Bio
Jon Beer
is a designer and maker of studio furniture, originally from Cambridge, England, Jon is currently living and working in Managua, Nicaragua. He received his Master of Arts Design (Furniture) from Lincoln University, England, and his Bachelor degree of Fine Craft ( Furniture Design and Craftsmanship) from Buckinghamshire Chilterns University, England. His experience within the furniture world includes roles a diverse as professor of furniture design and practice in several institutions, including Lincoln University and the College of West Anglia, as a self-employed studio furniture maker, as well as production manager at a large production facility. Working instinctively, often drawing inspiration directly from the material or technique to be employed, he creates individual pieces executed to the highest standards. He has exhibited his work across the UK and his work has appeared in several publications, including House and Home Magazine, and the 2007 book “Bespoke” by Betty Norbury. Recently he was selected by the Royal Warrant Holders Association of London to create a gift for the Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, a piece which is now housed within the Royal collections.
Chris Sataua
is a designer, photographer, and art director from San Diego, California, now living and working between Managua, Nicaragua and Naples, Florida. Chris is a graduate of the University of California, Davis with a B.S. in Environmental Design. Immediately after finishing his studies, Chris traveled to Nicaragua to work as an interior and landscape designer for a beach resort project in San Juan del Sur. After completing the project he remained in Nicaragua pursuing a range of opportunities such as designing a series of gardens on the pacific coast, working for Simplemente Madera (a large furniture manufacturer) developing their brand identity, designing furniture and documenting their projects and endeavors photographically. He also co-founded Hecho magazine, a bi-lingual cultural project centered on the art and music of Nicaragua, that was recognized internationally by the Los Angeles Times and Americas Quarterly. In 2011 he worked as art director for the advertising agency McCann Erickson in Managua before returning to furniture design with Sataua & Beer.