Sentient Furniture

Sapience Chair, Iteration V

The fifth iteration of the Sapience Chair introduces a new tension between brilliance and intensity. Its geometric body is finished in hand-applied silver leaf, transforming the chair’s faceted planes into a reflective sculptural surface that shifts with the surrounding light. Against the cool luminosity of the silver, neon red premium upholstery on the seat and back creates a sharp, almost electric contrast.

Originally designed by Nersi Nasseri, SENTIENT’s co-founder and Creative Director, the Sapience Chair is built around a distinctive architectural language: diamond-shaped vertical supports, a horizontal seat, and an angled backrest composed as a functional sculpture. Over successive iterations, that recognizable silhouette has become a framework for exploring new materials, finishes, color, and the relationship between positive and negative space.

Nasseri’s work has long occupied the space between furniture and sculpture. A Pratt Institute graduate with a Master of Industrial Design, his three-decade career includes collaborations with Porsche, Cartier, Fendi, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Movado. As Creative Director of SENTIENT and curator of SENTIENT Gallery, he continues to develop pieces that challenge conventional distinctions between an object made to be used and one made to be contemplated.

Iteration V pushes that idea further. Silver leaf gives the Sapience Chair an almost metallic, shifting presence, while the saturated neon red upholstery brings warmth, energy, and provocation to its precise geometry. Handcrafted in SENTIENT’s Brooklyn workshop, it is a new expression of a familiar form and another chapter in the continuing evolution of Sapience.

We were honored to create hundreds of custom furniture and millwork pieces for The Refinery at Domino and the buildings across the larger Domino development, furnishing multiple floors of lounges, coworking areas, and shared spaces along the Williamsburg waterfront.

The project holds particular significance for us as Brooklyn makers. Dating back to 1856, the Domino Sugar Refinery was once the largest and most productive sugar refinery in the world, playing a central role in the industrial growth of Williamsburg, the Brooklyn waterfront, and New York City.

Today, The Refinery has been thoughtfully reimagined as a modern 15-story workplace built within the preserved brick façade of the historic factory. The surrounding Domino development brings together contemporary architecture, residences, workplaces, retail, and public waterfront space while preserving the character and history of this important Brooklyn landmark.

It was a privilege to contribute to the next chapter of this iconic site through pieces designed and made just a few blocks away in our Greenpoint workshop.

We had the opportunity to work with on a unique bespoke white oak kitchen island.

At first glance, the piece reads as a minimal, symmetrical box. Look closer, and it reveals four integrated stools and a concealed storage system, making it highly practical without compromising its clean aesthetic.

A quiet balance of simplicity, function, and craftsmanship.

SENTIENT Privé, The Founding Edition

Thank you to everyone who joined us for SENTIENT Privé and brought such warmth, curiosity, and presence to the room. It was a pleasure to gather with designers, artists, makers, collectors, and friends of SENTIENT for a night shaped around connection and creative exchange.

This is only the beginning.

SENTIENT Privé

Did you get an invite? 🗝️

-

Link in the bio.

Pigeon Poetics by

The latest collaboration piece of SENTIENT’s Sapience Chair, conceptualized by Alireza Yavari, introduces an unexpected embroidery pattern inspired by the spontaneous markings often found in urban landscapes. This unique design element, enhanced with gold leaf and pearls, boldly critiques the luxury market’s tendency towards pretension, cleverly questioning the authenticity and exclusivity of mass-produced luxury items.

The application of gold leaf and pearls was completed in collaboration with Le Studio Anthost, , adding yet another layer of creative expertise to this evocative project. Together, SENTIENT and Le Studio Anthost have crafted a design that challenges and delights—a true celebration of artistry, craftsmanship, and unconventional luxury.

Pigeon Poetics is a finalist in Interior Design’s 11th annual NYCxDESIGN awards.