Custom leather source Design NS expanding operations into Dallas
By Joan Gunin -- Furniture Today, March 26, 2007
Boca Raton, Fla. — Design NS, a family-owned, high-end custom leather upholstery maker, has expanded its manufacturing operation and showroom with a second facility in Dallas.
Based in Boca since 1989, the company chose to expand in Texas for logistical reasons.
"It's a large, growing market and a central location for us," said Vice President Kai Makela, who represents the fifth generation of a family of Finnish furniture makers. "Logistically, it is better for us in terms of shipping cross-country."
Opened earlier this year, the north Dallas facility is similar in size to the 35,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Boca Raton. Both sites feature attached showrooms, which are open to the trade only.
"This is for professional stores and clients and interior designers who want to use our products," Makela said.
Ground is set to be broken this summer on a 15,000-square-foot addition to the Florida site.
Design NS specializes in aniline-dyed full-grain leathers. The company uses hardwood frames, high-density foam and a sinuous coil spring seating system.
"We are a full custom house, using the highest quality upholstery leathers from around the world," Makela said. "Our expertise is high end. We specialize in everything,"
The sofa, chair, loveseat, sectional, sleeper and ottoman frames — all designed in-house — feature traditional and transitional looks, in addition to the contemporary designs associated with Scandinavia.
Retail prices for sofas start at $1,999.
Each custom order is manufactured and delivered within three weeks, Makela said.
About half of the business is derived from designers, with the balance from independents and some high-end chains.
The company has a national sales force and exhibits at regional shows, such as those organized by Karel Exposition Management and ASID.
Design NS expects to open a showroom in Las Vegas.
Makela co-owns the company with his father, Aki Makela, who serves as president.
The corporate Web site is www.designns.com
