Once inspiration had struck, Catalano quickly landed on the design the of the Cappelli Stool. Using two identical laminated wood pieces with interlocking “fingers,” Catalano found she could create a stable seat. No fasteners required.

“From the beginning,” Catalano says, “the form of the stool was a simple curve that we kept refining until it was comfortable and beautiful.”

Catalano’s ingenuity paid off, earning her silver prize at the International Furniture Design Competition in Asahikawa, Japan. Hers was one of only eight awards given, and was the only American design selected from more than 700 entries worldwide.