Armed with an industrial design and graphic design degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, Gebbia took matters into his own hands by filling out a sketchbook with furniture ideas. He then met with furniture company Bernhardt Design, who agreed to manufacture his Neighborhood collection, a contemporary furniture line that snaps together like Lego pieces.

The entire 38-module collection is based around two “building block” designs: a high-backed seat for noise control and a low-backed one for open conversations. 

“Joe’s idea of using two simple building blocks to create an entire community of flexible products was ingenious,” states Bernhardt Design president Jerry Helling. “The beauty of the line is that it is easily and instantly adaptable by the people using it.”

The collection includes ottomans, tables, and high-back chairs that can be arranged in various configurations. The furniture is light enough so pieces can be quickly reconfigured between meetings without needing to call in a moving crew.

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