From Buenos Aires to San Francisco:

How Espina Corona Redefines Custom Wood Furniture Through Digital Craft

In the heart of Argentina, there is a specific kind of magic born from necessity – the “culture of making.” It’s a philosophy where limited resources are met with unlimited ingenuity. For Marcelo, the founder of the design studio Espina Corona, this resourceful spirit is the bedrock of a practice that has captivated the international trade community.

By blending the warmth of natural materials like leather, wool, and wood with the clinical precision of digital fabrication, Marcelo doesn’t just build chairs; he engineers a dialogue between the hand and the machine. For interior designers and hospitality buyers, Espina Corona represents the sweet spot of contemporary custom wood furniture: soulful enough for a private residence, yet technically sophisticated enough for large-scale contract work.

The Workshop as a Digital Fabrication Laboratory

Unlike traditional woodworking shops, Marcelo’s studio functions as a digital fabrication laboratory. His process is a “constant dialogue” between an initial spark of an idea and a physical prototype. He moves fluidly between hand sketches, digital models, and 3D-printed components, allowing the materials to dictate the evolution of the piece.

“Discovering the expressive possibilities of wood and other materials such as leather and wool became a central motivation in my work,” Marcelo explains. This exploration isn’t just aesthetic – it’s structural. His background at the Wood and Furniture Research Center (INTI) provided the technical foundation to experiment with complex joinery systems that define the Espina Corona aesthetic today.

A Trade Partner for Custom Commissions

For the trade professional, the most compelling aspect of Espina Corona is Marcelo’s approach to collaboration. He views custom wood furniture commissions not as rigid orders, but as opportunities for collective experimentation. 

Whether it is adapting a piece for a specific interior palette or scaling up for a commercial installation, the process remains transparent and collaborative.

• Scalability: Marcelo is adept at producing small series of custom pieces, allowing a single design to be repeated and adapted throughout a project.

• Material Versatility: Common requests include adjustments in finishes, colors, and even adapting indoor designs for outdoor environments.

• Large-Scale Impact: His work for MG West in San Francisco proves that his Argentine studio can meet the demands of massive, high-stakes international projects.

Iconic Designs: The 1901 and the Canguro

Two pieces, in particular, serve as the perfect entry point into the Espina Corona universe.

The Canguro lounge chair holds a special place in Marcelo’s history as his first international sale to MIXX Projects + Atelier in Telluride. It was the piece that proved his “luggage-ready” assembly designs could thrive in a global market.

Then there is the 1901 Chair, a masterpiece of black-finished wood and minimalist structure. First presented at New York Design Week, this chair eventually became the cornerstone of his largest project to date in San Francisco, showcasing the 1901’s ability to anchor a professional space with silent, sophisticated authority.

FAQ: Designing with Espina Corona

Q: Can Espina Corona pieces be customized for specific hospitality palettes? A: Absolutely. Marcelo frequently receives requests for specific color and material adaptations to ensure a piece fits a project’s unique interior palette.

Q: Does the studio work on large-scale installations beyond furniture? A: Yes. Marcelo often collaborates on larger installations, contributing resources like 3D-printed wall elements that complement his furniture lines within a broader architectural vision.

Q: What is the best way for a designer to start a custom commission?

A: Marcelo believes it begins with a conversation. He encourages designers to be part of the dialogue and the “life of the piece,” ensuring the final product carries the story of the collaboration.

An Evolving Narrative

At its core, Espina Corona is an evolving project fueled by curiosity and the unexpected encounters that happen through travel and trade. For the Argentine furniture designer, the future is collective. As he moves closer to the art world, his work continues to challenge the boundaries of how we share workshops, ideas, and spaces.

When you specify a piece from Espina Corona, you aren’t just buying a chair; you are connecting with a narrative of resourcefulness, digital innovation, and the enduring warmth of the Argentine craft.