Mark Braun
and the Treble Bar Stool

A fusion of industry and craft, high-and low-tech, traditional, and contemporary has continued to be my blueprint.

We have been chatting with celebrated designer Mark Braun to find out more about his inspirations, aspirations, and his latest piece for Northern, the Treble Bar Stool.

As well as leading his internationally acclaimed Berlin-based design office, Mark is also a professor of Product and Industrial Design at the HBKsaar where he mentors aspiring creatives of the future.

How did your childhood and early experiences shape your lifelong passion for design?

My father is Swedish, and my grandparents were artists and architects, so they had a very strong impact on my childhood. My dad has always been an enthusiastic collector of things that have a special story to tell, so I attribute all of them for my love and enthusiasm for good design.

Good product design is all about collaboration, and it has been a pleasure to be part of the Northern family for the last 10 years.

 

Do you have any creative role models; and how do they continue to influence you?

Like many German designers of my generation, Dieter Rams and Konstantin Grcic are my all-time favourites. It’s that mix of less but better, combined with a fine sense of detail that never fails to inspire.

Having already trained as a carpenter before undertaking my studies at Design Academy Eindhoven, I was immensely influenced by Hella Jongerius. Her fusion of industry and craft, high-and low-tech, traditional, and contemporary was the approach I brought back to Berlin with me when I established my own studio in 2006 and it has continued to be my blueprint ever since.

What appeals to you about working with a brand like Northern?

Good product design is all about collaboration, and it has been a pleasure to be part of the Northern family for the last 10 years.

I love how progressive Northern are as a lighting, furniture and accessories producer, and their innovative approach to contemporary design. I also admire how their sense of quality and craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the Nordic spirit.

My passion is to reinvent the ordinary, to produce everyday products with a strong visual impact, while also offering better functionality.

 

What motivated you to create the Treble Bar Stool and what are you now most happy with?

My passion is to reinvent the ordinary, to produce everyday products with a strong visual impact, while also offering better functionality.

In terms of the Treble Bar Stool, the elegant dual height footrests and convenient high handle-come-hang rail made from square tubular steel, give it a unique design DNA as well as providing the perfect balance of contrast, comfort and stackability.