Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec (*1971 and 1976, respectively, in Quimper, France,) studied at the École Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and at the École des Beaux-Arts in Cergy-Pontoise. Ronan began independent design work immediately after completing his studies, while his brother, who was still in school, assisted him. Since 1999 both brothers have worked together as joint partners in their own design firm. An important turning in the career of Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec came when they met Rolf Fehlbaum, chairman of Vitra; a meeting which has evolved into a highly successful partnership and has produced such modern classics as the Alcove Sofa, the Worknest or the Slow Chair. Their work ranges from small utilitarian objects to architectural projects. In addition to the design of domestic and office furniture, vases, porcelain dishware, jewellery and diverse home accessories, a primary focus of their work is the design and organization of interior space. One of their most unconventional designs, Algues (2004), was created for Vitra in this context. Today, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec cooperate with numerous manufacturers, notably Kvadrat, Issey Miyake and Kartell for whom they developed the storage basket Panier. Additionally, the Bouroullec brothers undertake architectural projects and develop experimental art projects.