Daniel Schofield

Background

Daniel Schofield is a UK-born designer with a background in graphic design and carpentry. He almost always starts with a sketch and looks for reason and purpose in every project, solving everyday problems through material experimentation and close collaboration with industry. His client list includes AHEC, Audo, Benchmark, Ishinomaki Lab, KEF, Please Wait to be Seated, Resident, SCP and VG&P.

Signature Style

Schofield's objects are honest and utilitarian, defined by simple forms, subtle charm and a clear message. His work searches for reason, puts the emphasis on what is essential, and sits between obviousness and intrigue. Material choice often drives a project: pressed plywood for Fin, fluted glass for the Blur Tables, cork for the Stopper light, cast aluminium or bronze for the Vent light, glazed stoneware for the Mag Tables and Nordic pine for the Crofton Stools.

Notable Works

• Ray Lamp for Audo, inspired by his grandfather's work as a miner in the north of England; designed for easy disassembly and replacement of parts, and fully waterproof
• Fin for NaughtOne, which uses pressed plywood as the structural core of upholstered furniture
• Another Sofa for Another Country, the first fully upholstered sofa in the range, made from 100% natural materials with no foam
• Crofton Stools for Please Wait to be Seated
• Patio for SCP, a western red cedar lounge chair created for the London Design Festival exhibition marking ten years of collaboration between SCP and Ishinomaki Lab
• Rin Desk and RA Bird for Ishinomaki Lab
• Vent for Resident
• Common Room for AHEC, a system that embraces the knots and colour shifts of Number One Common timber

Legacy

Schofield's recognition includes the Elle Decoration British Design Award in 2015 and in 2020 (Furniture), a World Interior News Awards win for Furniture Design in 2016, Northern Designer of the Year in 2017, a Wood Awards win in 2020 and the Design Guild Mark in 2021 (twice) and 2023. His accolades also list a private collection at Chatsworth House. With Rhys Kearns he also produced the book series Sketches of..., which sets designers' first sketches opposite the finished piece.