CH_LX24_156 - Dering Hall
CH_LX24_156
FURNITURE DESIGN
“Woodworking has always been a lifelong passion,” says furniture designer Jacob Wener, shown sitting in his Chicago studio with shop dog L.C. Opposite: The Golden Triangle, where Wener first started out, carries a rare mix of items like this 1950s Danish walnut console and French sofa.
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PORTRAIT: KENDALL KARMANIAN. OPPOSITE AND TOP RIGHT: COURTESY THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE.
STYLE MAKERS
7/25/13 2:19 PM
CH_LX24_157
Based in the Pulaski Industrial Corridor of Hermosa Park, Jacob Wener’s furniture studio, Modern Industry, is a beacon of design: functional, raw, handmade and adaptable all rolled into one. Launched in February
Named after a turn at the Monaco Grand Prix, Wener’s Tabac minibar exudes an heirloom-quality vibe with book-matched walnut and patinated steel doors and nickel-plated legs.
2010, the workshop—which releases new collections of tables, chairs, cabinets, lamps and accessories on a nine-to-12-month cycle—has transitioned into a full-scale design hub with an intimate bespoke feel. Mixing industrial steel with sustainable reclaimed wood, Wener’s work is geared toward a more contemporary flavor but with a nod to days gone by. “My goal is to be an editor,” he says. “I want to take elements from great works of the past and reimagine them into a modern package.” Offering 10 to 15 designs within each new collection, Wener admits that his goal is to craft items that’ll transcend generations yet are suitable for everyday life. “I want to make things that last,” he explains. “I’m not into throwaway furniture, rather the mix of something that’s timeless and well-built, that families can pass down.” modernindustrydesign.com; 312.420.2708
AG A I N S T T H E G R A I N
JACOB WENER I GOT STARTED WHEN…
I went to school for architecture and realized midway through that I wanted to stick with furniture design. I then worked for many years at The Golden Triangle. This led me to realize there might be a market for contemporary furniture aimed at being the antiques of our generation. DREAM COLLABORATION:
Kara Mann. My work leans toward the masculine side and her design aesthetic has a darker edge. It’d be fun to work on a bachelor pad with her. FAVORITE LOCAL DESIGN SHOPS:
I like to stop in Branca every so often for accessories; Morlen Sinoway Atelier is great for lovers of all things modern; and the Douglas Dawson Gallery has amazing art and antiquities. WHAT DO YOU COLLECT?
Lumber. I have a hard time saying no to a great piece of wood. CART BLANCHE COMMISSION:
I’d like to do something with a lot of hidden compartments and automation, like a contemporary version of the Roentgens’ Berlin secretary cabinet. LUXE INTERIORS
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+ DESIGN
157
7/25/13 2:19 PM
FURNITURE DESIGN
“Woodworking has always been a lifelong passion,” says furniture designer Jacob Wener, shown sitting in his Chicago studio with shop dog L.C. Opposite: The Golden Triangle, where Wener first started out, carries a rare mix of items like this 1950s Danish walnut console and French sofa.
CH_LX24_SM_WENER_156-157.indd 156
PORTRAIT: KENDALL KARMANIAN. OPPOSITE AND TOP RIGHT: COURTESY THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE.
STYLE MAKERS
7/25/13 2:19 PM
CH_LX24_157
Based in the Pulaski Industrial Corridor of Hermosa Park, Jacob Wener’s furniture studio, Modern Industry, is a beacon of design: functional, raw, handmade and adaptable all rolled into one. Launched in February
Named after a turn at the Monaco Grand Prix, Wener’s Tabac minibar exudes an heirloom-quality vibe with book-matched walnut and patinated steel doors and nickel-plated legs.
2010, the workshop—which releases new collections of tables, chairs, cabinets, lamps and accessories on a nine-to-12-month cycle—has transitioned into a full-scale design hub with an intimate bespoke feel. Mixing industrial steel with sustainable reclaimed wood, Wener’s work is geared toward a more contemporary flavor but with a nod to days gone by. “My goal is to be an editor,” he says. “I want to take elements from great works of the past and reimagine them into a modern package.” Offering 10 to 15 designs within each new collection, Wener admits that his goal is to craft items that’ll transcend generations yet are suitable for everyday life. “I want to make things that last,” he explains. “I’m not into throwaway furniture, rather the mix of something that’s timeless and well-built, that families can pass down.” modernindustrydesign.com; 312.420.2708
AG A I N S T T H E G R A I N
JACOB WENER I GOT STARTED WHEN…
I went to school for architecture and realized midway through that I wanted to stick with furniture design. I then worked for many years at The Golden Triangle. This led me to realize there might be a market for contemporary furniture aimed at being the antiques of our generation. DREAM COLLABORATION:
Kara Mann. My work leans toward the masculine side and her design aesthetic has a darker edge. It’d be fun to work on a bachelor pad with her. FAVORITE LOCAL DESIGN SHOPS:
I like to stop in Branca every so often for accessories; Morlen Sinoway Atelier is great for lovers of all things modern; and the Douglas Dawson Gallery has amazing art and antiquities. WHAT DO YOU COLLECT?
Lumber. I have a hard time saying no to a great piece of wood. CART BLANCHE COMMISSION:
I’d like to do something with a lot of hidden compartments and automation, like a contemporary version of the Roentgens’ Berlin secretary cabinet. LUXE INTERIORS
CH_LX24_SM_WENER_156-157.indd 157
+ DESIGN
157
7/25/13 2:19 PM
