KE-ZU Master Upholster Michael Jenx recently visited the Bernhardt Design factories in Lenoir, North Carolina, to view the techniques that enables KE-ZU to produce a select range of seating locally. This local production means KE-ZU can now deliver with shorter leads time, reducing sixteen weeks to four weeks while retaining the same exceptional quality. Michael spent several days touring the facilities and viewing the intricacies of Bernhardt Design’s upholstery process. With his 35-plus years of experience as a Master Upholsterer, the continuity and of Bernhardt Design’s products is guaranteed. “It was great to see their techniques and to assure them their products would be made to the same design and quality,” says Michael. Chantal and Chloe are two versatile and ergonomic chairs with upholstered shells and cushioned seats. They are available with three base options – tapered cast aluminium base, minimal round tube base and five-star swivel base with casters – and can be used as companion pieces in a variety of settings. Chiara and Canelle are lounge chairs. Chiara has open, generous form, while Canelle is more upright and sculptural, and features intricate saddle stitching on the interior and exterior of the shell as well as topstitching around the perimeter. The modular Neighborhood and Colours collections provide flexible seating solutions for workplace and hospitality settings. The modular pieces can be assembled in various configurations to suit the purpose and space. Neighborhood includes high-backed and low-backed seats, and Colours has organic shapes with soft curves and saddle-stitch detailing. Also produced locally are the Diego and Mitt mobile lounge chairs with strong silhouettes and fully upholstered forms. Oslo is a sleek arm chair with a low-slung fabric seat wrapped around a solid walnut frame, and Apel is a family of fully upholstered ottomans that complement many of the Bernhardt pieces. For more information about Bernhardt Design seating produced locally, drop by the KE-ZU showroom at Alexandria.