Charles and Ray Eames were American designers who revolutionized 20th-century furniture, industrial design, and architecture. They began their collaborative career in 1941 after meeting at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. The Eames are known for their innovation with new materials and technologies in furniture design. Their iconic works include the Moulded Plywood series (1946), the classic Lounge Chair (1956), and the Aluminum Group and Soft Pad series office chairs (1958). The Eames' designs emphasize ergonomics, versatility, and innovation, earning them a permanent place in major museums and archive collections worldwide.

Upholstery: Custom selection of premium Italian aniline leather, suede, or other upholstery from Archetype Forms

Backrest & Seat: Sewn-on cushions over a stretched sling

Cushion Padding: High-density polyurethane foam

Frame:

• Armrest Design: Integrated armrests provide additional support and comfort during extended periods of use, making it ideal for office settings and focused work environments.
• Die-cast aluminum in chrome, finished, or powder-coated custom selection

Seat Mechanism:

• Adjustable backward tilt, lockable
• Tilt tension adjustment
• Pneumatic continuous seat height adjustment

Base: Five-star swivel die-cast aluminum in chrome, polished, matte, or powder-coated custom selection

Base Options:

• Glides: Hard feet for carpet; optional felt for hard floors
• Castors: Hard wheels for carpet; optional soft for hard floors

Archetype Forms Soft Pad Executive Armchair

Executive Height Design: Features a taller backrest compared to the management model, providing enhanced support for the upper back and shoulders during extended periods of use.

History and Design Significance:

Originally introduced in 1969, the Soft Pad Executive Armchair was an evolution of Charles & Ray Eames’ ground-breaking Aluminum Group chairs from 1958.

The Soft Pad series retains the Aluminum Group’s innovative suspension system, with its stretched sling of fabric or leather between aluminum ribs, but adds padded cushions for increased comfort. This approach provides a more luxurious seating option without sacrificing the minimalist aesthetic of the original design.

The executive-height armchair was designed to provide greater support with its higher backrest while incorporating features such as tilt functionality, pneumatic height adjustment, and castors for adaptability in modern workspaces. The armchair’s individually sewn, padded cushions are fixed to the one-piece sling, maintaining a firm yet flexible “sitting pocket” that conforms to the body for prolonged comfort.

The Soft Pad series adheres to the Eameses’ philosophy of exploring how new materials and construction methods could redefine modern furniture. By blending comfort, adaptability, and functional design, the Soft Pad Executive Armchair became an enduring classic, included in the permanent collections of museums such as MoMA and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Key Features:

Historical Significance: Faithful reproduction of the original Soft Pad Executive Armchair by Charles & Ray Eames, introduced in 1969 as part of their evolution from the Aluminum Group chairs.

Enhanced Comfort: High-density foam padding sewn onto the suspended sling provides long-term comfort while retaining a clean, minimalist appearance.

Executive Height Design: Taller backrest for upper body support, tailored to executive workspaces or professional settings.

Custom Options: Upholstery, finishes, and base customizations available to suit a variety of interiors.

Tilt & Height Adjustability: Adjustable backward tilt, lockable tilt, and pneumatic height adjustment for personalized comfort.

Mobility Options: Available on castors for mobility or with glides for fixed placement.

Shop the Soft Pad Executive Armchair by Archetype Forms, based on Charles & Ray Eames’ 1969 design, online in Canada and the USA. For alternative models, explore the Soft Pad Management Armchair, the complete Soft Pad Office Chair series or the Aluminum Group Chairs.