Urbancase is a Seattle based furniture design & build firm, founded in 2002 by metal worker and sculptor, Darin Montgomery. Catherine Grisez, Try Jones and Rachel Illingworth round out the partnership that combines artistic experience and design sensibility. Known for innovative techniques and a creative use of materials including wood, metal, ink and resin, Urbancase hand builds each piece in their Seattle workshop.

The design philosophy is to create objects that contribute to a simpler, pared back lifestyle focusing on basic aesthetic elements and functionality. Informed decisions are made about the materials and methods used in an attempt to minimize negative impact on the environment. Each partner brings a unique skill and craft to the table and each have a great sense of pride in creating something fun, functional, good looking and green.

Trey Jones graduated with a BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design in the furniture design program. Since then,  he has been a part of multiple design and art exhibitions including ICFF and Artopia. In 2006 he moved to Seattle and started a furniture design studio.

Rachel Illingworth grew up in Tasmania where she received a BFA from the University of Tasmania. She makes her home in Seattle as an internationally exhibited printmaker. Her work is part of numerous private and public collections. She has a show scheduled for September 2010 at Seattle Art Museum.

Catherine Grisez received her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design from the jewelery and light metals program with an emphasis in holloware. Her holloware sculpture and music boxes have been exhibited nationally and featured in numerous publications. Her work is well recognized for it's level of excellence, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. she recently introduced new sculpture in her show titled "lick" at William Traver Gallery in Seattle, Wa.

Last but not least, founding partner, Darin Montgomery (just sounds like a an old Hollywood moviestar), a third generation craftsman and started the company with the idea of creating furniture and products for small living spaces. Urbancase's products have been featured in the NY Times, Dwell Magazine, Icon magazine and Seattle Homes and Lifestyles among other publications. Aside from furniture, Darin designs interactive urns called the "urn-a-matic". His work has been exhibited nationally and was recently featured in the NY Times and LA Times.

Their 2010 collection was introduced at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in in NYC in May. They have also added a number of new retail locations. For more information about Urbancase or where to buy their product, please visit www.urbancase.com