REFINED MINIMALISM

About Thom Fougere Studio

Photograph by Luis Mora

Thom Fougere (1987) studied architecture at the University of Manitoba before working in furniture, product design, and architecture. In 2010, he was appointed Creative Director at Canadian design house EQ3. During his nine year tenure in that role he led the company through a transformative brand re-positioning. The comprehensive process included a refresh of the company’s visual identity, product line, graphic presentation, photography and interior design, including acting as the lead designer of EQ3 showrooms across Canada and the United States.

In 2015, Thom Fougere established his studio offering full design services in furniture and product design, architecture, interiors and creative direction. His work have been exhibited internationally at design fairs in Milan, Stockholm, New York, Montreal, and Toronto.

Thom Fougere Studio works within the fields of furniture and product design, architecture, interiors, and creative direction.

Above:

Saddle Chair

Designed for the Stockholm Furniture Fair

2016

Photography by Thom Fougere Studio

The Saddle Chair is a new typology of chair for the home. The two saddle leather backs offer multiple methods of sitting and interacting with the chair; the lounge seating position with leg rest allows for a relaxing reclined seat, while the adjacent side allows for a casual seating position similar to that of a typical easy chair. The sculptural form and thin profile are the result of fusing a light steel structure with a vegetable tanned saddle leather. The seat, a down filled and upholstered leather cushion, is deep enough to find comfort between the two adjoined back rests. Over time the leather will patina, leaving traces of preferred lounging and seating positions, highlighting the habitual act of sitting.

Above:

Tyndall Vase

Edition 1:1

2017

Photography by Thom Fougere Studio

The Tyndall Vase is a hybrid vessel and tray that presents multiple opportunities for dynamic flower or plant arrangements. The above ground — below ground dichotomy separated by the floating stone makes for interesting arrangements. The disk can function as a tray for fallen leaves, or for morimono style arrangements along the surface of the stone.

Tyndall stone is a type of limestone that is quarried exclusively in Manitoba, Canada. A porous light stone, Tyndall stone has an intricate grey veining pattern that courses through each slab. The dark veining within the stone(dolomite), is dense and performs a similar function that rebar does for concrete — bonding with the porous light stone to keep the structural integrity of the material. The dolomite portion of Tyndall stone was created by the burrowing of ancient marine creatures within the deposited limestone bed. The evidence of their existence can be found on the face of each slab of Tyndall stone. The light more porous stone that exists between the dolomite deposits is highly reactive to naturally occurring acids. These acids which often interact with the stone through a prolonged period of daily use will leave traces and inform portions of this porous material. As Tyndall stone is only quarried in Manitoba it is common among the Prairie Provinces to see many, if not most, civic structures clad in the stone. Favoured by many architects and builders at the turn of the century for its durability and resilient dynamic beauty.

Above:

Mjolk Daybed

Designed for Mjolk’s 10 Year Anniversary Exhibition

Mjolk 2020

Photography by Thom Fougere Studio, Juli Daoust Baker

Archetypal in form, the daybed’s straight-forward wood frame contrasts the down-filled mattress which floats gently on its surface. Hand-made in Canada in solid oak or walnut, with a full or 3/4-length mattress in fabric or leather.

Below:

Le Feu

Deigned for “Aluminum Group” Exhibition Toronto, Canada

Edition 1:1 2020

Photography by Thom Fougere Studio, Mike Tjioe

Le Feu is both a light diffuser and scale model for a future architectural intervention — capturing the essence of a cabin in the wilderness and its inner warmth.

Aluminium Group Designers from across Canada have come together to create a collection of machined aluminum objects. Including both practical prototypes and pieces of sculpture, the show covers a diverse range of themes unified by a single medium.