David Colwell - Design conscious furniture and buildings

Person sitting on a modern steam bent ash chair designed by David Colwell, black and white

FURNITURE THAT WORKS EXCEPTIONALLY WELL, FOR LIFE

David Colwell is one of the pioneers of sustainable design, creating timeless, nature-first furniture that addresses real issues for the future. Since the 1970s, David has specialised in the design and making of exceptional furniture and bespoke commissions focused on improving environmental performance, comfort and practicality.

EXPLORE FURNITURE

NATURAL MATERIALS AND METICULOUS CRAFTSMANSHIP

Purposeful furniture designed and made in our own studio and workshop on the Welsh borders where steam bending is the signature activity.

OUR DESIGN PROCESS

Close-up of interlocking wooden beams with bolts

DESIGN FOR THE WORLD I’D LIKE TO LIVE IN

If we are to achieve a carbon neutral economy now is the time to do it.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Minimalist dining area with a round glass table and uniquely designed wooden chairs, one in white and others in red. Wooden shelves on the wall hold small decor items and books. Large windows allow natural light to brighten the room.

LATEST

A CHAIR 3

Where strength and elegance arise from geometry.

A CHAIR 3

The design departs from the conventional model of a chair with four legs placed at the corners. Instead, A Chair 3 is organised around a triangulated structure, where steam-bent ash elements cross and brace one another to create strength through geometry rather than mass. Like a bicycle frame, stability comes from the relationship between the parts. The intersecting lines give the chair a quiet dynamism while maintaining a calm physical presence.

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ROXi CHAIR

It rocks, but it can’t be art, it’s far too comfortable…

Side view of a modern steam bent ash chair with orange cushions.

ROXi CHAIR

Winner of a 2025 Design Guild Mark

What makes the ROXi work so well is also what makes it look so modestly original. Where the X members cross, they twist to pass each other like dancers. Their free movement gives the chair subtle rocking motion that is exceptionally comfortable and reminds us that we too are flexible structures.comfortable and compact.

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A person sitting on a modern, ergonomic chair with a wooden frame and curved design. The chair has wheels and a blue cushioned seat and backrest. The person is wearing a blue shirt, jeans, and colorful socks.

C12 HOME OFFICE CHAIR

for WORK and PLAY

David Colwell sitting on a modern chair, leaning back with arms behind head, wearing a blue shirt, jeans, and turquoise shoes, on a wooden floor.

The C12 HOME OFFICE CHAIR

Finding the sweet spot between a soundly engineered flexible structure, renewable low carbon materials and making with an intelligent interest in healthy sitting, the new C12 chair can’t help but be beautiful too.

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