When I was building my first chair I was amazed that I used a lot of time just measuring and drawing up each piece on the wood – and I didn’t even know if the visual ideas would work out in live size. 

Inspired by my skills as a programmer and a logical thinker I set out to solve the task systematically and faster – without loosing the fun. Still sketching up the pieces in 1:10 and 1:5 on paper – but instead of drawing 1:1 sizes directly on the wood I drew it up on cardboard and cut the pieces.

It allowed me to draw up the pieces on the wood much faster but also let me test the “shapes” and their harmony and composition without actually building it.

I think it removed some “stress” from the building process as I didn’t need to “run” towards the final product to see if it worked. Furthermore, it helps control the process while building – dividing it into smaller bits.

Sketchbook, design and templates

Template detail on cardboard

Templates cut out

Testing the shape