12” Strongbox
12” strongbox and Steel desk accessories
I developed the 12” Strongbox and Desk Accessories as a way to expand our existing steel storage assortment. While our 6” and 9” strongboxes and desk trays were doing well, I realized there was a need for storage of larger desktop items as well as paper. By working closely with our existing steel manufacturers I was able to bring the product to market quickly and they quickly became our top selling items.
12” Strongbox
Pen Cup
Magazine Holder
Business Card Holder
Stackable Trays
gerstner collector’s cabinet
Inspired by the specimen cabinets used by naturalists such as Charles Darwin, I worked closely with Gerstner, an Ohio-based wood chest manufacturer to design this piece. Through research of antique specimen cabinets, I made sure to add helpful details like a cork-lined interior, which enabled the user to secure specimens inside of the drawers. I carefully assessed antique inspired hardware manufacturers to source finishes that were both attractive and functional.
Glass topped drawers allow you to see the specimens within. The bottom of the boxes were lined with cork so that specimens could easily be pinned inside
Polaris Enamelware Collection
The polaris enamelware collection
This was a limited edition enamelware collection designed by the illustrator Ross MacDonald. I worked closely with our enamelware vendor to add these new designs to our existing line of enamelware products. To achieve this, I created specification documents, coordinated production timelines for product launch and led food safety testing.
fall 2019 products
Sampling of other products I managed and brought to market while at Best Made Co.
Custom-Made Cutting Board
Printed and Letterpress Calendar
Mallmann Stoneware Collection
Mallmann Leather-Lined Tray
Pewter Flask with Leather Case
Brass Pocketbox
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly - Set of 3 Notebooks
The Indigo American Felling Axe
design process
I managed the products below which were planned for a Spring 2020 launch, but unfortunately BMC closed its operations prior to these product’s final production.
A development sample in the final wood finish
Mallmann field bar
The Mallmann Field Bar was designed exclusively for the Mallmann Best Made Co collection, which was a collaboration with the renowned chef Francis Mallmann. I designed its adjustable bottle storage, removable cutting board, and magnetic knife storage to make it the ideal companion for preparing cocktails when entertaining outdoors. As the hero product for this Mallmann collection it was critical to make sure this product represented both the Mallmann and the Best Made Co brands, while coordinating with manufacturing partners.
A prototype of the product when closed for travel
The Mallmann Field Bar Prototype
mallmann grill
The Mallmann Grill was another product I developed for the Mallmann Best Made Co collection. I worked closely with an Argentinian metal shop to design this car-camping sized grill, complete with removable legs so that it could be packed compactly for travel. As shown in the photographs below, the grill was designed to enable to user to replicate some of Francis Mallmann’s favorite grilling techniques.
The top of the grill here is covered for travel with the custom cutting board
You can also take the plancha off the top of the grill and reveal a grate when you prefer more direct heat on the food you are cooking
Once uncovered the “plancha” is revealed which is Mallmann’s favorite method to grill
The signature functionality of this grill is the ability to a do an “little inferno” cooking method. By stacking the plancha above the grill the user can build a fire above and below the food they are cooking in order to make an open air oven
The cutting board had remove-able legs so that it could be used as a small table for serving or cutting
steel workshop collection
(Black Items Clockwise) Boot Tray, 5-Drawer Rolling Storage, 2-Tier Tackle Box and 4 drawer desktop storage
white oak furniture and enamelware collection
White Oak Collection - Toolbox, Blanket Chest, Stool
Enamelware - Bowl, Utility Pot, Tumbler, Soup Pot, Casserole Dish, Oval Platter, Set of Three Trays and “Everything Here is Wonderful” Mug