Matt Maher, Furniture Designer
If you’re familiar with our staff, then you probably know many of our employees wear multiple hats. Among our office we have fine artists, a photographer, even a baker! We like to promote (and utilize) these talents; we get excited to see their passions flourish.
Recently, Matt Maher designed a collection for the Phillip Reinisch Company showcased at High Point Market during fall 2018. A graduate of Kendall’s furniture design program, Matt has designed custom furniture for many of our projects using a wide range of materials and finishes.
What is your role at Via?
“I’m a product designer, specializing in custom furniture, cabinetry details, and millwork.”
What does that mean?
“I design and oversee the fabrication of custom furniture and cabinetry for our commercial and residential design projects at Via.”
Can you give an example of a project you’ve designed custom furniture for?
“The Reserve Wine & Food bar in the Windquest building. That was a highly customized project. We designed and fabricated the bar tables with resin tops, as well as designed a custom host stand, and a variety of cabinetry details.”
What is your favorite part of your work?
“I’m interested in learning about using different materials and finishes to create interior spaces. I also like the challenge of creating something that is both beautiful and functional.”
How did you come into your position at Via?
“[Valerie Schmieder] originally hired me as a furniture designer with the goal of providing design services to the furniture industry, but I ended up getting more involved with the architecture and interior design projects. When I joined the team, Via had a lot of large projects that required a lot of custom work. I took the opportunity to get involved because they were awesome projects, and it gave me the chance to work with Val and rest of the design team. They do such great work. I’ve become a better designer working with them on projects.
It really wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I went to High Point see if there was interest in partnering with a furniture company to develop new furniture for mass production. I pitched some ideas to Art Van, and they connected me with Phillip Reinisch Company.”
What is the Philip Reinisch Company?
“It’s a small company with over 80 years in the furniture industry. Their previous specialty was Curio cabinets, but they had a desire to expand their lines into entertainment pieces. Val and I started with consultation for product line expansion. They were excited to partner with us because of our expertise in interior design.”
What did you design for Philip Reinisch?
“A line of case pieces for entertainment. Mainly consisting of dry bars, display cases and media storage units.”
What is unique about this furniture collection?
“The designs reflect what has been in demand for lot of our interior projects, well scaled and functional but also in a style that fits the interiors of today. It will give people a designer look, but is affordable using specific materials and finishes.”
Where can these products be purchased?
“They will be in large home furnishing stores like Rooms to Go, and possibly Art Van.”
What’s next?
“We’re hoping this is just the beginning of partnering with furniture companies. Via is a company where design is at the forefront and we want to work with furniture companies that value good design as much as we do.”