In an unusual decision, this year’s ICFF judges split the award for Best New Designer. I already covered Objeti, an Ohio-based company. Now meet Studio Dunn, another American outfit. It seems that American designers are returning to the manufacturing process. Asher Dunn, the founder of Studio Dunn, explains his connection to place: “Studio Dunn is based in Rhode Island, the birthplace of the American industrial revolution.

Coventry Stool. Designed by Studio Dunn.

Unlike numerous businesses in the region that moved operations to the southern US regions or outside of the US after the Great Depression, Rhode Island has retained a dense manufacturing culture.” In keeping with Dunn’s nationalistic pride, Studio Dunn takes care to use solid American hardwoods harvested from sustainable forests. While they do build furniture and products in a variety of materials, they have a special fondness for wood–Studio Dunn emerged from the work of Keeseh Studio, a community woodshop. And the company continues to “combine in-house manufacturing with a local network of manufacturers and artisans,” all of whom are located within 50 miles of Studio Dunn.

All the emphasis on supporting a local economy and creating a craft community does not impede the progressive nature of Studio Dunn’s designs. Two of their most celebrated offerings, the Coventry Stool and Cumberland Lamp, illustrate how best to marry good ethics with good results. The Coventry Stool synthesizes traditional joinery and modern manufacturing to create a simple, slender stool of maple, cherry, or walnut. Its organic shape sits on three lovingly tapered legs and its hand-applied oil finish emphasizes the beautiful lines of the wood grain.

Cumberland Lamp. Designed by Studio Dunn.

Cumberland Lamp. Designed by Studio Dunn.

Coventry Stool. Designed by Studio Dunn.

In another, completely different material, Studio Dunn shows off its craftsmanship with Cumberland, a hand-blown glass lamp available in Smoke Grey or Opal White. Forged in their “hot shop,” Cumberland gets finished (once cooled) “with wet grinding wheels.” Then its electrical parts get installed. The use of a 75W candelabra bulb heightens the sinuous contours of the form and flaunts the gorgeous translucency of the handblown glass (in Smoke Grey, the effect is exquisite). Cumberland is avaialble as both a pendant and standing lamp, each of which displays the lovely curves of the lamp’s silhouette.