ARCHIVISM: American Craft Meets a World of Global Ideas in Modern Design
DESIGN
The term “American-made” is a pillar for ARCHIVISM, yet not in the stereotypical sense of rugged and traditional.
8 MINS READ TIME
ARCHIVISM Elymr Dining Table
WORDS BY IGEE OKAFOR
PHOTOGRAPHY BASTARDO STUDIO
In the world of ARCHIVISM, every piece, every collaboration, and every conversation is an expression of ideals shared by Ben Gaffney and Chris Hardy, two seasoned designers whose paths serendipitously crossed in the vibrant ecosystem of American design. When they first met, Ben was the visionary force shaping products at Design Within Reach, while Chris, one of their prized design partners, was challenging norms and setting new aesthetic standards. A friendship grew, nourished by a mutual longing for a brand that transcended basic design – one that would carry the legacy of timeless American craftsmanship yet feel universally relevant.
Together, they founded ARCHIVISM to add another name to the marketplace and offer a distinctive voice. This voice could resonate with those who seek more than aesthetics and appreciate the purpose and meaning in every curve, joint, and texture—in creating ARCHIVISM, Benjamin Gaffney and Christopher Hardy shared a vision: a brand immersed in craft, integrity, and thoughtful design yet grounded in a contemporary ethos that spoke to today’s ever-evolving landscape.
Christopher Hardy and Benjamin Gaffney
ARCHIVISM Pryn Table
For Benjamin and Christopher, being “American Made” embodies accessibility, environmental responsibility, speed, and a commitment to the community. They’re inspired by the American ability to create at pace while maintaining quality, honoring regional craftspeople, and integrating design with values that transcend trends. This distinction, they believe, separates them from their European counterparts and gives ARCHIVISM a unique place in the world of high-end furniture. It’s a brand finely attuned to the intricacies of global design, embracing diverse cultural influences to elevate its offerings while staying true to an American identity. This isn’t a juxtaposition; it’s a combination that ARCHIVISM achieves through intentional partnerships with international studios like Norm Architects. Together, they craft stories that reverberate with cultural depth and historical awareness.
Take, for instance, Chris’s approach to the Elmyr Dining Table. For him, the beauty lies in simplicity, in unassuming yet deliberate connections. The Elmyr is not a monolith; it’s a dance between strength and elegance, a composition where every component enhances the table’s understated magnificence. Similarly, the Pryn Occasional Tables pay homage to the mid-century Danish designs that inspired Chris from a young age – pieces that carry with them the spirit of his grandparents’ home, imbuing ARCHIVISM’s designs with a quiet nostalgia reimagined for today.
As ARCHIVISM scales, Benjamin and Christopher face the challenge of rapid evolution in the furniture and interior design markets. For Ben, speed is crucial – their eight-week lead time is a triumph of efficiency. This isn’t just about logistics; it’s about providing a valuable edge to their clients, particularly interior designers and commercial clients seeking beauty and reliability in equal measure. Yet, even with ARCHIVISM’s streamlined processes, there’s a purity in how they approach design. They work with honesty, letting the materials speak, letting the craft breathe.
For Ben and Chris, purity means staying true to the brand’s core—the freedom to design without compromise, trust their collaborators’ vision, and give each piece its own story, unaltered by fleeting market demands. They want to ignite conversations around concepts and lifestyles, not just products. To cultivate this cultural dimension, ARCHIVISM plans to produce editorial content that delves into design philosophies and personal stories, building bridges between the brand and a community that values authenticity and thoughtfulness.
ARCHIVISM Fane Book Stand
As ARCHIVISM grows, so does its ambition to bring new voices into its fold, collaborating with designers who share its dedication to quality and integrity. This collaborative ethos is not just a method; it’s a philosophy. ARCHIVISM envisions a future where design partners gather at annual summits, fostering transparency and collective alignment with its vision. This strategy maintains cohesion without stifling creativity, ensuring that ARCHIVISM’s identity remains consistent.
In their journey, Ben and Chris already understand the challenges and triumphs of creating a lifestyle brand. For Ben, finding the right partner for their upholstery collection was a test of patience and purpose, and the success of securing a partner aligned with their vision was no small feat. Every choice and collaboration is a carefully considered step forward in building ARCHIVISM’s legacy.
When asked to select a piece that encapsulates the essence of architecture, Chris points to Edda Credenza from Norm Architects. To him, this credenza embodies collaboration—a beautiful outcome guided by architecture’s direction yet infused with Norm Architects' distinct voice. It is a statement piece, yet it carries quiet confidence, a testament to architecture's respect for design integrity.
In ARCHIVISM, Benjamin Gaffney and Christopher Hardy have created a world that embraces heritage and modernity, where the past and present coexist beautifully, and design reflects purpose, vision, and human connection.
