Skram: Sustainability in Practice

Natural materials and extraordinary workmanship distinguish Skram’s heirloom furnishings. A. Jacob Marks founded the company in 2001; he serves as its creative director and lead designer, overseeing its collection of seating, case goods, and tables. Featured prominently in the 2024 ICFF exhibit At the Crossroads of American Design: Sustainability in Practice and Spirit, for which Skram was a lead partner, the brand’s pieces masterfully negotiate proportion, line, and visual weight. All are made in-house at Skram’s solar-powered facility in Burlington, North Carolina, which also can be toured by appointment.

We spoke to Marks about his creative approach, the role of materials at Skram, and the company’s eco-credentials. His edited responses follow.

What is your design process?
It combines inspiration, sketching, modeling, and physical development on the fabrication floor. 

Which materials do you use at Skram?
We animate our designs with timber, veneer, leather, stone, cork, steel, and bronze; we celebrate these natural materials’ personalities and idiosyncrasies. We also source 95% of them within 400 miles of our factory.

Tell us about the pieces that you submitted to The Crossroads and why.
We chose the pieces for their materiality and utility. We wanted them to be used actively during the show to accommodate the audience, versus sit in a booth.

Among the Skram pieces featured in The Crossroads were the P33 Piedmont pedestal table; SDA Saddlestool; D06 Woodrop and D07 Corkdrop side tables/stools; L01 and V4 armchairs; and BC1 and BC2 Bolota Capture tables.