The Otto Sofa brings a strong architectural sensibility to upholstered furniture, defined by its rectangular arms, reclined seat, and low-slung profile. Its proportions give the piece a distinct rigidity, creating a challenge in translating the original concept into a fully upholstered form without losing the clarity of its geometry.

Vivian led the structural engineering and proportion development, working through the construction details needed to balance the sofa’s firm silhouette with the demands of upholstery. Its freestanding, non-directional design required equal consideration from every angle, with the back treated as an integral part of the overall composition rather than an afterthought.

To carry the design through to production, Vivian developed upholstery seam diagrams specifying French seams throughout, with double-stitch detailing for the leather version. These decisions preserve the Otto’s tailored character, allowing its architectural lines to remain legible in both fabric and leather.