John G Williams is a craftsman-designer living and working in Johannesburg, South Africa. John mainly designs furniture that features local hardwoods. In 2018 John was an A' Design Award winner for his dining chair - ZENE.

Zene Dining chair by John G Williams Zene dining chair takes its inspiration from indigenous timber and Danish Modern design. The light ash frames are simple and robust and support hardwood seats and backrests that appear to float on the frame. The curved forms of the seat/backrest are not formed by bending the wood but rather by joining and shaping solid hardwood timber. As a series the light ash frames provide cohesion, and different local materials selected for the seat/backrests generate interest and relevance.

Beke Dining Chair by John G Williams Beke means 'peace' and 'to be connected to'. The Beke dining chair design supports an ergonomic and aesthetic sense of peace, and at the same time a sense of connection with the space at the table. The design respects the simplicity of the Danish Modern philosophy, and yet incorporates a shaped solid hardwood seat and back; integrates South African Cape Dutch architectural motifs with a sweeping architectural profile; and uses a clean ash frame to showcase the richness of local and international hardwoods.

Beke Kitchen Bar chair by John G Williams 'Beke' means 'peace' and 'to be connected to'. The Beke kitchen bar chair supports an ergonomic and aesthetic sense of peace, and helps the user to feel connected with the space at the kitchen bar. The chair is designed to be comfortable for extended periods of use, and the geometry of seat, backrest, and footrest are tailored with this in mind. The seat uses a number of interesting construction techniques, including steam bending of the back legs; custom forming of the unique ply seat; and special lamination and shaping of the backrest

Repose Lounge chair by John G Williams The Repose lounge chair takes solid hardwood construction into a new space, with sweeping architectural forms rendered in solid timber that are normally only attempted with pressed laminates. The Repose design is aesthetically striking and intentionally pushes towards the ‘art piece’ end of the spectrum, combining rich surfaces with clean modern curves. The chair is ergonomically designed to support the posture in a comfortable and yet alert manner, encouraging the user to focus their energies - perhaps to "re-pose".

John G Williams

Private Bag X033, suite 170

Gauteng

F: South Africa

John G Williams is IAD member since 2018, with 8087 IAD rating.