About Our Studio

Founders Sandor and Jackelyn Pratt

Who We Are

“North Forty” is a Midwestern expression for a place far beyond the familiar—wide open, full of possibility. At North Forty Studio, that’s exactly where we thrive. To us, it represents a space free from convention, where exploration, curiosity, and craft guide every decision.

Since 2007, founders Sandor and Jackelyn Pratt have built North Forty around this ethos, creating award‑winning furniture, products, spaces, and experiences rooted in natural materials and a distinctive balance of form and function—all made here in the USA. Our work is shaped by research, material exploration, experimentation, and a deep respect for both traditional and contemporary craft. Most importantly, we live and work as a family every day, and we hope the joy we find in this way of working finds its way into your home. 

What Custom Really Means

We offer a truly custom experience. If your project calls for meticulous attention to detail, rare materials, innovative processes, bold design, or distinctive finishes, this is where we excel. Let us help you curate an unforgettable, one‑of‑one piece.

Responsible Materials and Methods

We are committed to using the finest sustainable materials available. Our wood is sourced from FSC‑certified forests or harvested locally, we incorporate recycled plastics, and every piece is manufactured in our own U.S. facilities. We design with intention—leveraging the natural constraints of our materials to minimize waste and maximize yield.

Our Story

Founders, Sandor and Jackelyn Pratt are both from a small town in Northern Wisconsin, a place and childhood that continues to provide inspiration for our practice.

Before founding North Forty, Sandor studied Furniture Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design and later earned a B.S. in Environmental Design from Art Center College of Design. Jackelyn earned her B.S. in Biotechnology and Chemistry from Cal State Northridge. After graduation, the two found a creative home in a 1920s industrial building in Los Angeles, where they combined their talents to form North Forty Design.

The studio grew through the execution of complex custom projects for private residences—from finely detailed accessories to heirloom furniture to full interior architectural commissions. These projects allowed us to explore both traditional and innovative materials in unexpected ways, cultivating a deep relationship between material, method, and maker. Over time, North Forty became known for a distinctive approach to craft and technique, and for creating objects that are unique, livable, and enduring—never driven by trend.

The birth of our son in 2010 and daughter in 2011 expanded our perspective as designers. Our Playforms line, launched in 2013, introduced a new approach to children’s products—prioritizing safety, durability, sustainability, and imaginative play.

In 2015, with the arrival of our third child, we returned to the Midwest and expanded into a new facility in rural Minnesota, not far from where our story began.

Awards and Recognition

Our work lives quietly in exceptional spaces across the country—from luxury residences and celebrity homes to high‑end commercial interiors and private‑label collections. Our pieces have been featured in Interior Design Magazine, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, New England Home, DWELL, Martha Stewart Living, Homes & Gardens, Metropolitan Home, and more.

North Forty’s own award‑winning designs include:

• Framehouse, our open‑ended children’s structure, awarded Best New Product at Dwell on Design 2013.

• Camber Chair for Bernhardt Design, group winner of Best of the Year from Interior Design Magazine.

• Stria Chair, awarded Best in Show in the national IWF Design Emphasis competition.

• A collaborative project utilizing reclaimed Hurricane Katrina materials and local New Orleans labor, featured at the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum.