A striking presence

With “ray executive,” Brunner is expanding the “ray collection” to include a series of conference chairs designed for sophisticated work and meeting environments. The design by jehs+laub combines clean lines, high-quality materials, and precision craftsmanship to create a harmonious solution.

6/15/2026

In the context of modern office furniture design, the balance between comfort, function, and aesthetic expression plays a central role. The “ray executive” armchair by jehs+laub for Brunner embraces this concept and translates it into a striking design language. The softly contoured backrest gives it a striking, almost sculptural effect—while simultaneously supporting the body and ensuring comfortable seating, even over extended periods. Different backrest heights, meanwhile, allow for an individually configurable presence in the space, ranging from understated to imposing.

A key feature is the shell’s segmented construction. The seat, lumbar region, backrest, headrest, and armrests are designed individually and precisely coordinated with one another. “This allows us to give each segment exactly the softness and functionality it needs,” explain jehs+laub. Despite this differentiation, the result is a cohesive overall appearance—a modular design that looks as if it were cast from a single mold. Materiality plays a central role here. Fine leathers, carefully coordinated colors, and precisely placed decorative stitching define the surface. For the designers, it is not only the quality of the materials that matters, but their interplay: “What’s important is how they are processed and combined with one another,” emphasize jehs+laub. This creates a sophisticated appearance with a high-quality feel and a wide range of options for customization.

This commitment is also reflected in manufacturing. At Brunner, development, design and production are closely intertwined. 'A product like Ray Executive isn’t created through an anonymous supply chain, but in a single location,' explains Markus Böhm, Brunner's Head of Engineering. 'Ideas don't just pass through systems; they're further developed right on site.' The result is correspondingly harmonious and consistent. The series retains a palpable artisanal quality. Materials are inspected, upholstery is carefully constructed and seams are executed with precision. ‘Even in series production, a chair like “Ray Executive” is created by many skilled hands,’ says Dr Marc Brunner, CEO of the Brunner Group, describing the process.

This dedication is especially apparent in the specifics: “The decorative seam is not just a connection; it is a line. The upholstery is not just for comfort; it shapes the form too. This creates a rare combination that demonstrates the reliability of industrial production and the quality of a workshop.' The foundation for this is the ongoing dialogue with jehs+laub, which has had a significant impact on the development process. 'It's not the classic "design delivers – manufacturer implements" approach, but rather an exchange in which ideas are generated, tested and further developed,' says Dr Marc Brunner. Design and technology are intertwined: 'Design, engineering, and manufacturing are, figuratively speaking, sitting at the same table.'

Last but not least, the series impresses with its functional versatility. Swivel versions on casters support flexible, dynamic work styles. Models with glides convey a sense of calm and stability. The frame remains deliberately understated and takes a back seat to the overall form. Within the “ray collection,” “ray executive” plays a clearly defined role: The design of the conference chair extends the design principles into the management and conference areas and reinforces the focus on comfort and prestigious quality. In this way, the series meets current requirements in architecture and planning. There is a demand for furniture that helps shape spaces. “It should make a statement without being dominant. Offer comfort without appearing overly staged. And allow for individuality without becoming arbitrary,” says Philip Brunner, CEO of the Brunner Group, outlining the expectations. “ray executive” brings these qualities together in a precisely balanced form. As part of the Brunner Design News 2026, “ray executive” thus represents an understanding of furniture that goes beyond mere function. Precision craftsmanship, material-appropriate design, and ergonomic quality intertwine to create a design with atmospheric and functional quality.