The Utility Collective is a collaboration between San Francisco-based Eric Pfeiffer (a founding designer at Offi) and Steve Piccus (a brand expert), who call themselves "design nerds." Their mission is straightforward: "To bring intelligent, well-made products to market and share how they are designed and made. Much like devotees of local farmer's markets who want to know where their carrots and broccoli are grown, we think it's time the public knows the story about a few of the nonedible objects in their daily lives."
We especially like the duo's Mix Boxes, a set of six variously sized birch boxes that allow you the freedom to create your own shelving configuration. Each Mix Box Set is "conceived, made, and delivered from within the US."
Above: The Mix Boxes set is $650 at Velocity Art and Design.
Above: Note the joinery detail.
Above: Boxes can be used solo as side tables.