Platform was founded in 2007 by Gernot Oberfell (1975) and Jan Wertel (1976). Both studied Industrial Design in Stuttgart at the State Academy of Art and Design, a school which is based on the model of the Ulmer Schule and the Bauhaus.

Before their London based practice was formed they both worked several years for Ross Lovegrove Studio. During this time they designed for clients such as Artemide, Yamagiwa, Louis Poulsen, Moroso, Serralunga, Sony, VitrA/Turkey, Issey Miyake and Tag Heuer.

Their work ranges from furniture, lighting and industrial products to experimental research pieces.

Gernot Oberfell and Jan Wertel share a strong interest in new technologies and processes and at an early stage in their careers discovered the possibilities of computer aided design. Software is not just used as an everyday tool, but becomes through experimentation a source of inspiration, and helps discovering new and exciting form languages. Their work combines these experiments with the logic and beauty of organic forms and the reality of product design: the right use of materials, production processes and ergonomics.

Gernot Oberfell

1998 - 2004 Industrial Design Diploma / Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design
1999 - 2004 Design Collaboration / Fraunhofer Institut IPA Stuttgart
2004 - 2006 Design Projectmanager / Ross Lovegrove StudioX
2006 ...........Formation of Platform

Jan Wertel

1998 - 2004 Industrial Design Diploma / Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design
1998 - 2004 Industrial Design Consultancy
2004 - 2006 Design Projectmanager / Ross Lovegrove StudioX
2006 ...........Formation of Platform