Chairs for Charity: Reimagining Iconic Design to Support ARIDO BID Students
LI/NE and iN STUDIO team up for a good cause and great design
This month, Contemporary Office Interiors, in partnership with MillerKnoll, the Eames Office, and ARIDO, has launched a noteworthy fundraiser that merges design and philanthropy in a creative way. Chairs for Charity brings together ten design firms to reimagine the iconic Eames Molded Plastic Chair, transforming the classic piece into unique works of art. Each redesigned chair will be auctioned to support scholarships for ARIDO BID students across Ontario, with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
One standout design comes from a collaboration between LI/NE and iN STUDIO. The duo crafted an innovative slipcover made entirely from upcycled boat sails, a sustainable material that aligns with their ethos. This slipcover, meticulously pieced together from nearly 200 pattern pieces, elegantly contours the curves of the chair.
Rather than simply adding embellishments, this reinterpretation of the Eames chair focuses on elevating its original aesthetic while introducing a tactile, eco-conscious layer. The slipcover’s intricate construction highlights the skill and creativity of both design teams, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless classic. In keeping with the values of sustainability and craftsmanship, the upcycled material used in the slipcover demonstrates a thoughtful approach to contemporary design challenges, making this piece a testament to innovative problem-solving in today’s design world.
The Chairs for Charity auction is now live and will culminate at 8PM on October 24 with an in-person event at the MillerKnoll Toronto showroom.
In addition to supporting a great cause, the event highlights the intersection of design and social responsibility. It provides a platform for designers to showcase their creativity while contributing to the future of interior design through scholarships that emphasize inclusion and diversity.
