Meet The Makers: Product Design

May 8, 2023 | by McKinnon and Harris

Every piece of furniture that bears the McKinnon and Harris name is an amalgam of the ideas of many, and has passed through the hands of even more. The creative collaboration is what makes our furniture and brand so special. We are like a family that shares a common objective and each person has an important role to play. A walk through our workshop is inspiring – you will not only see the furniture passing through the stages of production, but you’ll also appreciate the diverse group of makers under one roof, focused on building something of true beauty and lasting value.

Over the next few weeks, we’re excited to give you an insider’s peek into our workshop while introducing you to just a few of our talented craftspeople.

A new furniture piece always begins with an inspired idea, explored through sketches and prototypes until it looks and feels just right. Our designers and engineers collaborate to create models and renderings to give dimension and color to the initial vision. At that point, if the design is viable, the process of prototyping begins. When a product passes through the prototyping phase, it must undergo intense dissection of every aspect and detail of the design to land sit, comfort, aesthetic, practical use, and longevity. This phase typically requires multiple iterations of a design. Once prototypes are approved and validated and the structural details and construction methods are established, the product is ready to launch. The end result is always the combined ingenuity of many.

GET TO KNOW PHILIP

Philip has been with McKinnon and Harris for 26 years. In his current position as an Industrial Designer, Philip handcrafts many of our initial design ideas to life through full scale prototypes.

What did you do before working with McKinnon and Harris?

I received my BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University with a focus on metal work. I then worked for a blacksmith that made hydroelectric turbines and paw feet for some of the original McKinnon and Harris furniture. That’s actually how I was introduced to McKinnon and Harris.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I build automobiles–I've built five so far. Depending on the complexity, each one takes anywhere from 1.5 to 5 years to build.

What’s your favorite piece of furniture and why?

I really like the miniature Skye Table that I built–it exemplifies all of the craftsmanship that goes into a full size table but is compressed into the size of a shoebox.

Are there any makers or artists you admire?

I admire a lot of fabricators and car builders. David Smith is an American Sculptor who inspired me to draw on the floor with chalk.

What's your favorite book?

Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality by Henry Cloud is one of the most important books I have read.

What’s your favorite thing about working for McKinnon and Harris?

Will, our co-founder and CEO, has been a fantastic person to work for. I really like that McKinnon and Harris is a company where creativity is truly rewarded. I also enjoy helping other departments and appreciate that I’m able to do that.

GET TO KNOW COLIN

Colin has been on the engineering team at McKinnon and Harris for one year and designs new products. His first full McKinnon and Harris collection will launch later this summer, so keep an eye out!

What did you do before working with McKinnon and Harris?

After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a focus on furniture design, I worked as a sculptural artist and made custom furniture. I mainly worked with wood and still have a wood shop that I work out of on the weekends.

What’s your favorite piece of furniture and why?

I really like our new Mosaic Table Tops–it has been a fun collaboration to work on.

Albemarle Dining Table with Mosaic Top in Marabel with Honed Thassos and Polished Carrara and Mundy Dining Table with Mosaic Top in Rattan with Tumbled Driftwood

Are there any makers or artists you admire?

My biggest inspiration is Tyler Hays of BDDW. I worked for him in college before coming to McKinnon and Harris.

What's your favorite thing about living in Richmond?

I really enjoy having my family nearby. I grew up in Savannah, GA but moved to Richmond in high school.

What’s your favorite book?

The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje.

If you could live in another time period, when would you choose?

The 1950s–there was a big art boom after World War II.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

Baklava! I’m currently on the search for the best in Richmond.

Explore more of Colin's work at colinknightstudio.com.

GET TO KNOW SAM

Sam is focused on new product development. He works closely with local vendors for parts and materials, and then works with our craftspeople to build the furniture.

What did you do before working with McKinnon and Harris?

I majored in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University and then worked as a mechanical designer for a company that designed robots.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I ride bikes and enjoy making music. I generate compositions of sound and rhythm.

Are there any makers or artists you admire?

I admire the artist Maurits Cornelis Escher who is interested in playing with geometric shapes that can trip the eye. His work is whimsical and visually interesting.

What’s your favorite piece of furniture and why?

The deCamp Sectional Ensemble–it was one of the first projects I worked on and I really like the modern look.

What's your favorite thing about living in Richmond?

I love the river–it’s nice to be close to a natural feature that reminds you of the beauty of nature even in the city.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

My mom’s chicken pot pie or a really good New York style pizza.

Do you have a favorite quote or impression?

"There is still a lot to learn and there is always great stuff out there. Even mistakes can be wonderful." -Robin Williams

GET TO KNOW MATT

Matt has been with McKinnon and Harris for over 11 years. He works on new product design and development, including customs.

What did you do before working with McKinnon and Harris?

I came to the U.S on a temporary 12 month work assignment that ended up becoming a permanent move. I worked at a company offering turnkey solutions for unique manufacturing projects. Some project highlights include building and installing the Lotus Bridge at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond and a large stainless steel and bronze globe sculpture at the University of Richmond.

What’s your favorite piece of McKinnon and Harris furniture and why?

I really love our deCamp collection. It's super clean, simple and modern. It's full of detail and has a lot of complex design features, which require an extremely high level of craftsmanship.

What’s the coolest piece of McKinnon and Harris furniture that you have worked on?

Our Yacht Chairs. There is hidden engineering that exists in them.

deCamp Collection and Beaufort Yacht Dining Side Chair

Are there any makers or artists you admire?

There is an artist in Pennsylvania, Scott Dow. He amazes me with his ability to sculpt impossibly detailed artwork in wood.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy time with my family and dogs. I have a small workshop where I like to tinker with old motorcycles and do some woodworking. My 7 year old daughter and I enjoy mountain biking, and we have a regular Thursday afternoon ride we do with a few of her friends.

What's your favorite thing about living in Richmond?

I love the culture, art and outdoor lifestyle of Richmond.

Do you have a favorite quote or impression?

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson