A leading member of what bills itself as the Left Coast, Built is the brainchild of John Sofio, a NY born/LA based architectural designer. We saw Built at ICFF, where we admired the low slung seating and recently tripped into Built's new store on Howard Street, run by John's brother, Greg Sofio, which is a breath of fresh air in NYC.
The style? A warm update on the clean lines of mid-century modern. Imagine Scandinavia crossed with Los Angeles in 1950, and you've got a hip, understated and earthy mix that reads classic while being flexible enough to fit in to many living rooms. There is also furniture, lighting and glassware by other artists from the New York area and California.
Everything is handmade in LA out of solid wood, so prices are not cheap. A low sofa in walnut will run you $5400 as will the low bed. The other sofas run from $2100 to $3500. Pieces also come in cherry and oak, finishes are variable, and service is direct between you and the brother's Sofio.
AT LA says: Interiors for Built are just as special, with clean, classic lines and stark modern ideals.
Update: I managed to get in touch with the Built store in LA, and they seemed very helpful and said they were looking into my chairs to see if they were finished. Their NY showroom has closed and nobodys is there to return calls. So hopefully I will soon see my beautiful chairs. I will let you know when I get them.
Carla Leighton
I read Apartment Therapy's review and on your recommendation purchased 2 slipper chairs in April of 2006. I have made multiple attempts to contact Built Inc to check the status of my chairs and never received any calls back. Today I went to the store in person to follow up, but was shocked to find that the New York showroom was closed. They have full payment and I have no chairs. PLEASE HELP!!!