What is ailing in fine furnishings? “Nature,” answers design duo Craig Bassam and Scott Fellows. “I really feel that a connection to nature is what makes Modernism human,” says Bassam, who sees their work as an antidote to novelty-driven and mass-produced design.

Principally made from hand-finished wood, brass, and leather, furniture designed by BassamFellows follows their belief in “core luxury values”: honesty of material, solidity of construction; utility and beauty without elaboration. With the Tuxedo lounge seating, part of the Herman Miller Collection, the goal remains the same: an attention to luxury detail that doesn’t compete with the rest of the room.

BassamFellows design is “about merging the rationality and clarity of Modernism with the warmth and texture of nature” and marks the return of true craftsmanship and beauty to contemporary living. “We want to mix the timelessness and attention to detail of the modern classics with contemporary design, and blend it with honest materials, solid construction, beauty, and utility,” expresses Bassam.

This two-man team consists of architect/designer Craig Bassam and brand strategist/creative director Scott Fellows who joined forces in 2003 after leaving their successful solo careers to embark on the joint creative venture to create BassamFellows

Bassam made his move in 1997 to New Canaan, Connecticut where he began to develop his brand of Warm Modernism. Fellows, cut his teeth as a strategy consultant for some of the world’s largest consumer companies including Ferragamo luxury products before taking on the creative director position for Bally during its turnaround with highly published success.

Some of BassamFellows most popular designs include the stacking trays and tractor stools. Tuxedo sofas and lounge seating are part of the Herman Miller Collection and are a perfect fit with the Collection’s “modernism with soul” philosophy.