Like many startups, the idea for Opendesk started with a problem. A few years ago, Nick Ierodiaconou, James Arthur, and Joni Steiner—at the time, the architects behind London-based firm Architecture 00—were working with a client who had offices in both London and New York. The architects had just struck a big deal: The clients were so pleased with the locally sourced desks in the London office, they wanted the same ones in the offices stateside. The problem was getting them there affordably. Wouldn't it be easier, they reasoned, if we could just send the design files digitally to a local maker, instead of shipping the actual objects?
This Startup Is Betting On Local, Made-To-Order Furniture—Delivered In A Flash