Alex Cassels
BIO
Alex Cassels (1992) is a studio furniture maker and designer born, raised and based in Toronto, Canada; a city known for its creative and cultural vibrancy. His work is defined by a strong foundation in craftsmanship and sustainability, with a design philosophy that explores form while balancing elements of fun and sophistication. Specializing in solid wood, Alex is committed to crafting bespoke, high-quality furniture and fostering collaborations with fellow makers locally and abroad.
CAPSTONE PROJECT
USE(S)
Use(s) is a project that explores the tension between the qualities of functional and sculptural objects by examining the relationship between the intended and unintended uses of furniture. Often, when we start designing, we are taught to focus on identifying a specific problem to solve but sometimes, solving one problem can create new challenges. Conceptually, I became interested in the idea of inherent failure as a gateway to creativity—specifically, the gap between what things are designed for versus how they are actually used. I saw an opportunity in fusing intended and unintended uses to make unusual and potentially humerous objects, creating caricatures out of the unintended uses. I wanted to focus on creating objects that engage with both ideas, remaining recognizable as their original form. The goal was not to invent new uses of furniture but to exaggerate and highlight the ways people already repurpose and interact with everyday objects, in ways we often take for granted.
FEATURED Work
Title: Use(s) Chair
Dimensions: 18 × 18 × 40 in
Year: 2025
Materials: Douglas Fir
Title: Use(s) Chair
Dimensions: 18 × 18 × 40 in
Year: 2025
Materials: Douglas Fir
Title: Use(s) Chair, detail
Dimensions: 18 × 18 × 40 in
Year: 2025
Materials: Douglas Fir
Title: Use(s) Table
Dimensions: 40 × 40 × 14 in
Year: 2025
Materials: Douglas Fir
Title: Use(s) Table
Dimensions: 40 × 40 × 14 in
Year: 2025
Materials: Douglas Fir
CONTACT
ALEX CASSELS
He/Him