Percival Lafer

About

Percival Lafer's inventive nature expressed itself in the most different creations he adventured: architecture, cars, payphone hoods, newsstands, and medical care objects. But it was in the furniture making that he reached his most significant impact.

Born in Brazil on April 12th, 1936, Percival studied at the Mackenzie Presbyterian University College of Architecture in São Paulo. After graduating, his father passed away, and he and his brothers took over Móveis Lafer, his father's furniture company.

Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide range of products, played a substantial role in Brazilian furniture in the second half of the 20th century. Innovations in technique and form resulted in standardized elements reused in different product lines, with solutions such as demountable and easy-to-transport products. The market welcomed Percival's creations, and the rapid industrial growth made it possible to export the pieces.

In his designs, Lafer sought good designs at affordable prices for the middle classes, designing furniture pieces focusing on mass production, ergonomy and comfort.

The designer currently lives and works in Campos do Jordão, Brazil.