Interview With the Designer: Chair 03

We’re so excited to introduce you to our latest arrival: Chair 03. Full to the brim with mid-century charm, it’s sleek, stylish, and most importantly, comfortable. This week, we caught up with Swyft designer André Faustino to get the scoop on our latest addition.

Hi, André. Let’s get right into it - What inspired you to extend our occasional chair collection and design Chair 03?

Chair 03 was inspired by a desire to reinterpret mid-century vibes through a contemporary lens. We set out to create a sculptural yet inviting piece—one that balances craftsmanship with comfort. From the very beginning, we knew we wanted to work with solid wood, pairing it with subtle brass accents to bring warmth and a sense of refinement. We imagined a chair that feels visually light yet carries presence—something inviting and beautiful from every angle.

How long has the Chair 03 design process taken from concept to launch?

It’s been around 6 months from the first sketches to the finished product. We spent a lot of time early on working through the ergonomics and proportions, and then fine-tuning every detail once we had the first prototype. It was a process of constant iteration until everything felt balanced and intentional.

What was your favourite part of the design process?

I love every part of bringing a product to life, but with this one I especially enjoyed refining the sculptural proportions through sketching — making sure those curves felt beautiful from every angle. Seeing the brass details come together with the warm wood in the prototype was also such a satisfying moment — it’s when everything clicked, and the vision really came to life.

Who do you envision using the Chair 03?

I imagine Chair 03 in the home of someone who appreciates design as both art and function. Someone who loves beautiful, well-crafted pieces but also wants to truly use them—not just admire them. It’s ideal for a reading corner, a cosy lounge space, or as a statement chair in a living room that blends vintage and modern influences.

How do you ensure your designs remain timeless whilst staying relevant to customers?

For us, timelessness comes from a commitment to honest materials and thoughtful proportions. With Chair 03, we embraced classic mid-century silhouettes, softening them with contemporary details—like the brass accents and the textured, cushioned upholstery.

Talk us through your decision behind the materials used to create Chair 03

We chose solid wood in a mid-tone colour because we wanted the frame to feel warm, timeless, and tactile. The natural grain adds depth and character, and over time it will age beautifully. The brass detailing was our way of elevating the design without overpowering it — adding a subtle gleam and sophistication in just the right places. For the cushions, we selected a soft hollow fibre filling to bring in comfort and contrast against the wood.

Finally, how would you style Chair 03 in your own home?

I’d style Chair 03 in a reading corner, paired with a minimal floor lamp and a soft wool throw casually draped over the arm. I see it working beautifully next to a light wood bookcase or in a neutral space filled with natural textures. It also looks great surrounded by greenery — the contrast between the wood and plants really warms up the space.

Like what André has to say? Discover the Chair 03 and Occasional Chair collection here.