LOS ANDES

Drawing on the inspiration of the lush landscapes and natural elements of the Andes Mountain Range, young Chilean designer Ignacia Murtagh translates the South American landscape into furniture for Bernhardt Design. Nature and modern design takes shape in the solid walnut Los Andes collection. The raised rim mimics the peaks and plateaus of the rugged mountains in Chile. The Los Andes Collection, consisting of one low coffee table and two side tables, will be available this spring from Bernhardt Design. "This project was inspired by the magnificence of the Andes Mountains that are strong and imposing but at the same time elegant and slender," said Murtagh. "To create these tables, I considered the height, angles, smoothness and sharpness of the mountains and translated them into furniture pieces: tables turned into Landscape." Murtagh earned her bachelor's degree in design at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Following graduation, Murtagh continued her education at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Furniture Design and the Royal College of Art in London in Ceramic Design Post Experience Program. Upon completing the program, Murtagh interned with the Royal Crown Derby, a bone china manufacture in Derby, UK. Murtagh's background in ceramic and furniture design played to her abilities of working with different mediums. "Every material has its own sensuality," Murtagh shared. "Ceramic is a malleable material which you can accomplish complex designs; wood is unique with its grain colors and textures." With each design Murtagh demonstrates clear cultural influence advanced by modern times and needs. A long-standing priority of Bernhardt Design is to give opportunities to young emerging designers. When Jerry Helling, President of Bernhardt Design, met Murtagh at the London Design Festival in 2013 he knew he found an inspiring young talent. At the festival Murtagh showcased her first iteration of the Los Andes table using ceramics as the primary material. Throughout the following year, the pair worked closely together sharing ideas, sketches and models to translate the table into solid walnut to represent the heritage of Bernhardt Design.