BDI Celebrates 40 Years of Furniture Design

BDI marks a major milestone this year as it celebrates 40 years creating architecturally inspired, modern furniture.

Founded in 1984, the company was established by industrial designer Bill Becker at a time when high-end furniture could only be found in designer showrooms. Becker’s goal was to make timeless furniture pieces more accessible and bring to a greater audience.

“Since our inception, we’ve believed in the transformative power of design,” says Becker, who serves as CEO and design director of BDI. “Our mission goes beyond simply furnishing spaces. We strive to elevate them to new heights. With each creation, we push the boundaries of what’s possible, holding the belief that great design is where function, innovation and style converge.”

BDI’s journey began with the perimeter table, a pioneering design sold through Roche Bobois stores. Over the years, tables have remained a cornerstone of the company’s collection, evolving to integrate storage solutions and unique motion capabilities. Recent innovations include multifunctional solutions tailored for remote work environments.

In 1996, BDI entered the home theatre furniture space, pioneering industry ‘firsts,’ such as television stands with integrated wheels and cabinetry designed for flat panel TVs and soundbars. BDI quickly became a leader in modern home entertainment solutions, introducing thoughtful features like flow-through ventilation, adjustable shelves and acoustically transparent doors.

With the launch of Sequel in 2009, BDI ventured into the office category, catering to the needs of tech-focused workspaces. Three years later, as adaptable work surfaces became necessary since more people were working from home, the company introduced multi-use mobile laptop solutions like the Bink collection that were light enough to be moved where needed. This versatile design has been a staple of BDI and has influenced additional mobile office and occasional table designs.

In 2013, in response to evolving storage needs, BDI introduced multi-purpose solutions that provided flexibility for audio-visual equipment, sideboards, buffets or general storage needs, reflecting the company’s commitment to functionality and style.

Most recently, BDI expanded into the bedroom category with a focus on connectivity. 2023 marked the launch of the Linq collection that has power features integrated into headboard and side table designs.

“Through the years, our intros into new categories was always a carefully researched, deliberate venture into providing consumers with furniture solutions that support their increasingly connected lifestyles,” says Becker. “We evolved as consumer needs evolved, and we always believed in pushing the envelope for what consumers can expect from great design, built to last.”

Becker adds BDI’s 40th anniversary celebrates not only the years gone by and diverse range of product offerings developed, but also the enduring partnerships and relationships that have shaped the company.

“The consistent support of our employees and partners has been the cornerstone of our achievements,” says Becker. “”From customer service to operations, each element of the company reflects the unwavering dedication to excellence integrated into the brand. Looking forward, I am genuinely excited about the opportunities the future holds.”

BDI designs and manufactures home furnishings, including media furniture, home entertaining, office solutions, bedroom collections and more. Its products are available in Canada through retailers JC Perreault and Maison Corbeil in Quebec, Casalife in Toronto and Kitchener, Ont., and Inspiration Furniture in Vancouver and Coquitlam, B.C., among other locations.