Meet the YFM exhibitors – Tab van der Lande

The Young Furniture Makers exhibition, our annual showcase of emerging design talent, returns to the City of London on Wednesday 12 October for one day only.

Around 100 designs will be on show with industry being invited to attend and meet up-and-coming designer-makers who are looking to make an impact on the sector. Over the coming weeks we’ll be interviewing some of the makers who will be exhibiting at the event, which is sponsored by Axminister Tools and Sanderson Design Group and supported by the January Furniture Show.

Name: Tab van der Lande
Name of pieces: Reversible games table and Rocking chair

Tell us about the products you’re exhibiting. What’s the story behind it? 

The Rocking Chair and Reversible Games Table were to get myself thinking about how to redesign and make two pieces of furniture that are not commonly associated with a young person. We sit down for too long in uncomfortable unsupported chairs, I wanted to make a chair that is easy to get in and out of but once you are in you are cradled and feel at ease to rock and relax. 

The Reversible Games Table came about because there are few traditional games that are regularly played, chess is well known but not played as much anymore and not as many people play backgammon, I wanted to create a piece of furniture that was many games in one and also practical. On this table you can play chess, checkers and backgammon, you can also use the top as a drinks table / tray. The table is light enough to manoeuvre but sturdy enough that it can be used as a coffee table. 

What was the most challenging part of bringing them to life? 

When designing and making the Rocking Chair I had no idea if it would actually work, I have never made or designed anything like it. The challenge I gave myself was to create a lounge chair that rocked, the proportions I got from testing ergonomics and measuring myself. 

The challenge that I had when making the Reversible Games Table was how to make the games table top, I knew what I was trying to achieve but was not sure how to execute the design. I ended up learning the basics of Fushion 360 and the CNC machine. I also had the challenge of making a table that was easy to move so that it would be frequently used but also had a strong structure that would last many many years. It was important to me to make a table that wasn’t too heavy to move that doesn’t just sit in the corner unused.

What do you hope to get out of being part of the Young Furniture Makers exhibition? 

I hope to meet like-minded people and be inspired to keep learning and getting new ideas and techniques to try.

Who is your design hero and why?

I don’t have a specific design hero, I have been inspire by Thomas Heatherwick and his out side the box designs. I also really like Robert Thompson (mouse man) I love the idea of designing and making high end bespoke furniture that has an element of humour and playfulness. 

What are your career aspirations?  

After completing my apprenticeship I would like to keep entering competitions and exhibitions and hopefully one day start my own furniture design and manufacturing company. 

Which company would you love to work for one day?

I would love to work at Kruger Design Studio one day, I love the ‘toys’ they make. I really like the idea of wooden toys, made to last, well designed,  tactile, a collectors item. However they also make amazing furniture, I would love to combine my love of making furniture and toys. 

How do you think you’d react if you won a Young Furniture Makers Award?

If I won a Young Furniture Makers Award I would be so happy, even taking part has given me a real confidence boost, winning would encourage me to keep designing and making things of my own and keep me focused on designing a range of furniture that one day I will produce with my name on.