Nicolas Thomkins
HIGOLD Germany
Nicolas Thomkins, born in 1953 in Ascona, Switzerland, studied fine arts and sculpture at the Düsseldorf Art Academy, followed by industrial design at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen.
In 1983, Nicolas Thomkins established his own design office, in Maidenhead, United Kingdom. He later expanded with additional offices in Lucerne, Essen, and Cologne, operating under the name “T.B.A. Designsozietät” alongside two partners.
Nicolas Thomkins has collaborated with prestigious clients such as Imperial, Miele, Gunther Lambert, Küppersbusch, Schindler Aufzüge AG, and Fendi Casa. He has also received several notable awards in international design competitions, including the Red Dot Design Award: Best of the Best (2007), the Legacy of the Future Award (2008), and the iF Design Award China (2008).
MY EXPERIENCE
Nicolas Thomkins is a Swiss-born designer currently based in Germany. With a wealth of experience and a sharp sense of humor, he has been a key member of the Higold design team since 2014, contributing to numerous innovative furniture designs. One of his standout projects is the Airport collection, which has quickly become a benchmark for fresh, contemporary trends in furniture design.
The innovative use of corrugated aluminum sheets in furniture design has garnered both domestic and international acclaim. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Thomkins also places a strong emphasis on enhancing the user experience, seamlessly integrating ergonomic principles into his creations. His designs not only celebrate the beauty of nature but also embody a positive, life-affirming spirit, reflecting his deep understanding of life and commitment to well-being.
The Airport collection is meticulously crafted from bend-extruded T profiles and corrugated sheet metal (CSM)—materials originally selected by the Junkers Airplane Company of Dessau for their exceptional strength and suitability in the construction of the world’s first and largest fleet of commercially used aircraft.
Corrugated sheet metal (CSM), available in both steel and aluminum, has long been regarded as a material of choice for its durability and versatility. It has been mass-produced globally and is widely used for the cladding of both residential and commercial buildings, combining aesthetic appeal with unmatched resilience.
Together with our design team, Nick Thomkins crafted the "SHELDON" collection—a timeless design that effortlessly merges the relaxed comfort of outdoor seating with the refined elegance of indoor lounging. The solid wood legs add a touch of natural, classic charm, beautifully complementing the sleek aluminum frame and luxurious cushions for an inviting, cozy feel.
The "SHELDON" collection seamlessly suits both contemporary private residences and chic commercial spaces. With its sophisticated fusion of wood and metal, the collection offers a versatile aesthetic that exudes modern elegance.
Discover the fresh, contemporary appeal of the "SHELDON" collection, designed by Nicolas Thomkins for HIGOLD.
The Clark collection is thoughtfully designed to provide exceptional comfort through its beautifully simple, streamlined structure.
The sleek, clean lines of the tubes reveal a seamless design, with no visible welds at the back—a rare and elegant feature in aluminum furniture construction.
Another distinctive element of the Clark collection is the innovative way the tubes gently embrace the woven backrest, a creative and original application that sets it apart in the marketplace.