Zero 1
United States

A global "sketch-to-container" development company, Zero 1 was founded in 2001 by U.S. designers Gardner Klaasen and David Valdiserri to meet the ever-changing needs of furniture companies in the new economy.

Based in West Michigan, Zero 1 is comprised of more than 15 designers, engineers, and supply chain managers, with additional offices overseas. Working with a diverse, international client base ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to privately owned companies, Zero 1 designs, develops, and produces custom products through its own supply chain.

Zero 1 specializes in the areas of furniture and product, including office seating, automotive and boat accessories, medical equipment and consumer electronics. The Zero 1 design team's methodology embraces working closely with clients during all stages of development, including quality control and testing.

Klaasen and Valdiserri have over 30 years of combined experience in all phases of industrial design, each owning successful industrial design firms prior to forming Zero 1.

Before teaming up to introduce Kimball's new ergonomic chair Wish in 2005, Klaasen was the lead designer on the first Steelcase Leap chair. Since their partnership, they have introduced Apt, a Steelcase product designed for the Japanese market, the Gamma chair for a European manufacturer, a new range of seating for boating manufacturer Sea Ray as well as designing various automotive seats for GM.

Valdiserri earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Industrial Design from Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan, while Klaasen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Industrial Design from The Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan.