11.10.2026
Design Competition Handwerk+Form 2026
Chair Micky, designed by Christian Steiner, received an award at the Handwerk+Form design competition. The jury commented:
“Imagine a large industrial warehouse filled with around 90 objects – a setting that is not the natural environment for any of them. Yet this very neutrality provided an ideal opportunity to explore how well an object can stand on its own. Chair Micky communicates its function without any explanation: a chair for a school. With its positive, slightly quirky yet confident and curious character, it is a fitting companion for everyday school life.
A closer look confirms that it meets these requirements. Its open seat shell and flexible backrest allow children to move between different sitting positions. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to move around the classroom, while the forward-opening legs allow it to be placed on a desk with ease. Made entirely of wood – an exception among school chairs – it offers children a warm, natural feel. The moulded plywood components also make it suitable for serial production.
We are delighted to recognise this thoughtfully and consistently developed design with a Handwerk+Form 2026 award. Congratulations!”
Photo: Michael Felder-Fontain
03.10.2026
Two stories. One shared beginning.
35 years of design competition Handwerk+Form. 35 years of schmidinger furniture collection.
1991 marked the beginning of H+F – an initiative that brings together craftsmanship from the Bregenzerwald and contemporary design, strengthening its quality and innovative spirit while raising its profile far beyond the region. Over time, the Bregenzerwald has developed into a place where craft, design and architecture naturally come together.
For schmidinger möbelbau, 1991 also marked the beginning of something new: the “Damenschreibtisch” (Ladies’ Writing Desk), developed with Austrian architect Helmut Galler, was entered in the first competition and received an award. This recognition became the starting point for the schmidinger furniture collection.
Since then, the collection has grown in collaboration with designers and architects: understated, timeless and functional wooden furniture. Today, these pieces can be found in private homes and renowned architectural projects far beyond the region – around the world.
From 3 to 11 October, the festival, competition and platform Handwerk+Form celebrates its 10th edition. The village of Andelsbuch once again becomes a meeting place for craft, design and architecture.
Programme and tickets
Two stories. One shared beginning:
We warmly invite you to celebrate this special anniversary with us.
Photos: Adolf Bereuter
25.09.2026
“KulTour vor Ort” in Schwarzenberg as part of Handwerk+Form
As part of Handwerk+Form 2026, “KulTour vor Ort” explores the interplay between traditional craftsmanship, historic architecture and contemporary use. On 7 October, the focus will be on the Angelika Kauffmann Museum in Schwarzenberg. An architectural tour from 3 to 5 pm will show how a historic Bregenzerwald house can be preserved while at the same time serving as a contemporary space for art and culture.
Tickets
At its core, this traditional “Bregenzerwälder” house is more than 450 years old and contains a museum space hidden from view on the outside. Located in the former agricultural wing, the museum was created in 2007 to mark the 200th anniversary of the death of artist Angelika Kauffmann. The museum furniture was produced in our workshop in collaboration with Dietrich Untertrifaller (architecture and furniture design) and under the construction management of Baukultur GmbH.
Photo: Bruno Klomfar
01.09.2026
Festival, competition and platform from 3 to 11 October 2026
Handwerk+Form is the international design competition organised by Werkraum Bregenzerwald and the Andelsbuch Association of Crafts and Trades. For 35 years, it has provided regional craft businesses with a recognised platform to showcase quality, innovation and craftsmanship. Competition, festival and exchange come together, bringing regional craft practice into an international context.
The exhibition tour through Andelsbuch presents works of craftsmanship that were successfully entered in the Handwerk+Form 2026 competition and received awards – displayed in workshops, buildings and public spaces.
Photo: Dominic Kummer
22.03.2026
"made of good wood"
On Sunday, 22 March 2026, our senior, father and grandfather Josef Schmidinger celebrates his 100th birthday. “Made of good wood”, as we like to say, he continues to enjoy good health in both mind and body.
His life is filled with gratitude and contentment. The entire schmidinger möbelbau team warmly congratulates him on this very special occasion.
Photo: Elena Schmidinger
24.11.2025
Completion of project St Hedwig Mitte Berlin
One of schmidinger möbelbau’s most remarkable projects was recently completed: the furnishing of St Hedwig Mitte. For the redesign of the cathedral in Berlin, the jury selected the proposal by Austrian artist Leo Zogmayer in collaboration with Sichau & Walter Architekten.
The commission included more than 700 church chairs and children’s stools, large and small display cases – including cases for the famous Neapolitan nativity scene and historic reliquary figures – as well as offering tables, credence tables, donation boxes and a candle ring. Central liturgical pieces, including the altar and ambo for the lower church, were also produced.
The first prototypes for this major project had already been produced eight years earlier. The completed furnishings were delivered in November 2025, with on-site installation at St Hedwig’s Cathedral taking place from 11 to 17 November.
Photo: Jörg Farys
01.09.2025
Final Apprenticeship Piece and Third Place in the Design Competition
Congratulations to our newly qualified craftsman Nils Janson Kliebe!
His final apprenticeship piece is a wardrobe made of solid silver fir and maple. The wetted and soaped surface highlights the natural beauty of the wood. Thanks to an ingenious rolling mechanism, the wardrobe opens up like a suitcase.
Introduction video
The piece received an award at the design competition held as part of the trade association conference, where Nils’ outstanding work was recognised with third place.
Photo: Eva Rauch
30.06.2025
Quality seal for exceptional commitment to apprenticeship training
The “Ausgezeichneter Lehrbetrieb” distinction has been awarded annually since 1997 by the Vorarlberg State Government, the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Labour.
This seal of quality recognises companies for their outstanding commitment to apprenticeship training and is awarded for a period of three years. It takes into account both the achievements and personal successes of apprentices as well as the quality of the training environment provided by the company.
We applied for the official distinction for the first time – and are delighted to have received it.
24.07.2024
production of furnishings for berlin cathedral
An extensive range of church furnishings for St Hedwig’s Cathedral in Berlin is currently being produced in workshops across the Bregenzerwald: more than 700 church chairs and children’s stools, large and small display cases – including cases for the famous Neapolitan nativity scene and historic reliquary figures – as well as offering tables, credence tables, donation boxes and a candle ring. Central liturgical pieces, including the altar and ambo, are also part of the commission.
A unique project for schmidinger möbelbau and its regional partners specialising in metalwork, glass, upholstery and wood – and another international client placing its trust in the craftsmanship of the Bregenzerwald.
Photo: Günther Voppichler
22.06.2023
new design university st. pölten
Under the guidance of Ing. Robert Riesenhuber, students at New Design University worked on the Delta chair from the schmidinger möbelbau collection in the wood workshop of the “Design, Craft & Material Culture” degree programme. The chair was designed by Christian Steiner.
Delta chair
Functionality and reduction are characteristic of Christian Steiner’s work. The apparent minimalism of his designs is less a matter of style than an attitude to life. With a keen sense of what is essential, his aim is to leave out everything unnecessary.
As part of the project, the students analysed and measured the chair’s construction. They then produced the individual components and built their own Delta chair. Through this process, they gained a hands-on understanding of its structural principles, construction and accomplished design.
Photo: NDU
09.05.2023
current exhibition at werkraum bregenzerwald
In its current exhibition the Werkraum Bregenzerwald shows architectural models from the studio of Peter Zumthor from March 18 to September 16, 2023. The Swiss Architect also designed the Werkraum house in which the exhibition takes place.
His models have a special reputation in the world of designers and architects. They stand for material-oriented, constructive thinking, great clarity and a design attitude in which material, construction and form form a unity. Around 40 models are displayed both individually and in clusters, indoor as well as outdoor.
The exhibition was curated by Finnish architect and exhibition designer Hannele Grönlund, in collaboration with Peter Zumthor himself. Visitors can look forward to an exciting program of events.
Text: Werkraum Bregenzerwald
Photo: Dominic Kummer
29.12.2022
Prestigious project for schmidinger möbelbau
Through collaborations with international designers and regional partner companies, schmidinger möbelbau recognised early on how to preserve the advantages of a small-scale craft business while establishing itself as a reliable partner for commissioned projects around the world.
Now, another international client is placing its trust in the expertise, craftsmanship and experience of Wolfgang Schmidinger and his team: schmidinger möbelbau has been commissioned to produce the complete furnishings for St Hedwig’s Cathedral in Berlin.
In the competition for the redesign of the cathedral, which attracted submissions from almost 170 architectural practices, the jury selected the proposal by Sichau & Walter Architects in collaboration with Austrian artist Leo Zogmayer.
Photo: Detlef Bluhm
13.12.2022
Furniture-Making Technology
In Austria, the four-year apprenticeship in furniture-making technology is offered with two specialisations: production and planning. The programme bridges the gap between the three-year cabinetmaking apprenticeship and technical education at school or university level. For many years, schmidinger möbelbau has successfully trained apprentices in the “CNC Production” specialisation.
Chair Kurt by Peter Eberle (schmidinger möbelbau) and Victor Ciola (Tischlerei Andreas Flatz) was created as their final CNC project at the end of their furniture-making technology apprenticeship. Despite the demanding requirements, Eberle and Ciola achieved an outstanding result in both design and technical execution. The chair was produced in American walnut and elm.
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13.12.2022
"fire hall" vienna central cemetery
In collaboration with architect Christian Tabernig – Projekt CC Graz – schmidinger möbelbau manufactured furniture for the “farewell room” of the crematorium. The fire hall’s expansion by Clemens Holzmeister is achieved by incorporating the characteristic axisymmetry as well as the continuation of the cubic structure as a space-forming design principle. The bench Sennhaus – schmidinger möbelbau collection – was adapted and modified according to the aesthetic and functional requirements of the project. The manufactured chair Lapiz is also part of the collection.
13.12.2022
mary rose dornbirn
Mary Rose an excellent example for pioneering thinking and sustainability in practice. In 1990, Stefan Grabher founded his beautiful store in the center of Dornbirn. On the 600m2 first floor, you can find everything you need to make your own place a true home. In the ateliers on the upper floors, the collection of the company-own brand have been created for many years. From the very beginning, schmidinger möbelbau was involved in the planning and construction of the store’s historic part. The consciously chosen, simple, functional and timeless design has endured all these years. Due to mainly technical adaptations, now – 30 years later – a careful modernization of the store was made.
13.12.2022
mission 2030: austrian climate and energy strategy
In May 2018, the Austrian Ministry for Sustainability defined the strategy required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. However, the strategy is only achievable – it says – if citizens, entrepreneurs and business sectors can be brought on board and given the best possible support. Everyone can contribute to this – for the benefit of climate as well as independence. At the end of 2022, the responsible persons at schmidinger möbelbau consider themselves fortunate and confirmed that they have taken these goals seriously and implemented them completely. We are very grateful for the public support that has helped us to achieve this important investment package.
Since the end of 2021, schmidinger möbelbau has already been producing a predominant share of its daily electricity requirements on the company’s roof. The electricity not required from the around 100 PV modules is stored in batteries, for example to ” refuel” the two electric company vehicles in the evening. The entire heat supply is provided entirely by the company’s own wood waste. Since 2019, the entire production halls have been dedusted via an air filter system and the heat is fed back into the facilities. This not only protects our employees, but also the environment.
19.08.2022
Success for Lucas Bernhard
In Austria, the master craftsman qualification and an academic bachelor’s degree are recognised at the same qualification level. Reflecting the high level of theoretical knowledge and practical skill this requires, another member of our team has now earned his master craftsman qualification. We congratulate Lucas Bernhard from Wangen, Germany.
With his master craftsman’s examination piece hide&seek – a versatile storage cabinet incorporating a small safe – Lucas set himself a particularly high standard. The various openings can be operated from all four sides, yet their mechanisms are not immediately apparent, inviting the user to explore and discover them. The geometric division of the outer surfaces is inspired by Mondrian and follows the principles of the golden ratio.
The black finish on the exterior is achieved by charring the wood with an open flame. Oil is then burned into the surface, sealing the wood and enhancing its visual depth. This old, traditional technique was taught to Lucas by master carpenter Wolfgang Lässer.
19.08.2022
revego: an innovation from blum
an innovation from blum: with revego, the new sliding door system with fully integrated technology, entire living spaces are opened for use and then hidden again. revego is characterized by blum’s expertise in movement and handling: thanks to tip-on motion technology, the fronts open with a light tap, no handle is needed. to close, a short press on the door is enough. the door ejects from the pocket; the complete furniture line is hidden. at blum, we are known as a manufacturer of high-quality kitchens and were therefore chosen to test this innovation. first customers are thrilled.
19.08.2022
preserving the original character
the small single-family houses of the neighborhood eisplatzgasse in dornbirn, austria, were built in the 1930s. the houses remind of the time when the local textile industry flourished. despite the limited resources, the planning as well as the construction quality were self-evident back then – and thus still worth preserving today. the aim for house k was – in coordination with the city planners – to preserve and restore the original character of the delicate architecture. at the same time, contemporary demands on insulation, building services, usable space, etc. were addressed (baukultur gmbh). this concept also determines the furniture and interior design (schmidinger möbelbau). existing wood types such as fir/spruce and elm combine existing elements with newly interpreted ones.
01.09.2022
Graduated with Distinction
Peter Eberle drew inspiration from the retro style of the 1960s and 1970s for the design of his sideboard. While he used modern CNC machining techniques to produce the cabinet body, the base was crafted using traditional methods: Peter turned the legs and stretchers himself on the lathe.
We warmly congratulate Peter on completing his final apprenticeship examination with distinction – a well-deserved achievement!
Photo: Günther Voppichler
18.08.2022
Third Place at the National Apprenticeship Competition
In June 2022, Austria’s best carpentry apprentices came together for the National Apprenticeship Competition in Hard on Lake Constance. Peter Eberle from Langenegg, our fourth-year apprentice, competed in the furniture-making technology category and secured an impressive third place.
We warmly congratulate him on this outstanding achievement.
Photo: Maurice Shourot
06.01.2020
feather wall room divider, siti chair and table
“A design is a journey. It begins with an idea, is fuelled by anticipation and takes shape through planning.”
For a very special collaboration, the designers of Generation Köln – Karoline Fesser, Klemens Grund, Tim Kerp and Thomas Schnur – travelled to the Bregenzerwald in the summer of 2019, where they met five craftspeople, including Wolfgang Schmidinger. There, they experienced the deep connection between people and material. Silver fir, native to the region’s mountain forests, is both a natural resource and an integral part of the local environment.
With this material as a unifying design element, new pieces were developed in close collaboration with the craftspeople. The Feather Wall room divider, SITI table and SITI chair were produced together with Klemens Grund.
The pieces were presented to the public for the first time during PASSAGEN Interior Design Week Cologne in January 2020. In autumn, the designers exhibited their furniture in a newly arranged setting at Werkraum Bregenzerwald.
Photo and text: Generation Köln
23.06.2019
bundeslehrlingswettbewerb 2019
Austria’s best carpentry apprentices gathered in Rust in June for the 2019 National Apprenticeship Competition. Lucas Bernhard, our fourth-year apprentice, impressed the jury with his technical skills and achieved an excellent second place in the “Production” category. We warmly congratulate Lucas on this achievement.
08.10.2018
expertise in solid wood
our new master joiner lukas dörler convinced the expert jury with his masterpiece. even movable parts such as the fully extendable drawer guides are made of solid wood. we congratulate him on this competent performance.
12.10.2018
inspirations for designers and architects
architonic is the biggest platform for products, materials and concepts for designers and architects. since the beginning of this year, we have been part of this platform and are positioning ourselves even more clearly as a partner for international clients.
12.10.2018
projects and products on 75 pages
anything but a classic image catalogue, rather a collection of projects and products, is our book, which is also available online since the relaunch of our website. on 75 pages, it contains background information on the company’s history and milestones in our development.
12.10.2018
product ideas and development
in addition to the usual web navigation – furniture collection, tailor-made furniture and sacred spaces – the rubric development is completely new. pieces of furniture are not always included in our furniture collection, but are implemented as prototypes or for competitions. we are constantly developing and experimenting with form, material and production techniques. all this is documented in the new rubric development.
12.10.2018
beauty is in you
the essence of beauty comes from within. angelika scalet skinconcept stands for naturalness and competence, which is reflected in the new studio in bezau. schmidinger möbelbau is responsible for interior and furniture design. white leather, deep matt white surfaces and natural oak wood were used.
12.10.2018
submissions from schmidinger möbelbau
handwerk+form is one of the most important design competitions in craft and a notable initiator for the regional craft culture in bregenzerwald in exchange with national and international designers. this year we are represented with nine product submissions.
12.10.2018
new ideas presented in old workshops
for the eighth time already, the exhibition handwerk+form opens doors and gates for those interested in architecture and crafts. the werkraum bregenzerwald presents 120 products on a special village tour through old workshops. starting point is the werkraumhaus in andelsbuch. we warmly invite you: the exhibition tour is open daily from 13th to 14th and from 18th to 21st october from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
01.04.2017
courtesy salone del mobile milano
schmidinger möbelbau presents the Fatty Container 7100 storage stool at SaloneSatellite – 20 anni di nuova creatività.
20.12.2016
international furniture fair from january 16h to 22nd
the imm cologne shows a variety of furniture innovations and trends, quality and internationality. prestigious exibitors from all over the world meet and present their new ideas. visit us at booth nr. 010 / hall 2.2 / aisle O. for more information visit imm-cologne.de
20.12.2016
unesco auszeichnung
The history of Werkraum Bregenzerwald may still be relatively young, but its continuous efforts to develop and safeguard the economic future of local craftsmanship are bearing fruit. In recognition of its work to preserve and pass on intangible cultural heritage, Werkraum Bregenzerwald has now received UNESCO’s highest distinction.
20.01.2016
28.1.2016 to 2.4.2016
Design – not with the full orchestration of all the possibilities offered by digital technology, but reduced to pencil and paper – is also the subject of Thomas Feichtner’s publication Design Unplugged. Published by Bildrecht and the MAK – Museum of Applied Arts, the book will be presented at Bildraum Bodensee as part of the exhibition’s closing event.
In collaboration with Werkraum Bregenzerwald, a new chair designed by Feichtner will be produced by furniture maker Wolfgang Schmidinger to coincide with the exhibition.