About

Christopher Ross defines furniture design as “functional sculpture.” Ross presented his first furniture collection at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in 1996. The collection, “GUEDRA,” showcased his passion for sculpture. Featuring unique, hand-turned stools of walnut, maple and white oak, the immensely successful collection was favorably reviewed by The New York Times. Later the same year, The New York Times Magazine, Home Design (October, 1996) recognized Ross as one of the six important young artisans likely to become “household names.” He has since established his own furniture production and design studio.

HicCup, his first collection for children, combines production ingenuity with the unique aesthetic of a handmade heirloom. Inspired by childhood memories of tall grass fields, gentle breezes and rippling streams, this collection of cribs, dressers, a changing table and rocking chair is crafted with undulating rails of ash and tupelo. In 1999, the production version of the Tall Grass Crib designed by Christopher Ross for PALI USA was awarded honorable mention by I.D. Magazine’s Annual Review. His award encompassed the creation of the hand-built crib into a truly wonderful production version. This achievement is the balanced combination of both furniture design and industrial design.

Christopher Ross earned his Industrial Design degree at Rhode Island School of Design. Additional studies in Rome, Florence and Milan exposed him to the work of eminent Italian furniture designers, including Matteo Thun and Ettore Sattsass. Their freedom of design, in addition to the exploration of new materials and technology, influenced his decision to pursue the discipline of furniture design.

After returning to the United States, he earned valuable work experience as an intern with Dakota Jackson. Within six months, his talents led to his appointment as Head of Seating Development. His working methods included sketches, model making, full scale drawings, crafting prototypes and assisting with production. In 1996, Ross’s final project was to incorporate production technology, using a computer-driven cutting tool (CNC router) to successfully interpret a hand-built prototype. In this way, he completed the 1500 Dakota Jackson Library Chair commissioned by Pei, Cobb, and Freed for the San Francisco Public Library.
Notable commissions include Robert A.Stern for the design and fabrication of the Bam Bam Table and Chairs to be used in the children’s area of the East Hampton Library, children’s furniture for Microsoft’s founder Bill Gates and, most recently, a Tall Grass Daybed for Mortimer Zuckerman. In addition, many collectors of contemporary furniture choose either existing pieces from his various collections or commission new designs.