OUR HISTORY
1977
Chair A is born
Cristián Valdés began playing tennis at the age of 45 with a Dunlop Maxply laminated wood racket, which he found aesthetically appealing as well as functional. It was then that he realized that lamination technology could be used to manufacture furniture more efficiently, taking advantage of its structural characteristics and efficient use of wood. Thus, after countless tests and prototypes, he managed to solve the structural problem and master the lamination technique, thus giving birth to the iconic Chair A. This was the precursor to Chair B and Armchair H, designed that same year.
1978
Providencia Club Cafeteria
With Chair A, Chair B, and Armchair H as initial pieces, Cristián Valdés brought his first furniture project to life: the Club Providencia. In this space, he also designed a series of tables that complemented his design. This project marked a fundamental milestone, serving as the starting point for his furniture line to achieve recognition and position itself among the most distinguished circles of Chilean society.
1987
Pope John Paul II at the National Stadium
When Pope John Paul II visited Chile in 1987 and gave his historic speech at the National Stadium, he was offered several chair options for the event. He chose Chair B, unbeknownst to Cristián Valdés. It was a surprise to him to see it occupied by the Pontiff on live television. This had a huge impact, increasing interest in Chair B and generating unexpected but valuable promotion for its furniture.
1994
Natural History Museum of Paris
After their participation in the Milan Furniture Fair, an architect, a friend of the director of the Natural History Museum in Paris, visited their stand and was amazed by the chairs. A week later, he contacted them to invite them to the museum and evaluate how they would fit into the space. This led to their first major international sale: more than 200 chairs acquired by the museum, which had to be manufactured in Chile upon their return. This milestone marked the beginning of their presence in the European market, attracting the attention of renowned architects who subsequently contacted them for various projects.
1995
Architectural Digest Magazine: "H Chair Among the 4 Best Designs in the World"
In 1995, Larry Yaw wrote in an article in Architectural Digest magazine that he considered Cristián Valdés's H Chair an extraordinary design, ranking it among the four best armchairs in the world. His words were widely appreciated in architectural circles, both in Chile and internationally, leading to the chair being incorporated into numerous iconic projects.
2008
National Architecture Award
In 2008, Cristián Valdés received the National Architecture Award from the Chilean College of Architects, which he considered an "absolute surprise." The award came after the publication of a book dedicated to his work called "The Measure of Architecture" by Sandra Iturriaga, a compilation of his works; pieces characterized by their uniqueness and always based on "observation," including his furniture.
2014
London Design Festival
Together with Bravo! and Celebra Design studios, Cristián Valdés presented his work at the Chilean stand at the London Design Festival's Design Junction, a renowned event showcasing the work of multiple studios from around the world.
2019
Alexander McQueen Contract
Renowned architect Smiljan Radic, creator of international works such as the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, was selected by Alexander McQueen to design its stores around the world. For this project, Radic chose the H Chair as part of the furniture, which led to the signing of a contract stipulating that each of the brand's stores must feature Cristián Valdés furniture. With this collaboration, Cristián Valdés achieved a presence in the luxury districts of the most important cities in the world, such as London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and New York.
2023
MoMA - Crafting Modernity: Design in Latin America
The Museum of Modern Art in New York included Chair A in the exhibition Crafting Modernity: Design in Latin America 1940–1980 , highlighting it as part of the legacy of Latin American design during a period of profound change in the region. The differing visions of design and the complex political and cultural conflicts of the time gave rise to a variety of pieces that shaped the history of design in Latin America, including furniture by Cristián Valdés.
2024
New Ground Floor Apartment
After nearly five decades of legacy and continuous improvement of his furniture, Cristián Valdés continues to design new pieces with his signature style. The latest of these is the Piso PB.
