About Our Studio

Who We Are

‘North Forty’ is a term we use in the Midwest to reference someplace way out there. We, at North Forty Design, thrive in that space. To us its a place full of open possibilities, free from convention and open to exploration. We create furniture, products, spaces, and experiences that strive to honor that idea. Started in 2007 by husband and wife team Sandor and Jackelyn Pratt, North Forty has created award winning designs in natural materials with our unique balance of form and function, always made right here in the USA. Research, material exploration, experimentation, and a deep respect for craftsmanship of old and new guide us in our design process. Most of all, we live and work as a family - every day. We hope the joy and passion we get from working this way can finds its way into your home. 

What can custom really mean?

We can introduce you to a truly custom experience. If your project requires exquisite attention to details, unique materials, innovative processes, bold design and distinctive finishes - we excel in this space. Let us help you to curate an unforgettable one-of-one piece.

Responsible Materials and Methods

We take great care in selecting the finest sustainable materials available to craft our products. All our wood is from FSC certified forests or locally sourced, we use recycled plastics, and our pieces are manufactured 100% in the United States in our own facilities. Further, we are deeply committed to limiting our waste by utilizing the inherent limitations of our materials in the design process to 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.

Prior to forming North Forty, Sandor studied Furniture Design at Savannah College of Art and Design.  He later received his B.S. in Environmental Design from Art Center College of Design.

Jackelyn received her B.S. from Cal State Northridge in Biotechnology and Chemistry. After graduating and finding a creative space in an old 1920’s industrial building in Los Angeles we pooled our talents to create North Forty Design.

North Forty Design grew through the execution of complex custom projects for private homes.  From exquisitely detailed accessories, to one-of-a-kind heirloom furniture pieces, to entire interior architectural projects. Working on custom projects allowed us to explore old and innovative materials alike in unusual ways - developing a unique relationship between material, method and maker.  North Forty has become known for our distinctive approach to material, technique and craft, and for objects that are unique, livable and inviting to use rather than a fleeting interpretation of trend.

Our son was born in 2010 and our daughter in 2011.  Becoming parents expanded our possibilities as designers and brought new challenges and diversity to the practice.  Our Playforms line in 2013 highlighted our exciting new approach to children’s products; focusing not only on safety, durability and sustainability, but also designing creative and imaginative play into these objects.

In 2015 our third child was born, and by the end of the year we had moved our family back to the Midwest and expanded into a new facility in rural Minnesota - not far from where our story began.

Awards and Recognition

Our pieces have been quietly celebrated in living spaces throughout the country - whether residing in luxurious private spaces, inside celebrity homes, throughout high-end commercial interiors, or in the collections of our private label clients. These private commissions have been published in Interior Design Magazine, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, New England Home, DWELL, Martha Stewart Living, Homes and Gardens, Metropolitan Home and more.

North Forty's own award-winning designs includes the children’s open-ended Framehouse, awarded Best New Product at Dwell on Design 2013, the nation’s largest design event. The Camber chair for Bernhardt Design won Best of the Year from Interior Design Magazine. The Stria chair which was awarded Best in Show in the nationwide competition for IWF Design Emphasis. The collaborative work produced from developing a unique manufacturing concept involving local labor in New Orleans and the material recovered from Hurricane Katrina was featured at the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum.