Jony Ive Designs New Rostrum for Christie’s

Former Apple designer Jony Ive and his design firm LoveFrom have designed a sustainable new oak rostrum for Christie’s 260th anniversary, replacing a centuries-old mahogany classic, DeZeen reports.

For centuries, Christie’s used a design inspired by an 18th-century piece by Thomas Chippendale. Taking on such a legacy was no small feat. Ive admitted that the original Chippendale design was masterful and rather intimidating to approach. However, the goal was not to simply copy the past but to create a modest object that celebrates craftsmanship and high-quality materials.

The new rostrum is built from sustainably sourced oak. Interestingly, the wood comes from the same French forests that provided the timber for the recent restoration of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

To bring the vision to life, LoveFrom worked with the British furniture company Benchmark. While the primary material is wood, the design includes subtle stainless steel elements. One of the most practical additions is a set of stairs that deploy at the touch of a button, allowing the auctioneer to step onto the stage with ease.

This isn’t just a piece of furniture; it is a specialized tool for a very specific job. Ive and his team spent time with Christie’s auctioneers to understand their needs. They focused on how the rostrum functions as a stage, elevating the auctioneer both literally and figuratively to provide a clear view of the room and the authority needed to manage high-stakes bidding.

A notable detail is the use of end-grain oak for the top of the rostrum and the accompanying gavel. This specific cut of wood was chosen because of the distinct, clear sound it makes when the gavel strikes the surface, signaling the end of a sale.

The new design will be rolled out to Christie’s auction houses across the globe throughout 2026.