Pressroom

Coast Collective is a platform designed to solve a simple problem: connecting interior dreamers with independent makers on the California coast. From the onset, we at Coast imagined creating a space that is different by design—a space that leans into the artisan as both a designer and a maker. The result is a uniquely curated body of work that centers on craftsmanship. Our commitment to regularly releasing new collections throughout the year ensures a constant evolution of creativity and quality.

Slow Furniture, ready to go.

Exhibitions

For the past two years, Coast Collective has partnered with TC Space gallery to showcase our collections to the public. Curated by the talented Meredith Frederick of TC Space, these exhibitions provide a platform for our artisans to explore and express their creativity.

The most recent exhibition was inspired by the organic forms found in nature, with each artisan interpreting this theme through their own lens. The result is a collection of imaginative works that received a warm and enthusiastic response from the community. This collection is now available online in the Coast Collective shop, allowing a broader audience to experience these one-of-a-kind pieces.

Founded by Erin Irber

Coast Collective, a space where independent makers can exhibit and sell their creative work, was founded by Erin Irber. Erin is a recognized and award-winning designer in the fine furniture industry. After initially working in communications for non-profit organizations in Silicon Valley, Erin hungered to take a more creative direction. As an alumna of the renowned Krenov School of fine furniture, she continued to refine her craft through jobs in various architectural cabinetry shops, working alongside some of the finest makers on the West Coast. However, Erin's true passion lies in bringing more attention to the craft and providing a platform for Coast Collective artisans to showcase their creative work. To learn more about Erin and her background, visit her bio.

Artisan Feature: Laura Mays

Laura Mays has an architectural degree from the University College of Dublin. She remains fascinated not only with thought provoking furniture, but also with how it interacts with the room where it’s placed.

“Look to your material and try to take stewardship of it. Ultimately we have a set number of trees on this planet that we need to utilize carefully, with care and attention.” — LM

FAQs

  • For a long time now, it has felt like there’s a disconnect between the world of fine furniture makers, and the people who aspire to collect fine furniture. So we created Coast to close this exact gap. We’re here to connect interior designers, collectors with the most talented woodworkers in Northern California.

  • We’ve always believed that the quality of furniture outweighs bargain prices or convenience. Thankfully, there is starting to be a shift in this direction—people no longer want to buy cheap furniture that falls apart after a few years. There’s a new desire to source out talented makers who produce furniture that will last longer than any of us. Furniture with a story that resonates and fulfills aspirations for individual uniqueness. That’s why we’re here. We’re a resource buyers can easily find, trust and purchase ready-made furniture from.

  • Coast Collective is bigger than just one specific style. We prefer to hold value in meticulous attention to detail and impressive craft skills. As long as those boxes get ticked, then we give our artisans the freedom to express whatever style captures their imagination. The work is better for it.

  • We think that a home should be filled with objects that give meaning. We choose our artisans based on this ethos. Each artisan finds their own wonderful balance between design, construction techniques and the talent to execute them meticulously. We choose a range of aesthetics to add dimension to each collection; from quiet and traditional to sculptural and maximalist works.

  • Yes, we do. You can simply get in touch with us, and we’ll connect you with the right artisan for the task.

  • Coast Collective was created in Fort Bragg, CA and our artisans are currently located across California. We ship to the contiguous 48 United States.

  • At Coast Collective, we offer several ways to acquire our handcrafted furniture:

    • Ready-to-Ship Inventory: Explore our online shop for a selection of handcrafted pieces that are immediately available for purchase and ready to ship.

    • Made-to-Order Designs: Choose from a range of designs that are made to order. These pieces are crafted to our high standards but are not customizable.

    • Commission Work: Work directly with one of our skilled artisans to design a unique piece tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

    Whether you select from our ready-to-ship inventory, opt for a made-to-order design, or engage in a custom commission, we ensure exceptional craftsmanship and personalized service.

Artisan Feature: Bruce Hart

Educated in forestry management. Bruce Hart enjoys a deeper connection with his material than most—selecting and milling wood for future projects as it grows in the woodlands around his home town in Grass Valley, CA.

“Madrone is probably my favorite wood. I have developed a consistent method of drying it that yields a high percentage of usable material. California bay laurel and claro walnut are pretty nice too.” — BH

Awards & Recognition

    • 2021: Madrone bench featured in Architectural Digest

    • ‘I Dunno, I’m here’ - Stevens Point Sculpture Park permanent collection

    • 2021: Artistry in Wood, Sonoma County Museum—Award of Excellence

    • 2017: Artistry in Wood, Sonoma County Museum—Best of Show

    • 2022: Keynote Speaker—Tradition in Transition: Great Chair Design, National Museum of Ireland

    • 2020: Co-curator—Making a Seat at the Table: Women Transform Woodworking, Center for Art in Wood

    • 2016: Profile feature chapter in Good Clean Fun by Nick Offerman

    • 2006: Cabinet-on-Stand: National Museum of Ireland permanent collection

    • 2020: Making a Seat at the Table: Women Transform Woodworking, Center for Art in Wood

    • 2019: Leave a Light On, Wharton Esherick Museum

    • 2021: SIT Furniture Design Award—Honorable Mention in Stool

    • 2020: Making a Seat at the Table: Women Transform Woodworking, Center for Art in Wood

    • 2020: Display cabinet featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine

    • 2018: Sapele table featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine

    • 2019: Walnut desk featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine

    • 2018: Cabinet-on-Stand featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine

    • 2018: Artistry in Wood, Sonoma County Museum—Best of Show

Artisan Feature: Jodie Prud’homme

Jodie Prud’homme works as a successful engineer in San Francisco and makes furniture part time at her studio in the Dogpatch area of the city.

“I’m inspired by humor, play, a gentle teasing of one’s expectations. As well as my fascination with our built environment and a personal enjoyment of technical challenges. To name just a few things.” — JP