About L.A. Box Collective

LA Box Collective is a select group of professional Los Angeles based furniture makers, committed to environmentally conscious design and production. We are a like minded group working in various modern styles, often incorporating traditional techniques and local materials.

Mission: Sustainability is not a new idea but the imperative to live a sustainable life is. We are radically rewinding our approach to a time when value was placed on fine craftsmanship, long-lasting materials and sound design. Looking forward, we value the precious materials that our society wastes.

Members of LA Box Collective (clockwise) Casey Dzierlenga (Dzierlenga F+U), Samuel Moyer (Samuel Moyer Furniture), Topher Paterno, William Stranger (Stranger Furniture), Gary Ferguson (caseandgrain), Robert Apodaca (Fifth Floor Gallery), Ed Pine Stevens, Kacey Schaffrath, Cliff and Leigh Spencer (Cliff Spencer Furniture Maker), David Johnson (Sidecar Furniture), Andrew Riiska (Riiska Design) Not pictured: Brandon Morrison (WhyrHymer) Photo by Kevin Zacher

Commitments:

1. Use a comprehensive approach that includes sustainable design, materials, fabrication and finishes. Make objects that use resources mindfully, have no toxic impact on the environment and will last for generations.

2. Buy recycled and recycle, including materials, supplies and tools in the studio and office.

3. Source locally. Contribute to the economy of Los Angeles and the environmental health of the global community by utilizing local resources in all aspects of fabrication.

4. Share resources to facilitate the growth and integrity of Los Angeles small businesses, rooted in sustainable products.

5. Educate about sustainable principals through community outreach, gallery shows and media.

6. Fabricate original designs. As individual furniture makers and designers we influence the design community and promote environmentally friendly practices.

 

Materials:

 

Reclaimed Material: LA Box Collectives preferred source, reclaimed refers to materials that would otherwise be disposed of including: wood production by-products or off-cuts (scrap); trees from urban or suburban areas that are dead, fallen, fire kill, diseased or a nuisance (urban salvage); orchard trees that are unproductive and cut for replacement (orchard salvage); wood or other material recovered from landfills or dumpsters (“trash”); logs recovered from the bottom of lakes or rivers.

Lumber from FSC Certified Forests: These forests are managed according to guidelines which protect the forest environment, regulate the impact on local communities and ensure sustained yield and species diversity for long-term economic viability. The Forest Stewardship Council is an international umbrella organization, which sets strict eligibility criteria.

 

Non-wood products: Boards derived from fast-growing, non-wood sources such as bamboo and grains, many of which are FSC certified. Recycled glass, metal or paper products.

Additional elements that contribute to sustainability.

1. Board with no-added urea formaldehyde (NAUF) or no-added formaldehyde (NAF)
2. Water-based or low toxic glue
3. Zero or low-VOC finishes
4. Design for high material yield
5. Energy efficient production, such as using hand tools, natural light or air drying