North Carolina-based contract furniture company Here Now introduces Tate, a new modular seating system produced to support users’ well-being in public spaces. “Tate was conceptualized during the pandemic when I was thinking about social distancing,” says Justin Champaign, founder and creative partner.

A modern seating arrangement with two green upholstered benches, two matching round stools, and a light wooden oval table.

The idea sat on the shelf as the team focused on other projects, but Champaign decided to revisit Tate when clients noted that privacy and wellness were key concerns. He looked at a variety of public spaces and was particularly inspired by the High Line. Built on an elevated rail line, this Manhattan park has more than 230 benches and seating areas. With plenty of space on each, two people will usually sit on opposite ends, which offers a sense of connection while still maintaining a level of personal comfort. Tate provides the same kind of form and function for indoor environments, from offices to hospitality spaces.

Curved teal upholstered seating with a light wood round side table placed between the seat sections, on a white background.

Tate is a designer’s kit of parts that includes cushions, base beams, and tables that snap together for quick assembly – no tools required. A patent-pending pivot connector allows clients to link, rotate, or reconfigure pieces with ease.

A modular green upholstered seating unit with three rounded seats at different heights and an integrated small round white side table.

A modern furniture set with a light wood oval table, two cylindrical stools, a backless bench, and a curved seat, all upholstered in light pink fabric, on a white background.

There’s no limit to how Tate can be combined or joined. A student might perch on an ottoman in a lecture hall, or colleagues gather on two-seaters mixed and matched in a collaboration zone. Designed with ergonomics in mind, the seating supports various postures, while seat pads that swivel keep bodies in motion during the day.

A modular purple bench with rounded shapes and a small round yellow table on one end, set against a matching purple background.

A modern seating arrangement with two curved, mint-green upholstered benches and a light wood oval table on a matching mint-green leg.

Modular furniture is popular, but typical lounges are often bulky and have too many parts. Tate’s compact footprint allows it to fit in any space or even curve around columns. Units placed back-to-back are suitable for minimal interaction, and small-group brainstorming sessions are enlivened with side-to-side pairings.

Rectangular and cylindrical objects in orange, beige, and green with round wooden and fabric elements arranged on a white surface.

Seven colorful, minimalist sofa models are arranged on a white background, each with a unique geometric design and varying seat shapes.

Three modern, geometric sofas in shades of orange and beige are arranged on a white background. Each sofa has rounded, segmented cushions and tall, curved backrests.

Made of a plastic frame and foam, the components are not only lightweight, they can also be fully recycled and disassembled. Specifiers may select modules with a high back, low back, or a more casual no-back style. These backs are lower than typical dividers, stopping slightly forward of shoulder height. Individuals are able to view their surroundings without obstruction, which creates a feeling of emotional security. Tate is reminiscent of a picnic table, with benches and a surface in the center. In this updated version, as elements are extended more space is available, accessible to wheelchair users and others with physical limitations.

A modern beige sofa with a high, curved backrest and side panel, designed for privacy and comfort, set against a plain white background.

A modern modular sofa with light green upholstery, featuring curved seats and high backrests arranged in an intersecting design.

A modern, pale pink upholstered sofa with a curved backrest and a geometric, minimalist design set against a white background.

Tate made its official debut at ICFF in New York City last week, winner of an NYCxDESIGN award in the contract lounge seating category. Displayed in a yellow fur upholstery at the show, a complete range of Kvadrat fabrics is on offer via Here Now’s new graded-in textile program. It’s no surprise that Tate is already generating buzz, with its blend of versatility and fun. “When you do the unexpected with furniture like Tate, it creates moments of delight,” Champaign notes. “That can seem like a small thing, but it has so much impact.”

Two dark green upholstered benches facing each other with a light wood oval table between them, set against a plain white background.

A row of modern beige booth seating with round tables and curved chairs arranged against a plain white background.

A set of orange, rectangular and circular objects arranged in rows on a white surface, some with black dots and others with smooth surfaces.

For more information on Here Now, visit herenowdesign.com.

Imagery courtesy of Here Now.

Anna Zappia is a New York City-based writer and editor with a passion for textiles, and she can often be found at a fashion exhibit or shopping for more books. Anna writes the Friday Five column, as well as commercial content.

Similar Posts