Studio Sebastian Herkner

What Studio Sebastian Herkner does

Studio Sebastian Herkner is a privately held industrial design studio founded in 2006 by German designer Sebastian Herkner and based in Offenbach am Main, Germany. The studio designs furniture, lighting, bathroom collections, accessories, and interior architecture for over 40 international manufacturers including Thonet, ClassiCon, Poltrona Frau, Dedon, Duravit, Pulpo, Ligne Roset, Ames, Wittmann, Cappellini, Fritz Hansen, and Rosenthal. Its signature work includes the Bell Table for ClassiCon (2012), the 118 chair family for Thonet, the Mbrace outdoor collection for Dedon, the Zencha bathroom range for Duravit, and the Blume chair for Pedrali — many held in the permanent collections of Die Neue Sammlung Munich and the Vitra Design Museum.

The studio operates a B2B design services and licensing model. Revenue is generated through design commissions from manufacturer partners, ongoing royalties or licensing fees on products brought to market by those partners, and direct professional services for interior architecture and exhibition design projects (e.g., One Forty West apartment for Commerz Real, gallery interiors for Wentrup). Products are manufactured, distributed, and sold globally through each partner's dealer and showroom networks; the studio does not sell directly to end consumers. Pricing is bespoke and project-based and is not publicly disclosed.

The studio's competitive positioning rests on Herkner's personal design reputation, earned through 100+ international design awards since 2008 (including EDIDA Best International Designer of the Year in 2021 and Designer of the Year at Maison&Objet Paris in 2019), combined with a craft-and-material innovation approach that bridges traditional artisan manufacturing (Colombian weaving, Bavarian glassblowing, Japanese porcelain, Bosnian woodcarving) with contemporary industrial production. Recent activity includes first-time collaborations with Flexform, Tubes, ENNE, and Carpanese Home announced for 2026, signaling continued partner-network expansion into adjacent premium product categories.

Name

Studio Sebastian Herkner

Legal name

Studio Sebastian Herkner

Website

https://sebastianherkner.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Studio Sebastian Herkner is a German industrial design studio founded in 2006 by Sebastian Herkner, designing furniture, lighting, bathroom collections, and accessories for 40+ international manufacturers through project-based commissions and licensing, supplemented by interior architecture services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Offenbach

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Design Fees and Licensing: Sebastian Herkner Studio generates revenue through design commissions from manufacturer partners, licensing of product designs, and potentially royalties on sold products. The studio works with over 40 international brands including Thonet, ClassiCon, Poltrona Frau, and many others.
2. Interior Architecture and Exhibition Design: The studio undertakes interior design projects for private clients, galleries, restaurants, showrooms, and fair exhibitions, including projects like One Forty West apartment, Gallery Wentrup, and trade fair installations.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Studio Sebastian Herkner is an industrial design studio that creates furniture, lighting, and home accessories for international manufacturers through commissioned design work. The studio also undertakes interior architecture projects (private residences, galleries, restaurants, showrooms) and designs trade fair and museum exhibitions. Products are manufactured and distributed by partner brands rather than sold directly by the studio.

Product overview

Studio Sebastian Herkner is a product design studio creating furniture, lighting, and accessories for international manufacturers. The portfolio includes signature products like the Bell Table (glass base with floating metal top), Chair 118 for Thonet (classic wooden chair), and Zencha bathroom collection for Duravit. The studio collaborates with over 30 brands including ClassiCon, Thonet, Poltrona Frau, Ligne Roset, Dedon, Ames, Cappellini, Fritz Hansen, and others. Products span seating (chairs, sofas, lounge pieces), tables (dining, side, coffee), storage (shelving, cabinets, wardrobes), lighting (lamps, pendants, floor lamps), and accessories (rugs, vases, tiles, ceramics). The studio's approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibility, working with materials like glass, wood, metal, ceramics, and textiles. Notable collections include the award-winning Mbrace outdoor collection, Taru sofa for Ligne Roset, Ona and Ivy for Freifrau, Nymph lighting for Poltrona Frau, and various Colombia-inspired lines for Ames. Recent launches include Tara tables for Flexform, Gaira daybed for Ames Living, Terre radiator for Tubes, and Azores floor lamp for Ligne Roset.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Product Design Services (Furniture, Lighting, Home Accessories) Bespoke commissioned design of furniture, lighting, and home accessory collections for international manufacturers. Deliverables include fully developed product designs, prototypes, and design IP licensed to manufacturers (e.g. Thonet, ClassiCon, Poltrona Frau, Dedon, Duravit, Ligne Roset, Ames, Cappellini, Fritz Hansen, Gubi, Wittmann, Moroso) who industrialise and distribute the products.
• Interior Architecture Design Services Design of interior spaces for private residences, galleries, restaurants, showrooms, and commercial clients. Examples include the One Forty West apartment in Frankfurt for Commerz Real and gallery interiors for Wentrup Gallery in Hamburg and Berlin.
• Exhibition and Trade Fair Design Services Design of trade fair booths, gallery exhibitions, and curated museum exhibitions, including the Guest of Honor installation 'Das Haus' at imm cologne 2016 and curation of Homo Faber 2022 in Venice.

Quantifiable outcome

• Products included in permanent collections of major design museums including Die Neue Sammlung Munich and Vitra Design Museum
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

64 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, minor and flagship.

• ThonetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongstanding collaboration since 2018 producing the iconic 118 chair family, 119 lounger, and various editions. The 118 chair has become one of Thonet's signature contemporary designs, extending the legacy of Michael Thonet's bentwood craftsmanship with modern materials.
• ClassiConcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBreakthrough partnership beginning with the Bell Table in 2012, which established Sebastian Herkner's international reputation. Ongoing collaboration includes Aristo chairs, Bell Dining Table in marble, and Plissee lighting collection.
• Poltrona FraucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-collection partnership including Stock'n Roll bedside tables, Nymph lighting collection, Taru sofa system, and most recently the Stock'N'Roll desk. Products feature premium leather upholstery and Italian craftsmanship.
• DedoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership focused on outdoor living collections including the award-winning Mbrace collection, MDear modular lounging system, and Loon outdoor lighting. Combines Dedon's expertise in synthetic fiber with Herkner's design sensibility.
• DuravitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst collaboration in 2022 producing the Zencha bathroom collection inspired by Japanese rituals. The collection received multiple awards including EDIDA Best Bathroom 2023 and German Design Award Gold 2023. Includes basins, furniture, mirrors, and bathtubs.
• PulpocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExtensive partnership since 2013 producing signature lighting and furniture including Oda floor lamp, Boule collection, Alwa cast glass tables, Stellar lighting, Bent tables and lamps, Thales tables, and various accessories. Pulpo specializes in glass and designer collaborations.
• Ligne RosetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongstanding collaboration producing premium French furniture including Taru sofa, Janus shelf, Noka modular sofa, and Azores lighting collection. Products showcase French craftsmanship excellence combined with Herkner's design approach.
• AmescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRich collaboration with Colombian outdoor furniture brand producing Cartagena collection, Caribe chairs, Cielo seating, Loza ceramics, various rug collections (Zipa, Zenues, Par Raya, Cabuya), and textile accessories. Celebrates Colombian craft traditions.
• WittmanncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustrian manufacturer partnership producing upholstered furniture including Merwyn, Miles, Morton chairs, Marlow collection, and Beletage sofas. Known for premium craftsmanship in furniture making.
• GlostermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOutdoor furniture collaboration producing Dune, Haven (steam-bent teak), Fern collection, and Carousel chairs. Combines teak and modern outdoor materials.
• PedralimajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian furniture manufacturer partnership producing the acclaimed Blume collection (flower-shaped profile), Stiel collection, and various chairs. Known for contract furniture excellence.
• LinteloomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch brand collaboration producing Arp sofa, Highline upholstered seating, Gilbert sofa, Icarus chair, and various tables. Emphasizes comfort and 'Feel Good Factor'.
• SchönbuchmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman accessories brand producing Coat stands (Grace, Albert tables), Mask coat rack, Bubble mirrors, Selma wardrobe, and various storage solutions.
• ZanatmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBosnian woodcraft manufacturer producing Mati collection, Veo room dividers, Medusa lamps, and various tables featuring hand-carved details and traditional woodworking.
• Man of PartsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-product collaboration producing furniture inspired by places worldwide including Via Bernina table, Frenchman Street chair, Savignyplatz table, Wynwood cabinet, Sandy Cove seating, and various other pieces. Works with Bavarian makers combining CNC and hand finishing.
• Davis FurnituremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican contract furniture producing Seba collection (movable seating), Perle chair, Elora soft lounge collection, and Tote/Cina lounge chair for workplace applications.
• MorosomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian manufacturer collaboration producing Banjooli (M'Afrique collection), Pipe seating, Seku lounge chair, and various outdoor furniture. Known for design-forward approach.
• BlomusmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman brand producing Volos travertine tables, Iris portable lamp, and Porter collection. Focus on contemporary accessories and furnishings.
• FreifraumajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman outdoor furniture manufacturer producing Ona collection, Theia armchair, and Ivy chair (featuring wooden shell). Combines craftsmanship with contemporary design.
• RosenthalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman porcelain manufacturer producing Domo vases, Collana, Falda vase, and Hop collection. Features first colored porcelain designs and collaborations on tableware.
• Janus et CiemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican brand producing Boheme outdoor collection, Viretta dining/lounge collection, Bollaro tables. Features distinctive outdoor materials and contemporary design.
• Kaufmann KeramikmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBavarian ceramic manufacturer producing Sahel room divider, Acqua tiles, Demi and Set wall tiles, Soap tiles, and Format tiles. Features handmade ceramic craftsmanship.
• CappellinimajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian design furniture producing Litos modular sofa, Kwado armchair, and updated versions. Known for bold contemporary design.
• And TraditionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDanish brand producing Halten side table, Raku portable lamp, Lia and Kaia for Hoshina, and various pieces reviving classic designs.
• Fritz HansenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDanish furniture manufacturer producing Let lounge chair. Combines Herkner's design with Fritz Hansen's expert craftsmanship tradition.
• RakumbamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralian lighting manufacturer producing Petal, Volute, and Metropol collections. Features textile lampshade craftsmanship and decorative yet functional designs.
• VibiamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish lighting brand producing Kontorno wall sconce and Class wall lamp. Features architectural lighting design with minimalist aesthetics.
• GanmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish outdoor furniture brand producing ISLA collection with undulating lines for outdoor spaces. Suitable for both contract and residential use.
• M2RugsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRug manufacturer producing Sustainettle (Himalayan nettle), Trails, Views, and other collections. Features hand-dug style designs and sustainable materials.
• EmumajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian outdoor furniture producing Twins collection, Carousel chairs, and Dock modular sofa. Combines aluminum with innovative materials.
• WendelbomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDanish furniture manufacturer producing Case highback sofas, Mate side tables, and Rest bench. Focus on contemporary Danish design sensibility.
• FlexformmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian furniture brand producing Tara tables and side tables inspired by Ireland's ancient royal capital. First collaboration announced for 2026.
• La ManufacturemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench manufacturer producing Moro cocoon chair, Breeze chair, Pola sofa, Moos sofa, Gem tables, and Venier screen. Known for French craftsmanship.
• Decor WalthermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman bathroom accessories brand producing OF.LINE collection (aluminum and porcelain) and OF.Light portable lamp. Combines materials innovation with bathroom design.
• SeraxmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelgian brand producing Uala lamp with pleated lampshade inspired by tropical leaves. First collection for Serax launched 2025.
• MidgardmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman lighting manufacturer producing Loja collection. First collection for Midgard featuring adjustable lighting with dynamic shapes.
• TubesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian design radiator manufacturer producing Terre radiator - first terracotta design for Tubes' Elements collection. First collaboration announced for 2026.
• Schramm WerkstättenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman boxspring bed manufacturer producing Juna bed, Ono bed, and Fold bed with foldable backrest. Focus on bedroom comfort.
• OndarretaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish manufacturer producing Ginger chair with soft-sitting collection driven by round shapes.
• PuntminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian furniture brand producing Rio sideboard, Ballet rotating shelf. Uses solid wood, structured glass, marble, textile and brass.
• CoEditionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFurniture manufacturer producing Nuage side tables (handcasted ceramic) and Klee series. Focus on everyday life furniture.
• Van RossumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelgian furniture manufacturer producing Fort collection - low-slung lounge chair and sofa with wooden structure referencing fortified structures.
• BuzziminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelgian acoustic furniture producing BuzziBrella - umbrella-shaped acoustic solution for spacious environments. Won Interior Design Best of Year 2024.
• Stellar WorksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAsian design brand producing Host movable wardrobe - first collaboration in 2020 responding to flexible furniture needs.
• Fontana ArteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian lighting brand producing Nebra disk-like pendant in two sizes using new LED technologies.
• GubiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDanish furniture brand producing Collar Lamp - first product for Gubi combining hand-blown glass with aluminum reflector.
• AgominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLighting manufacturer producing Flip lamp (adjustable light direction) and Cotton dome pendant.
• EntominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer producing Hansa lamp with soft forms and reference to Hansaviertel complex in Berlin.
• IndigenusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth African brand producing Aarde planters inspired by African landscapes and culture. Also designed fair stand for Maison&Objet.
• Origin MademinorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrand producing Constellation incense burner in solid brass made by Francisco Andrade.
• NymphenburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman porcelain manufacturer producing Mug designed for hot chocolate, evoking childhood memories.
• ParachilnaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish lighting brand producing Manila collection with artisanal blown glass and plissé textile diffuser.
• KundaliniminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLighting manufacturer producing GIASS ceiling lamps inspired by whiskey glasses in old hotel bars.
• Caparol IconsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPaint brand producing Treasures collection - eleven new colors inspired by Herkner's travels worldwide.
• GodelmannminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman concrete products manufacturer producing GDM.AWA architectural concrete tiles suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
• Zwiesel GlasminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman glass manufacturer producing Manoa glass carafe and tumbler, plus Journey wine and champagne glasses for 150th anniversary.
• ENNEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrand producing Lien modular sofa system with iconic metal band - first collection for ENNE announced 2026.
• Carpanese HomeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrand producing Pape chair - contemporary interpretation inspired by paper folding. First collaboration announced for 2026.
• MobimexminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer producing In-Lay table for Zoom by Mobimex - elegant design language with soft, organic shapes.
• HoshinaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapanese brand producing Lia and Kaia furniture for Japanese dining culture. Well-balanced design combining voluminous shell with delicate steel legs.
• Michelangelo FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural foundation for which Sebastian Herkner was curator at Homo Faber 2022 exhibition in Venice, alongside Robert Wilson, Judith Clarke, Michele de Lucchi, and Naoto Fukasawa.
• Avenue RoadmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorth American design brand/retailer for whom Herkner designed interiors including Toronto showroom and Herkner Haus at IDS Toronto. Longstanding partnership.
• ic! berlinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman eyewear brand collaboration producing capsule collection - Herkner's first collaboration in eyewear.
• Commerz RealmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReal estate developer for whom Herkner designed One Forty West apartment in Frankfurt. Ongoing cooperation beginning 2019.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Neri&Hu Design and Research Office: Shanghai-based architectural and design studio combining architectural, interior, and product design for international premium brands (Fritz Hansen, ClassiCon, Stellar Works, Poltrona Frau). Notably overlaps with Herkner's partner list, and the mixed architectural-plus-product-design model mirrors Herkner's interior-architecture practice.
• Jaime Hayon (Studio Hayon): Spanish designer/artist operating an eponymous studio with deep licensing relationships across premium furniture and lighting brands (BDDW, Cassina, Fritz Hansen, Magis, Lladró). Similar solo-designer-leadership model, signature decorative style, and global project footprint to Herkner.
• Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec: Paris-based design duo working across furniture, lighting, and accessories with leading European manufacturers (Vitra, Flos, Hay, Magis, Alessi). Comparable list of premium manufacturer partners, multi-decade track record of award-winning industrial design, and intentional craft aesthetic make the Bouroullecs one of the closest analogues to Herkner's practice.
• Marcel Wanders (Studio Wanders): Dutch industrial designer running an eponymous studio with global brand licensing (Moooi, Kartell, Christofle) and craft-led product launches across furniture, lighting, and accessories. Similar multi-decade tenure, signature aesthetic, and partnership-driven model position him as a structural peer.
• Jasper Morrison: British designer with a London-based practice spanning furniture, lighting, and consumer products for premium European and Japanese manufacturers (Vitra, Alessi, Flos, Muji, Maruni). Established multi-decade industrial-design career with similar scale, manufacturer breadth, and quiet-luxury positioning.
• Piero Lissoni (Studio Lissoni): Italian architect-designer with an eponymous multidisciplinary studio producing industrial design, interiors, and graphics for premium brands (Alessi, Artemide, Cassina, Knoll, B&B Italia). The studio model, scope across furniture and lighting, and brand-portfolio breadth match Herkner's operating playbook closely.
• Patricia Urquiola (Studio Urquiola): Spanish designer operating an eponymous Milan-based studio with the same multi-brand licensing and interior-architecture model as Herkner, designing furniture, lighting, and products for overlapping premium manufacturers (Moroso, Cassina, Foscarini, Glas Italia). Award pedigree (Designer of the Year, Madrid) and craft-driven aesthetic make her the most analogous peer.

Broad incumbents

• Tom Dixon: British designer who has scaled beyond a licensing studio into an integrated brand with his own retail, hospitality, and manufacturing (Tom Dixon Studio / Tom Dixon Trade). A useful comparison for the studio-to-brand trajectory Herkner could pursue, while also being a competitor designer for some shared partners (Fritz Hansen, Linteloo).
• Philippe Starck: French designer with a broad portfolio spanning industrial, interior, and consumer-product design for global manufacturers (Alessi, Kartell, Duravit, Cassina, Baccarat). Comparable single-designer commercial reach and luxury-brand penetration, though at a significantly larger scale.

Emerging players

• Hugo Campana and Fernando Campana (Estúdio Campana): Brazilian design duo recognized for craft-driven, material-innovation furniture (Favela, Sushi) working with manufacturers and galleries worldwide. Same craft-authenticity positioning as Herkner's Ames collaborations, but lower current commercial scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Studio Sebastian Herkner