designed by multi-disciplinary San Francisco creative agency Tolleson.
Highlights from the curated seating lineup include Kalm by Patrick Norguet, Pala by Luca Nichetto, Beso by Khodi Feiz, and Nina by René Holten.
Similar to Studio TK’s ongoing affiliation with B&B Italia, the arrangement echoes the industry-wide phenomenon of contract furniture manufacturers tapping the expertise of residential sources. In fact, sister brand Teknion will debut its own partnership at the show with fellow Canadian furnishings brand Gus Design Group.