Empire Chair – A Tribute to Craftsmanship

Sami Kallio has a large studio in Mölndal, in the outskirts of Gothenburg, Sweden. He recently moved here in order to get more space. The 400 square meters studio hosts an office, some space for displaying his furniture, as well as a proper workshop. The workshop is the heart of the space. “I am a very hands-on person, so many of my discoveries and developments take place in wood, within the workshop,” Kallio says. 

For Nordiska Galleriet (NOGA), Kallio has designed the Empire Chair, inspired by 1920s architecture and the Empire State Building, from where it derives its name. The chair was developed, tested and prototyped in his workshop. It features a frame made of solid ash and a handwoven seat crafted from custom-made webbing. Kallio’s focus is always on highlighting the natural beauty of the materials and the precision of craftsmanship.  This is true for Empire chair too. “Every detail has to have a clear motivation in the design process,” says Kallio. 

With a background as a cabinet maker, Sami Kallio studied Furniture and Interior Architecture at HDK-Valand – Academy of Art and Design in Gothenburg. His approach to design is deeply rooted in sustainability, striving to create furniture with a long lifespan and a resourceful  use of materials. As a designer he is renowned for his expertise in traditional woodworking and his ability to merge artisanal techniques with modern industrial methods. This blend defines his furniture, which is often characterized by thoughtful material use and an eye for detail. 

Being present and focused throughout the entire design process is my method, resulting in something very precise and personal.

One of Kallios most well-known works is the In Between Chair, which has become a modern classic, showcasing Kallio’s ability to combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. To today’s date Kallio has designed about 20 chairs - all still in produktion.