Sophie Gelinet and Cédric Gepner never formally studied furniture design. They started their firm Haos in 2017 with a single lamp, handcrafted in concentric forms from ceramic, brass and blown glass. “We knew nothing about the materials,” says Gepner, “but the research for this and the process of digging deeper into works of other designers saw our interest morph into a passion.” The lamp became the basis for a collection, which led to the creation of Haos. This openly curious approach has served the couple well, as their influences shift in response to the challenges they encounter. “Our ideas of what’s beautiful is always changing,” Gepner says. “For example, for a long time we didn’t really relate to the work of Donald Judd, but then two years ago it resonated with what we were asking ourselves.” Judd’s rigorous approach reverberates in Haos’s third collection, which includes a solid French oak armchair, Japanese-paper lighting and a cherry wood bench. The offering reflects a shift toward minimalism, while fortifying the designers’ appreciation for raw materials and their penchant for reworking form until it’s just right. “One of the hardest things is knowing when to stop,” says Gepner.