This famed architecture firm is bringing rare designs from its archive back to life

Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM), a prominent architecture firm known for its mid-20th century corporate designs, has announced the revival of rare furniture pieces from its archives. These designs, originally created as part of a total design approach for iconic buildings like the Sears Tower and IBM's New York headquarters, were never commercially available. SOM has partnered with Teknion's IkonStudio to produce these bespoke furnishings, offering them to a wider audience for the first time. This initiative allows for the reintroduction of historically significant and aesthetically timeless pieces into contemporary spaces.

The collaboration involved a meticulous curation process, with SOM partners and Teknion reviewing hundreds of archival designs, images, and even preserved furniture. The goal was to identify pieces that not only represented SOM's design philosophy but also resonated with modern needs and aesthetics. Chris Cooper, a partner at SOM, described the process as a "privileged position" to select exceptional designs from a vast collection. The selection was narrowed down from hundreds of potential items to approximately a dozen pieces slated for production.

The first items to be released include a sofa and an easy chair originally designed for IBM's headquarters in the late 1950s. Additionally, a tubular chrome table and chair set, designed for the American Republic Insurance Company headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, will also be part of the initial offering. These pieces exemplify SOM's commitment to integrated design, where furniture was conceived as an essential component of the architectural experience, not an afterthought. The revival of these designs highlights the enduring relevance of mid-century modern aesthetics and the value of preserving and reinterpreting architectural heritage.