Contemporary designer Evan Fay blends imagination with utility, most evident in his Lawless seating collection. For each Lawless creation, tubular cushions woven into a gridlike metal frame form a distinctively knotted seat — its function as furniture not fully apparent until closer inspection. Here, Fay rides the line between craft and art, bringing the two disciplines together with masterful skill.
Fay was born in Traverse City, Michigan, in 1989. He earned a BFA in 2014 from Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, where he studied furniture design, and went on to earn his MFA in three-dimensional design from Cranbrook Academy of Art, which was a go-to art school for the masters of mid-century modernism.
After finishing grad school in 2016, Fay and Ayako Aratani cofounded the design studio Aratani Fay in Detroit, where the two operate independently but often collaborate and assist each other in their work.
Aratani worked for seven years as an industrial engineer in Tokyo before also attending Cranbrook. Fay and Aratani met in their first year of their master’s program and quickly hit it off. They went to the Netherlands together to intern for Kiki van Eijk, and there, they both honed their own distinct philosophies on design.
Fay continues to create fascinating furniture at his Detroit studio, along with Aratani.
On 1stDibs find Evan Fay lounge chairs, sofas and benches.
Lawless Bench by Evan Fay
By Evan Fay
Located in Geneve, CH
Lawless bench by Evan Fay Each is a unique hand-sculpted creation Dimensions: W63” D25” H18” inches Materials: Steel, brass, foam, scuba knit. Lawless ...
Upholstery
Unique Long Lawless Bench Signed by Evan Fay
By Evan Fay
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique long lawless bench by Evan Fay Each is a unique hand-sculpted creation Dimensions: 96 W, 24 D, 22 H (in inches) 244 W, 60 W, 55 H (in centimeters) Materials: Steel, bras...
Upholstery
Lawless Bench in Steel and Brass by Evan Fay
By Evan Fay
Located in Geneve, CH
Lawless Bench in Steel and Brass by Evan Fay Each is a unique hand-sculpted creation by Evan Fay Dimensions: D 167.5 x W 58.5 x H 63.5 cm Materials: Steel, br...
Brass, Steel
Lawless Sofa by Evan Fay
By Evan Fay
Located in Geneve, CH
Lawless sofa by Evan Fay Each is a unique hand-sculpted creation Dimensions: W 1676, D 863, H 1016 mm W 66”, D 34”, H 40” inches Materials: Steel, brass, foam, Knoll stretch ap...
Brass
Lawless Fauteuil by Evan Fay
By Evan Fay
Located in Geneve, CH
Lawless Fauteuil by Evan Fay Each is a unique hand-sculpted creation Dimensions: 111 x 80 x 120 cm Materials: Steel pipe, brass connections foam, scuba kn...
Brass, Steel
Lawless Sofa Noir by Evan Fay
By Evan Fay
Located in Geneve, CH
Lawless sofa by Evan Fay. Each is a unique hand-sculpted creation. Dimensions: W 1676, D 863, H 1016 mm W 66”, D 34”, H 40” inches (can be made to order in other dimensions). M...
Brass
Contemporary Bench Featuring a Small Cushion, Customizable
Located in New York, NY
This bench expresses harmony through its special details. Featuring a small cushion that can be adjusted or even removed, this seating design has the rig...
Stainless Steel
Sora Bench – Upholstered Bench with Organic Curves
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
The Sora Bench embodies softness and balance, with curved lines that invite comfort and ease. Fully upholstered, its gentle form captures the lightness of its name — Sora, meaning “s...
Upholstery
Contemporary Bench with Solid Wooden Structure with velvet Seat
Located in New York, NY
This bench expresses harmony through its special details. Featuring a small cushion that can be adjusted or even removed, this seating design has the right balance between the rigoro...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Contemporary Wiggle Bench
By Sam Klemick
Located in Los Angeles, CA
As part of Studio Sam Klemick's second collection The Wiggle Bench debuted in 2022. This hand built wooden bench is made in Los Angeles California. The seat is upholstered with ove...
Canvas, Reclaimed Wood
Nicholas Wolfe "Ovunque Bench"
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing the Ovunque Bench by Nicholas Wolfe, a masterpiece in simplicity and sophistication. Its name, "Ovunque," which means "everywhere" in Italian, perfectly encapsulates its versatile design. This exquisite bench features channeled sides, adding a touch of elegance and texture to any space. The Ovunque Bench comes complete with two wedge pillows...
Bouclé
21st Century Psyche Bench in Wood and Fabric
By Jumbo Collection
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A bench with a rigorous, sophisticated line, made gentle by the softness of the covering and the precios detail of the roll cushions with silk tassels. P...
Fabric, Beech
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