Philippe Nigro designs JOSEPH armchair for Wittmann

The club armchair has long occupied a singular position in the history of interior design, evolving across decades while retaining its recognisable presence. With JOSEPH, Philippe Nigro revisits this typology not as a static object, but as a mobile and adaptable piece suited to contemporary living and working environments. Developed with Austrian manufacturer Wittmann, the chair shifts away from the idea of permanence, proposing instead a form that can move fluidly through space, ready to respond to changing uses.

Rather than repeating the deep buttoning or quilted finishes traditionally associated with club chairs, JOSEPH establishes a dialogue between heritage and reduction. A soft, smooth seat and backrest are enclosed within a structured upholstered shell that extends to form the armrests. This outer layer is defined by a precise gridded quilting, referencing the ornamental language of the Secession movement while setting the proportions of the piece.

The contrast between the rigorous geometry of the shell and the inviting softness of the seat is central to the design. Internally, a pocket spring core combined with a polymousse structure ensures a high level of comfort, aligning tactile experience with visual clarity.

The execution of JOSEPH relies on an exacting level of craftsmanship. The quilted shell, in particular, demands absolute precision, where even minor deviations would disrupt the overall composition. Wittmann’s expertise is evident in the alignment of seams, the consistency of stitching, and the integration of materials across the chair’s surfaces. The result is a piece where construction and ornament are inseparable.

JOSEPH is conceived as a platform for material exploration. Upholstery can be configured in combinations of leather and fabric across interior and exterior surfaces, allowing for subtle or contrasting expressions depending on context. This flexibility extends to its function. Positioned between an armchair and a dining chair, it adapts equally to domestic interiors and professional settings.

The inclusion of discreet or visible castors further reinforces its mobility, enabling the chair to transition seamlessly between dining tables, meeting rooms, and informal lounge spaces.

Founded in Austria and now in its fifth generation, Wittmann continues to position craftsmanship at the core of its practice. For more than a century, the company has developed upholstered furniture through a synthesis of traditional handcraft and contemporary design thinking. Collaborations with international designers such as Philippe Nigro reflect an ongoing commitment to experimentation, material refinement, and precision manufacturing.

With JOSEPH, this legacy is expressed through a piece that balances formal restraint with tactile richness, extending the lineage of the club chair into a more fluid and adaptable present.

Project credit

Product name: JOSEPH armchair
Designer: Philippe Nigro / @philippenigro
Manufacturer: Wittmann Möbelwerkstätten GmbH
Location: Etsdorf am Kamp, Austria
Dimensions: 69 x 62 x 78 cm
Seat height: 50 cm
Armrest height: 62 cm