British born industrial designer Benjamin Hubert may be under 30 (which explains his fresh ideas) but his designs are far from being sophomoric. Since graduating in 2006 and opening his studio in 2007, this talented up-and-coming designer has won innumerable design awards and has an enviable roster of clients including Aram and Casamania.

One my favorite designs is his Maritime Chair manufactured and distributed by the Italian firm Casamania. The gently steam-bent plywood and solid oak chair is inspired in its construction by traditional boat-making techniques.  The beauty of the design lies in an understated elegance, timeless sophistication and superb craftsmanship, which while rooted in tradition is sooooo now. The chair comes in natural oak (as photographed) and in an array of subdued colors. Superstar!