Gerd Couckhuyt
Matthew Townsend
Inspired by the beauty of everyday life, Gerd Couckhuyt (1970)
is an award-winning Belgian designer whose Manutti collections
breathe subtlety, elegance and joy. With its lightness and
translucence, the Mood collection is designed to nest effortlessly
and mix and match with any setting, offering endless possibilities
for creating inviting outdoor spaces. The enticing forms and
architectural presence of the Elements collection even earned
Manutti the prestigious Red Dot Award for Product Design.
After studying industrial design in Montreal, American designer
Matthew Townsend (1992) moved to Florence to pursue his
passion for furniture. Aesthetics and functionality meet in
his work, as he explores creative new ways to use materials.
“Establishing a strong personal connection between user and the
design is what makes a piece timeless,” says Matthew. His first
design for Manutti was the Cobi coffee table collection. With
Sunrise, he created a distinctive series of sofas, chairs, tables and
loungers. The use of fabric and textile as part of the furniture
frames creates an intriguing yet balanced contrast.
Designer of Elements & Mood
Designer of Cobi & Sunrise
16
Designers
