Where Craft Meets Concept: The Vision of Matthias Seufert and Eins zu Eins
In Schweinfurt, Germany—where industrial precision meets artistic vision—a design revolution is quietly unfolding at Eins zu Eins, a gallery and atelier redefining the future of collectible furniture. At the helm is Matthias Seufert, architect, joiner, and founder. With a career that spans stints at Frank Gehry’s studio in Santa Monica to architectural firms in Tokyo and Barcelona, Seufert now channels his global fluency into one-of-a-kind collaborations with visionary artists and architects. The result? Furniture pieces that defy categorization—equal parts sculpture, engineering marvel, and heirloom. In this exclusive interview, Seufert reflects on the philosophy behind his limited-edition creations, the heritage of his family’s woodworking legacy dating back to 1898, and what it means to build not just objects, but enduring partnerships.
Your journey bridges architecture, fine woodworking, and global cultural influences. How did your time in Japan, Spain, and the U.S. shape your design philosophy at Eins zu Eins?
At Eins zu Eins, we don’t see ourselves as designers in the conventional sense. Rather, we engineer the designs envisioned by the architects and artists we collaborate with. That’s where our expertise lies. Of course, there is creative work involved in the engineering and detailing process, but it always serves the overarching vision of our collaborators. My time in Japan, Spain, and the U.S. didn’t directly shape a personal design philosophy for Eins zu Eins, but it did broaden my perspective. These experiences made us inherently international in our outlook—open, adaptable, and deeply attuned to diverse design languages.
Eins zu Eins champions “equal partnership” with architects and artists. Can you share a moment when this collaborative approach led to an unexpected breakthrough in design or production?
Our breakthroughs often happen in the details—when we solve a complex joint or invent a new way to express a form that supports the designer’s intent. These moments might be subtle, but they’re profound. A more visible example would be the Never Stop Moving Table by MadC. Initially conceived with a conventional geometry, the form evolved dramatically during the engineering process to better align with MadC’s dynamic painting style. Once the shape shifted, everything else—coloring, folding, and overall structure—fell into place naturally. It’s a perfect illustration of how engineering and design dialogue can lead to something greater than the sum of its parts.
There’s a deep reverence for legacy in your work, with roots in a family woodworking business dating back to 1898. How does this heritage influence the way you approach modern, avant-garde design today?
Traditional craftsmanship, especially in joinery, is about understanding how things are put together—structurally, functionally, and aesthetically. This foundational knowledge is timeless. Whether we’re working on a contemporary piece or a more classical form, we apply the same rigorous standards. Our heritage teaches us that no matter how avant-garde the design, it must be executed with integrity, precision, and longevity in mind.
With each piece produced in limited edition and never reissued, how do you balance artistic exclusivity with commercial viability in the luxury design space?
It’s a real challenge. Developing and engineering an artist’s or architect’s vision is a time-consuming process that often involves multiple prototypes, mock-ups, and sample runs. These stages are costly, especially when applied to one-off or limited-edition pieces. But this is the nature of what we do. Artistic exclusivity is at the core of our ethos, and we believe our clients value the depth and authenticity that comes with that.
Your academic background is impressive—with studies at the Architectural Association in London and SCI-Arc in LA. What lessons from your education continue to echo in your creative direction at Eins zu Eins?
Studying architecture gave me a deep understanding of how architects think and what they need from collaborators. The process of designing a piece of furniture isn’t all that different from designing a building—it’s just on a different scale. Both require a strong conceptual foundation, a clear narrative, and a reliable partner to bring the vision to life. At Eins zu Eins, we aim to be that partner: technically skilled, conceptually aware, and responsive to the needs of creative minds.
Craftsmanship is central to your brand’s identity. In a world increasingly leaning toward digital and mass-produced solutions, how do you preserve and elevate artisanal integrity?
We don’t see digital tools and traditional craftsmanship as mutually exclusive—they complement each other. We’re happy to integrate industrial processes when they make sense, especially for precision or efficiency. At the same time, Germany’s apprenticeship system and the “master craftsman” tradition ensure that artisanal standards remain high. This dual approach allows us to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for craft.
What excites you most about the future of furniture as art—and how do you envision Eins zu Eins pushing those boundaries even further?
There’s a wealth of talent among architects and artists who haven’t yet explored furniture as a medium. We see tremendous potential in collaborating with these voices to create pieces that challenge expectations. Looking forward, we aim to expand our collection to include a broader range of furniture types—always grounded in craft, always driven by collaboration.
The Final Word
In an era dominated by mass production and ephemeral design, Eins zu Eins stands apart as a sanctuary for authenticity—where the past informs the future and every piece tells a story of collaboration, precision, and soul. Matthias Seufert isn’t merely shaping furniture; he’s shaping a movement, one that invites the world’s most daring creators to reimagine what functional art can be. As he continues to expand the boundaries of craftsmanship and concept, one thing remains certain: at Eins zu Eins, each creation is more than a product—it is a legacy in the making.