Stephen Kenn

Digital precision meets physical craftsmanship.

Stephen Kenn is an LA-based studio renowned for its minimalist, industrial 'heirloom design' pieces, which are crafted from repurposed materials such as vintage military canvas and oxidised metals. These pieces are rich in narrative and utility. I contributed to every stage of the design and production process, which requires both CAD precision and hands-on craftsmanship.

Steel and leather, crafted by the same hands.

The through-line was bridging the digital and the physical: modelling and drawing a part with CAD precision, and then building it by stuffing and stapling upholstery and assembling steel and leather to create a finished piece. Keeping both ends in-house kept the documentation and the craft in sync, and the hands-on fabrication of rigid metal with soft leather and canvas became second nature.

A cross-disciplinary role, from model to finished object.

A role spanning the full cycle, from CAD and fabrication drawings to hands-on upholstery, steel-and-leather assembly and logistics, that helped bring new prototypes and production pieces up to the studio's quality standard.

Skills:
- CAD modelling
- Fabrication drawings
- Upholstery
- Steel and leather assembly

Materials:
- Leather
- Vintage canvas
- Oxidised/steel metal

Scope:
- Prototype development
- Production
- Packaging and shipping