We are material-based designers striving to maximize the natural features and strengths of responsibly sourced material to design and build bespoke furnishings, lighting, objects and special projects. With a focus on sustainability, and an eye to material, process, and craftsmanship, we create custom works and limited edition pieces from our downtown Toronto workshop/studio.
Brothers Dressler use local, reclaimed, found, ecologically friendly and responsibly harvested materials, working to promote a return to local manufacturing and resources. Our design process uses as much of each material as possible, giving cut-offs and waste streams new life as creative new products. As fine craft furniture makers specializing in sustainable design it is our purpose to make furniture that offers the opportunity for the conscious consumer to purchase goods that affect positive change.
Furniture is ubiquitous and will continually be produced. We hope to encourage a different way of looking at furniture acquisition, being conscious of where the materials come from and their stories, how objects are made and the design and long-life durability of a piece. The focus of our work is to use effective design to inspire a change in how we look at the objects that surround us, both those that we consider waste and those we preserve and care for.
As part of our sustainability imperative we embrace opportunities to partner with like-minded non-profit organizations in order to have a positive impact on our community, as well as promote and engage in thoughtful discussion on environmental and sustainability issues. We also seek opportunities to share our vision with students pursuing art, architecture and design. We’ve recently worked with Story Planet on their Intergalactic Travel Authority as well as OCAD U along with past works with Evergreen Brickworks, PARC (Parkdale Activity- Recreation Centre), Shorefast Foundation, The DX (Design Exchange), The Furniture Bank, Sheridan School of Crafts and Design, the University of Lethbridge, the Univer- sity of Toronto School of Architecture & Design, Ryerson University’s Interior Design Faculty and the YMCA. Some of our other clients include Lululemon, Anthropologie, Pixar, Burton Snowboards, Soma Chocolate as well as restaurants Canoe, Boehmer, North of Brooklyn, Ortolan, Archive and Aft.
Photo by seed9
GREEN ATTRIBUTES
Brothers Dressler incorporate the following environmentally sustainable attributes into design and manufacture wherever possible:
• Economical use of materials
• Waste stream recovery
• Salvaged and reclaimed wood
• Responsibly harvested wood
• Salvaged iron and hardware
• Found objects
• Low-watt compact fluorescent
bulbs and LED lighting
• All natural stain
• Hemp oil finish
• Water-based lacquer finish
• Locally made beeswax finish
• Flat packs (for reduced shipping
footprint)
• Modularity and flexibility for
increased lifespan
• Objects which can be completely
dismantled into their component
parts