Off/grid: eco-design furniture, made in Occitania

Marie-Caroline Curt (class of 2021) has designed Off/Grid, a unique, eco-friendly outdoor furniture brand that is currently gaining momentum in France and abroad.

It all began with a TIPY® armchair, designed in 1959 by her photographer grandfather and his designer friend; an armchair that had been in the family home for many years and inspired Marie-Caroline, whilst working from home during Covid.

During her work-study programme, Marie-Caroline had to design a product. This is when she came up with the idea of bringing the armchair back to life with an artisanal and made in Occitania production process. She then decided to create her own brand in Toulouse at the end of 2021.

Her aim was to design a line of sustainable products.

The pieces of material come from scrap leather gathered in Occitania and the fabrics from various different regions in France. The items are made in the family workshop, where Marie-Caroline is working with her father on two prototypes: a side table and a coffee table which will be revealed at the Maison & Objets trade fair this month.

Off/Grid is present in Europe, Asia and the Middle East and hopes to continue its international growth, namely through trade fairs.

The brand targets small boutiques or businesses that do not engage in resale such as hotels. It is also aimed at interior designers. In 2023, the company will transform its showcase website into a commercial website and hopes to create eight jobs over the next three years. 

Off/Grid, the Réseau Entreprendre Occitanie Garonne “Start” winner, intends to become further established in the high-end market. The brand hopes to raise funds by 2026 to keep this family craft alive.