Custom drafting table by CALIPER supports Daniel Arsham drawing practice
Caliper, the Madrid-based industrial design and fabrication studio founded by Quinner Baird, has created a custom drafting table for Daniel Arsham, designed as a precise working instrument for the artist’s small-scale charcoal and graphite drawings. The Daniel Arsham drafting table functions as a specialized studio workstation, integrating a backlit drawing surface and magnifying lamp to support the meticulous process behind Arsham’s detailed paper works.
Commissioned specifically for Arsham’s drawing practice, the drafting table responds directly to the scale and technical demands of his charcoal and graphite compositions. The illuminated work surface provides controlled light diffusion that assists in reading fine tonal variations and surface textures, while the magnifying lamp supports the close visual inspection required for intricate line work. These functional elements transform the Daniel Arsham drafting table into a purpose-built drawing environment where precision and comfort become essential parts of the creative workflow.
Beyond the illuminated drawing surface, Caliper integrated a series of storage and organizational features tailored to the needs of a working artist. Dedicated compartments allow paper sheets, charcoal sticks and drawing instruments to remain within immediate reach, maintaining an efficient workflow while keeping the working surface clear. Surface-mounted charging ports and integrated controls regulate the lighting components, allowing the user to adjust illumination without interrupting the drawing process.
Material selection plays a significant role in the identity of the Daniel Arsham drafting table. The structure is produced entirely in CNC-machined aluminium, finished with a clear anodised and bead-blasted surface treatment that enhances durability while preserving a refined industrial appearance. Aluminium provides structural rigidity while keeping the overall weight manageable, allowing the drafting table to function as a robust yet adaptable studio tool.
The entire piece was manufactured and assembled in-house at Caliper’s Madrid studio before being transported to New York City for installation in Daniel Arsham’s workspace. Founded in 2020 by Quinner Baird, Caliper operates at the intersection of industrial design, spatial design and furniture development. The studio often works with highly technical fabrication methods while collaborating with local and international manufacturers to realize complex projects, supporting artists and designers through carefully engineered objects that respond to the needs of contemporary creative practice.
Photography by Borja Llobregat, with courtesy of Caliper
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