BOSS DESIGN SCULPTS COMFORT AND CONNECTION
Boss Design introduces Beau, a modular seating system defined by its generously soft form and a comfort-first design ethos. Designed to be sat into rather than simply on, the sofa invites users to relax, connect, and collaborate across a variety of interior settings — from the workplace and hospitality to education and retail environments. Oversized, cushiony, and tactile, Beau’s organic silhouette offers a visual softness that echoes its physical comfort. With units that wrap and flow around a space, the system enables designers to compose furniture landscapes that feel expansive yet intimate.
‘A lot of furniture is designed for us to sit ‘on’, but our ambition with Beau was always to create something people can relax ‘into’ – seating so soft and relaxed that it moulds to the form of the sitter and makes them feel like they are at one with the piece,’ says Aaron Clarkson, Beau’s lead designer.
soft, sculptural forms define the Beau modular seating system by Boss Design | all images courtesy of Boss Design
A 25-YEAR LEGACY OF DESIGN THAT FEELS GOOD
Beau continues Boss Design’s long-standing mission to transform everyday spaces into environments that are both purposeful and inviting. Founded in 1983, the British brand has grown to manufacture in eight countries across five continents, supporting projects for clients such as BT, British Airways, Jaguar Land Rover, and NatWest. With a focus on craftsmanship and longevity, Boss Design’s portfolio embraces forms that are tactile, adaptable, and aesthetically understated. The launch of Beau perfectly encapsulates this legacy, demonstrating the company’s ongoing drive to redefine comfort and functionality, ensuring that every piece contributes positively to the user’s well-being and the overall spatial dynamic.
Beau’s generous curves bring comfort and cohesion to open-plan interiors
A COMFORT-FIRST DESIGN PROCESS DEFINES BEAU’S MODULAR SEATING
The creation of Beau was an ambitious undertaking, rooted in a comfort-forward design process. As lead designer Aaron Clarkson explained, the goal was never to create typical contract furniture that people sit on, but rather something so soft and cushiony that users could truly relax into. To achieve this level of comfort, the design team embarked on an intensive experimental journey.
A custom-built, adjustable plywood jig became their indispensable tool, allowing them to rigorously test countless combinations of suspension and foam. Layers of foam, varying in material, density, and thickness, were trialed repeatedly until the ‘perfect sit’ was achieved. Working through dozens of configurations, they assessed comfort using intuitive, human feedback — specifically looking for that unmistakable “ooh” or “ahh” response that signals full-body ease.
modular configurations of Beau encourage conversation and connection
The final construction combines a serpentine sprung seat, a webbed backrest, and precision-cut layers of foam mounted on a traditional plywood frame. The result is a deep, resilient sit that molds to the user and reliably returns to shape. Only then, with the internal structure perfected, did the aesthetic development of Beau begin. The design, as described by design director Mark Barrell, is ‘sculpted rather than engineered,’ taking inspiration from the gentle, rounded softness of ‘dough rising and overspilling the pan.’
sculpted like dough, Beau’s oversized shapes convey softness at a glance
The modular system includes a wide array of components — from single and two-seat units to sitting chaises, benches, end arms, end tables, and a 120-degree corner module. The latter allows for fluid layouts that open up space and encourage informal conversation, particularly when arranged around a central table. Optional charging points integrated into the tables also support digital connectivity.
Upholstered in textured fabrics such as bouclé or twill weave, Beau’s expansive surfaces offer a visual calm that makes space for other statement pieces. Used alongside designs like Remi or Amelia, it creates layered interiors where form, tactility, and function converge to support comfort at every level — from first glance to full recline.
designed for sitting ‘into’, not just ‘on’
a system of benches, chaises, corners and tables form seating landscapes with Beau
the 120-degree corner unit introduces flow and flexibility to modular layouts
tactile fabrics like bouclé enhance Beau’s sensory appeal
Beau continues boss design’s language of organic, comfort-forward furniture
project info:
name: Beau
brand: Boss Design | @wearebossdesign
designer: Aaron Clarkson
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