Industrial designer Henry Julier is breaking the code of USM Modular Furniture’s system. After overseeing industrial design at Standard Issue for 12 years, Julier left the Brooklyn-based design consultancy early this year to pursue freelance projects.
His latest, debuting tomorrow at a new design fair called Shelter by Afternoon Light, is a 10-piece collaboration with USM called Woven Structures. The collection features tables, chairs and trays — a divergence from USM’s focus on storage — and incorporates a new material, Danish paper cord, into the company’s design universe. Woven Structures will be available globally through USM showrooms and authorized international dealers.
CSJ caught up with Julier over a spicy margarita at DAE. Read our Q&A below.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in New Haven, Connecticut. Technically, Hamden, but we mostly did Yale-related stuff. My mom went to Yale and she ended up working there.
What’s your favorite neighborhood spot?
It might be a tie between Brooklyn Social and Caputo’s. I have said to more than a few people that my deathbed meal is the ball of fresh mozzarella from Caputo’s. Brooklyn Social, it’s always been there. It’s exactly what you want out of a bar. They’re really friendly, and it has stood the test of time.
Design philosophy in one sentence.
Less, but better, but not too serious.
