The Utility Collective

Designer Eric Pfeiffer and Steve Piccus established The Utility Collective with a simple idea: Let’s bring intelligent, well-made products to market while sharing how they are made. And let’s do it in the U.S. with quality materials at fair prices. As designers, we’ve always treasured the everyday items we use most often -- a chair, a table, an ice cream scoop – we love to know about their making, and where they come from. After all, we have relationships with these products and they live with us in our homes. We should know their backstory. The Utility Collective offers a window into the making of each one of our products. We’ll photograph, video document, blog, and share as much of the process we can from seed to showroom. Call us design nerds, but we believe this direct knowledge creates a better understanding of the product and a deeper appreciation for it. By working directly with U.S. craftsmen and factories, it also allows us to offer you a higher quality product at a better price. Much like devotees of local farmer’s markets who want to know where their carrots and broccoli are grown, we think it’s time the public knows the story of the objects in their daily lives. It’s time to design, make, and sell local.

The Utility Collective Mix Boxes

$750.00
The Utility Collective Everyday Trays

$125.00

Why Buy From Us

Testimonials

Thank you so much for the Emma Jeff’s White Flower and Lace adhesive. We could not be happier with the results of this product to give us “beautiful” privacy on our restored front door... Thank you so much for your service and this exceptional product.

Brenda T.

My pillow arrived today (Three Sheets 2 the Wind). I'm really happy with it, and just ordered a second one (and a lunchbox). Thanks for being in business - I love browsing in your cyberstore just to treat my eyes. Thank you!

Jessica L.

Thank you for your prompt and constant attention! Great customer service!!!!!

Dori K

Hey guys thanks for the email, appreciate it. I prefer to do business with you guys since you have excellent customer service and prompt replies to my inquiries, so I will wait till the Chicago Side Table is in stock to order from you. Thanks again. [John inquired about an order that was on backorder at the time -- us].

John R. - Santa Fe Springs, CA

Even though my product was on backorder, I prefer to do business with you guys since you have excellent customer service and prompt replies to my inquiries . . . thanks again!

John D. - New York, NY

Hey guys, just dropping you a note from my Blu Dot maple Chicago Desk. This thing is gorgeous. It has totally transformed my office and I love walking into school again. Thanks for the great deal and take care.

Mark D. - Ithaca, NY

Just a quick thank you for your prompt service. I received the Mag Table today. I will certainly buy from you again in the near future.

Cheri L. - Newark, DE

I just discovered your site yesterday (and I'm already ordering from it!) I even forwarded it on to a friend. I was giving up on finding bedding that I liked, so it's nice to know there are others out there who appreciate a mod(ern) sensibility. And your rugs are too die for!

Michelle F. - Chicago, IL

Just want to tell you that your customer service is great. Every time I've ever ordered something in a backorder situation it is a nightmare getting a hold of the company. Thanks again, and I will recommend your store to friends. [One of the items that Liesel ordered was on backorder, but we kept her in the loop and got it out to her ASAP]

Liesel H. - Virginia Beach, VA

Thanks so much for all your help. Whether [my order] gets here by next Thursday or not, you have given me great service and it is most appreciated. I'll be back soon to buy more!

Troy F. - Miami Beach, FL

Guys, I just wanted you to know I got the Munjoy angela adams rug and I LOVE it!! I'm so impressed with your customer service . . . that I'm happy to give you the business.

Nancy H. - Shoreline, WA

I am very pleased with my order and for the excellent service I have received. I will definitely order from you again!

Ann R. - Easley, SC

Thanks again for the quick call back. It definitely made a difference. I put a call in to [a competitor], held on for 20 minutes and hung up . . . good customer service matters.

Jeff M. - Montclair, NJ

Sina! Excellent follow up to my status inquiry (within 10 minutes). Will most definitely purchase again. More importantly, I will refer you to my modernist friends.

Kenneth F. - San Clemente, CA

Thanks so much. I've never run into such great customer service . . .

David D. - Minneapolis, MN

Thank you so much for all of your help. Great products and wonderful customer service. Sounds like a recipe for success to me!!

Elizabeth G. - Hartland, WI.

Thank you so much for finally creating a dynamic website with gorgeous modern items that are not overpriced! We just made our third purchase through your company. The customer service and quality of products is exceptional. We look forward to making more purchases as you add new items!

Sarah R. - Phoenix, AZ

Can't wait to get the D2 and set it up. You guys have been great fun. I'll definitely be ordering from you again (as my wallet allows). Cheers!

Amy V. - Santa Fe, NM

I'm looking forward to my table! Thank you so much - your customer service is as good as your website says! : )

Gwynne M. - New York, NY

Hi Guys: I just wanted to let you know that the Momo Bench arrived today, and it looks great! Thanks for your attention to my order. I love your website!

Sue W. - Mill Valley, CA

Thanks, guys. [The shipping company] already called and is delivering on Friday. I have found working with you a real pleasure.

Maria M. - Overland Park, KS

Thank you so much for your response. We are looking forward to receiving our Star Table. You truly have some incredible items on your website. We have already referred several friends. Your message and thoughtfulness is appreciated. We look forward to making additional purchases in the near future from you guys. Take care!

Sarah J. - Phoenix, AZ

I just received my rug, and it is fantastic! It arrived sooner than I expected and rolled right out on to my living room floor in time for a cocktail party that night. The ladies love it and now with your site, I can throw away my queer eye guide book. Nice job!

Brian S. - New York, NY

Ever since you started your company you never call home any more.

Our mothers - Boston, MA

Thanks for the follow-up. Through your website, I heard you guys have excellent customer service. I can see why. I really do appreciate all your help in my buying process.

Arthur P. - Chicago, IL

Thanks so much for your great customer service, and I look forward to purchasing more items through you in the future! Seriously thank you!

Stephen E. - San Mateo, CA

Hi -- yes I got the benches last night. Thank you so much for your help. It will be great for the party Friday night. They are so awesome -- seriously - I really appreciate having them shipped directly to me. It worked out perfectly. I will spread the word about your great website. [Jessica needed these benches for a money party. We understood the emergency and got them to her ASAP. The party could go on.]

Jessica R. - San Antonio, TX

Thank you very much for an excellent service, and by this, I mean a warm and friendly service.

Sayuri W. - Jersey City, NJ

Love my Paperclip bookcase...and I enjoyed working with Design Public!

Anne A. - Arlington, TX

Thanks James!! My bedding is awesome, just like you all ... Thanks so much for your help.

Humberto O. - Miami, FL

Thanks so much for the speedy resolution. If only all my subcontractors were that quick to make the inevitable errors right, I'd be open by now! [Mike received an incorrect order and we swapped it out in no time]

Mike R. - Charlottesville, VA

Received my order yesterday - one month earlier than you estimated.

Felicia R. - Long Beach, CA

I just wanted to tell you how much I love my chocolate brown duvet cover! I looked forever for one - and found yours - and my room looks magnificent and it feels great -- thanks. great product

Beth A. - Los Angeles, CA

I plan to order more furniture shortly, and will share your website with a few friends that like the simple modern products you offer. Thanks again! You guys are great.

Susan M. - Traverse City, MI

You're my hero for the kind of service you provide to the general public. REALLY - I'm not kidding! Service, especially consumer care, is a hard job and you do it well. Just thought I'd send some props your way.

Heather C. - Minneapolis, MN

Thanks for the quick response. Your customers are right. You do have great service. :-)

Kathi S. - San Francisco, CA

I have been in retailing for over 20 years and I am now the Senior Vice President for [a major department store]. For the customer, one of the true tests of a retailer is how they handle issues like mine. You apparently know how important good customer service is especially in this age of Internet shopping where the options are endless.

Michael S. - New York, NY

Thanks for your help! I will definitely be ordering from you in the future!

Holly C. - Tiffin, IA

Wow. You guys blow me away. THANK YOU.

Jennifer S. - Pleasanton, CA

Thanks for following up. Your customer service is great, and I love your products. We'll be sure to order from you again soon.

Jeanne C. - Ann Arbor, MI

We will definitely order from you in the future. What everyone says on your web site is very much true -- exceptional customer service...

Valerie C. - Minneapolis, MN

Thank-you very much for the quick response. I am very impressed with your customer service and will be sure to tell others about your website and my very positive experience. You are awesome...

Tari R. - Grand Rapids, MI

Thanks for your email. I really appreciate your resolution on this - I now know why people say "legendary" customer service.

Jiyoung C. - Alameda, CA

Thank you so much for your excellent service. I look forward to the product. After this project, I will share my experience and will recommend your web site to clients.

Linda Y. - Saratoga, CA

You guys are awesome. Truly. I really wish every customer service experience was as pleasurable. You can bet I will become a dedicated customer and will spread the word about your store. Again, I really appreciate your service and will shop with you again and again.

Stephanie H. - Venice, CA

I just received the storytime rocker from you guys and i absolutely LOVE it! It arrived a month earlier than I expected it to - and it is the perfect addition to our nursery! I cannot wait until our baby is born so that we can cuddle on it. Thank you so much! I will be telling ALL of my friends about your wonderful product!

Jenna R. - East Brunswick, NJ

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Your site is brilliant. You carry the Coolest stuff, even for dogs! I'll be surfing your site and buying more for sure.

Brenda - Southboro, MA

Everyone has been so friendly and accommodating. I ordered the wrong size pillows by mistake and it was so easy to return them and now order the right ones. We will continue to order stuff from you guys and recommend this site to all of our friends!

Susan E. - Matawan, NJ

Hey Guys, I just wanted to say thank you for shipping out the wallpaper today. I can't believe how great your customer service is. My husband and I were worried we would have to wait to complete our project with the 3d wallpaper. Thanks to you we now know it will get finished soon!! Thanks so much!! I will order from Design Public again you can count on that!!

Therese M. - Denver, CO

Julie D. - San Francisco, CA

I just wanted to thank you for such fast service. I absolutely love the product (Dream Dot Reversible - Crib-to-Toddler Bedding Set) and can't wait to use it!

Erika B. - Corryton, TN

You have a clean, well-designed site with beautiful products and helpful descriptions. When i called with a question, Antoinette returned my call promptly and was helpful and friendly.

Molly B. - Albuquerque, NM

Thank-you so very much! We will certainly continue to order from Design Public due to your amazing customer service (and products too!).

Rachel G. - Maumee, OH

Design Public- I never thought that sheer joy could be found in a lamp shade, but it can!! My product is beautiful and exactly like the online picture. Shipping was efficient and communication was excellent!! I have been telling everyone about your site! Thank you!

Jule A. - Tuscon, AZ

Just wanted to say my rug arrived today (11 days before your estimated ship date) and is glorious. Thanks for the great products, well-designed site, and prompt delivery. I look forward to many future purchases.

Christopher H. - Glendale, CA

How do I love thee let me count the ways: Hip, easy to navigate web site. Beautifully designed well priced products. Fast delivery just as promised. I received my Offi Mag Table 3 days earlier than the estimated arrival date in perfect condition. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Lee S. - Los Angeles, CA

Just wanted to thank Antoinette for the great job she did in getting the dishes I ordered to me for the bridal shower. She saved the day! My daughter in law to be, loved them. I wouldn't hesitate to order again & will recommend you to my friends & family. Great customer service!

Vicky P. - Dayton, TX

I just received the blankets - they're adorable! So cute and soft. I'm sure my clients will love them. Thanks for all your help.

Annette D. - Pennsauken, NJ

You guys are great and I love the Modern Basics Reed pillows so much! Much higher quality than expected and I'm definitely 1000% satisfied. They update any couch and go with any modern home decor. Great customer service. THANKS!

Heather S. - Eatontown, NJ

I just want to mention that I think you all have been so wonderful with follow-up e-mails, phone calls, etc. I really appreciate all of the attention to my order. Thank you again!

Lesley C. - Laveen, AZ

Dear Design Public: Imagine my complete and utter surprise when I opened a package on my doorstep today and found the fabulous alphabet crib sheet! I had spoken with a representative from designpublic.com only yesterday. In an age when customer service is largely extinct, ducduc and designpublic.com have gone above and beyond. Thank you, thank you, thank you. The quality of your product and your attention to your clients has just won both companies a devoted new customer.

Jessica M. - New York, NY

Thank you so much for the voice message and the email! Once again, your customer service has been stellar! I appreciate your hard work at making things correct.

Michele H. - Healdsburg, CA

I just wanted to say how much I appreciated the actions put into place when my order was incorrect. You immediately contacted me and fixed the problem quickly without any problems.

Lisa R. - Matawan, NJ

I wanted to thank you so much for all your careful attention to my order. I have to say, I've never purchased anything from a company where I've felt less like a number. This order in particular (nursery furniture) has been quite important to my husband and I and knowing it is being handled by such capable hands makes all the difference in the world. I will be ordering from you again in the near future.

Amy P. - Hillsboro, OR

The Dwell Baby pear crib set is beautiful. Thank you so much for going the extra mile to send me my replacement package. It arrived today, and I love it.

Kim C. - Washington, DC

I just want to mention that I think you all have been so wonderful with follow-up e-mails, phone calls, etc. I really appreciate all of the attention to my order. Thank you again!

Lesley C. - Laveen, AZ

Wow! I just got the lamps. I appreciate it sooo much. If you need anyone to give testimonial to how helpful you are...contact me!!! thank you!

Julie W. - Newburyport, MA

Dear Design Public: Imagine my complete and utter surprise when I opened a package on my doorstep today and found the fabulous alphabet crib sheet! I had spoken with a representative from Design Public only yesterday. She informed me that she did not currently have a swatch of the crib sheet for which I was looking, but that she would contact ducduc and ask them to send me a swatch directly. I was shocked by the speed with which the sheet arrived, and doubly surprised to see an entire sheet when I had expected a 2" X 2" swatch! The sheet is exactly what I was looking for and will be perfect in my daughter's nursery. I will be placing my order with you this weekend! In an age when customer service is largely extinct, ducduc and designpublic.com have gone above and beyond. Thank you, thank you, thank you. The quality of your product and your attention to your clients has just won both companies a devoted new customer.

Jessica M. - New York, NY

Thanks again I am very happy to have found your business you have great items and wonderful customer service from beginning to end.

Carol R. - Mill Valley, CA

Antoinette, thanks for the follow up! Really appreciate the extra time. Who can I forward a compliment to?

Arash K. - San Francisco, CA

I lied last time when I said that "Your response couldn't have been better." Because this update tops it. Thanks again.

Jeffrey N. - Santa Monica, CA

I just wanted to say how impressed I was with your company. I made my first purchase last Sunday and I have already received my order. I had a question and contacted you both by email and phone. I received an answer right and away and was very pleased with the process. I just wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was ordering from your company and how much I appreciate good customer service. Thank you so much! I will definitely recommend this site to my friends and family.

Wendy P. - Reisterstown, MD

I have dealt with numerous furniture companies in the past year as I have been furnishing my new apartment, and Design Public has been unquestionably the best. Noel and other staff members went above and beyond in helping me with my sofa purchase, and I am truly grateful. It is always difficult making purchases online when you can't see the products in person, but the staff at Design Public is willing to do everything possible to ensure that you are confident when placing your order, and satisfied with your purchase when it arrives.

Brian S. - New York, NY

Hi I just wanted to thank you for the great service and selection your website has. I received the Area Milano Throw and it is stunning. This is the second time I made an order on this website, and your selection of designers and products are the best on the web, you carry products that add quality to the everyday space one cares deeply about.

Hitomi K. - Baltimore, MD

I just received your Weegee pendant - its huge! What a great statement that will make in my new kitchen. Can't wait to hang it in a couple of weeks.

Larry W. - San Francisco, CA

Just wanted to let you know I'm very happy with the order I received. I love the chairs, and they arrived 3 weeks sooner that I expected. I look forward to buying more from you in the future.

Paul D. - Green Bay, WI

I wanted to contact you to let you know how pleased I was working with one of your customer service representatives, Antoinette. Antoinette was great about following up with me and always responded promptly to my emails and voicemails. She was always professional and courteous, and overall was a pleasure to work with. It was very valuable to me to know exactly what was going on with the status of my order. . . I was very impressed with your customer service and I will gladly shop again with Design Public because of my experience.

Morgan B. - Los Angeles, CA

My husband and I just got our Cortina Floor lamp and are really pleased. We've ordered a lot of stuff from [BIG COMPETITOR] in the past, but decided to buy from you guys because of the free shipping and no tax. And we have to say that the whole experience on your site is 10x better than [SAME BIG COMPETITOR]. Faster shipping and less expensive. Thanks! We'll be back.

Ginger M. - Denver, CO

Thank you so much. I really, really appreciate it. Whenever someone compliments me on the furniture we ordered from you, I always tell them this has been the best customer service I have ever received.

Cara W. - New York, NY

After reading several of the comments made about the customer service of Design Public, I am anxious to express the service that I received in the past. I ordered several things from you a while back, and to this day I can honestly say that your company has the best customer service on the market. You should be proud of this company and the reputation that you have and one in which I am trying to model my own design business after. Thank you for the service and the example. I will be ordering from you again very soon.

Sherry B. - Wilmington, NC

I just wanted to let you guys know that I received my Block Party Bookcase and I am really happy with it. On top of that, I got to meet the maker, Thomas, in person since he lives in my neighborhood. He brought me the piece himself and I got a chance to talk to him. He is a really nice guy with a great sense of humor. I love the bookcase since it is well made and well thought out. The craftsmanship is superb. Thomas even gave me a good idea on a great location to place the bookcase. I enjoyed talking to Thomas and I think he is one heck of a furniture designer. Thank you very much for bringing his work to us. Until next time, keep up the good work.

James P. - Berkeley, CA

Once again, your customer service is impeccable. This shipped ahead of schedule and now we will get it when we really needed it for a trip we are planning. There are a lot of websites out there selling the same stuff ... we always look to see if you carry something and order it from you first ... KEEP IT UP!

Dahlia and Steven P. - Austin, MN

I'm only a recent customer, I've ordered the Blu Dot Rocker and recently ordered the Offi Overlap tray. I ordered the tray because I'm undergoing a small surgery next week and will be on bed rest for a few days. When I called customer service (realizing that technically I wouldn't get my order until after my surgery) and told her about my situation, the person was so nice and contacted Offi and had them ship it to me right away. I just wanted to say thank you for the fantastic service and for being so considerate. You've got yourself a customer for life!

Ebru B. - Irvington, NY

I first ordered this from another website in order to save the CA sales tax. They immediately charged my credit card for the full purchase price but when I called them a week later inquiring about the order, they said it would not ship for another 5-6 weeks. I then canceled the order and placed a new order with you guys, and you ship it the very next day. You guys are the best, keep up the good work.

Morten B. - Calabasas, CA

I love these lights...and your store...rules!

Julie B. - Berkeley, CA

Thank you so much for resolving this issue so quickly. Compared to companies I have been dealing with recently it is very refreshing to be treated so well and to see that great customer service still exists.

Michael H. - Redwood City, CA

I will shop at Design Public anytime I am looking for new furnishings. Your staff is always so helpful, and your customer service is the best I've encountered anywhere! Thank you!

New York, NY - Brian S.

The Utility Collective