Designer of the Day: Claudia & Harry Washington

September 17th, 2020 Written by: Ryan Waddoups for Surface Magazine

Mitt Chair for Bernhardt Design

Claudia and Harry Washington founded C&H Washington Studio on the notion that design should connect people to their human nature. The duo experiments with artisanal techniques native to El Salvador, where their studio is based, to create sleek furniture and lighting fixtures, including an ongoing partnership with Bernhardt Design that has yielded contract essentials such as the award-winning Mitt Chair and brand-new La Paz Tables.

Claudia & Harry Washington

Describe what you make: We make designs that inspire people and brands to create new stories. When designing interiors or products, we find ways to connect people to their essence, because we understand that humans yearn to stay true to their element… their natural state.

La Paz Table for Bernhardt Design

The most important thing you’ve designed to date: Mitt Chair for Bernhardt Design. It has become a top-selling chair for the industry of contract furniture in the U.S. It’s our most recognized piece and has propelled our work in the international design industry.

Describe the problem your work solves: Humans react and modify their behavior as they move along in their life journey. We’re constantly analyzing human interactions and behaviors to create designs that accommodate and facilitate life. We’re always evolving and growing, but staying grounded in our human essence throughout this journey.

Describe the project you are working on now: A luxury bed and breakfast at a recognized surfing beach in Playa Sunzal, El Salvador.

A new or forthcoming project we should know about: We have just launched three new products with Bernhardt Design this summer—conference/multipurpose table collections called La Paz, Palma, and Vasquez.