William Rollins and Brendan Sowersby started 100XBETTER knowing they could do better (maybe even one-hundred times) than what was available at big box stores like IKEA. That Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) had to be cheap and disposable did not wash with them, so in 1999, they launched a design-build company with roots in fine art and cabinetmaking. Their core idea was to take RTA to its most elegant iteration with improved materials, workmanship, and basic design. The partners consider the name their mission statement.
The Talent
FORD&CHING launched 100XBETTER at our Holiday Party and the crowds warmed to the seating.
Three on a Two Seater
Mario from Kartell (Diva) and Vanessa (formerly from Twentieth) test drive the merchandise
New designer Charlie Ferrer (right) of MEIER/FERRER on the full size couch enjoying the limited edition red herrigbone fabric
After toiling with IKEA products (sometimes completely destroying it during the assembly process and discreetly hiding it in the trash…you know what I’m talking about) for the better part of ten years, I was concerned 100XBETTER would fall short of my expectations. However, once it was unpacked and easily assembled, I was relieved and impressed to see a level of workmanship and durability not available from the Swedish powerhouse. Not even close. The DB_CHAIR pictured above (with leather) and below (with red upholstery) was the first item tested. It arrived flat packed and assembles into a low-profile contemporary classic that’s equally at home in a mod house or a hotel lobby. Perfect for those on the run, it comes in six wood finishes (made of Europly), five fabric options, and leather. It was very easy to put together (see related story about the chair elsewhere) and will retain its functionality no matter how many times you pull it apart and put it back together. And it’s very affordable.
After
I spoke with Will and Brendan and reluctantly asked them to describe their design philosophy. Okay, I set a trap. I usually drift off right after I ask these sorts of questions. I go to my happy place. What’s for dinner or how much beer and beef jerky it will take before I feel part of the human race…Not because design is boring, but because designers are boring. They go on an on about incomprehensible ideas that intertwine this and that and it all comes out crazy to a layman like myself. And I’m talking about the smart, articulate, and talented designers! I was very relieved when Will and Brendan proved down-to-earth and easy to understand. Their basic philosophy is to reduce the amount of time devoted to fabrication while still making things that are beautiful and high quality. Their “design-first” mentality eliminates much of the finish work that requires endless hours in the shop, freeing them to design better products at affordable prices. These results are surprising given neither went to design school. Will is a family man who went to Cooper Union in New York and finished with a BFA degree. Likewise, Brendan received a BA in fine art at UMASS, Dartmouth and a MFA from CalArts. Go figure.
Before
So how could two art students possibly consider design and manufacturing before aesthetics? It seems backward. They don’t really see it that way, instead believing their art background has led them to creative solutions overlooked by the traditional design-build world.
100XBETTER produces other household items, inlcuding lighting and screens/room dividers. The lighting below is made from a single piece of Corian that is milled, thermo-formed in an oven, and fitted with high-grade electronics. Like the furniture, the end result is affordable and beautiful.
Affordable Luxury
The room dividers below illustrate 100XBETTER’s fine attention to detail.
Elegant solutions from 100XBETTER
Custom designs can be specified and length and width can be modified to suit your needs.
Choices
Finish work and hardware are top grade.
Devil is in the details
100XBETTER is available to see at FORD&CHING during our public hours on Wednesday (11am-6pm) and Saturday (11am-4pm) as well as by appointment. Don’t be scared when you hear Bear bark. Just hit the bell and soak it in.
Off!
Andrea Says:
and you will go places
