Boss Design Unveils Uma: A True Focal Point for Leadership Spaces

Design Insider spoke with Boss Design during Clerkenwell Design Week to learn more about their latest innovation: Uma – a sophisticated reimagining of the classic boardroom chair that blends sculptural elegance with exceptional comfort. Our conversation also explored BioPUR®, Boss Design’s plant-based, low-impact foam alternative, which is now being incorporated across their collections, including Uma. It’s a clear sign that sustainability and design excellence can go hand in hand- without compromise.

While chairs in the boardroom category typically offer a firm sit, Uma has been designed for maximum comfort. With every surface, line and detail painstakingly honed, Uma’s enticing form is more than justified by its generously cushioned seat, supportive back and tactile arms.

Aaron Clarkson, Uma’s designer. says:

“Customers wanted a high-back version of our popular Paloma chair for their boardrooms, so that’s where the design journey began for Uma. We’ve taken those soft curves and organic lines and used them to create something new and unique, with a luxurious level of comfort.”

Uma’s gentle, organic form harmonizes perfectly other seating the Boss catalogue such as Remi, Amelia and Paloma, making it easy for architects and designers to specify beautiful, complementary seating across boardroom, meeting and breakout spaces.

Innovation and Comfort

The sleek form and high level of comfort are made possible by Boss Designs’ innovative application of polyurethane injection molding processes alongside deep expertise in foam layering techniques. For example, the thick cushioning of Uma’s seat is supplemented by a recess in the plywood base allowing an extra 15mm of foam. Our molding know-how enables firm edges that keep their form while a soft centre delivers an extremely comfortable sit. Aaron Clarkson says:

“When you sit into Uma, the back has a beautiful shape that flows with the spine, and where your lower back touches the chair we’ve inset a panel of softer foam to augment the comfort while providing ergonomic support.”

Meanwhile, the Bio-PUR® foam that gives Uma its next-level comfort has a carbon footprint 75% lower than conventional PU foam. With our focus on sustainability, Uma can be reupholstered and refurbished for second life, and its foam, steel frame, plywood and aluminium components are easy to separate for reuse or recycling.

BioPUR® in Detail

BioPUR® is our bio-based polyurethane foam, crafted to deliver the same comfort and durability as traditional PU foam but with up to 75% lower embodied carbon. Instead of fossil fuels, it utilizes renewable resources like biomethane derived from organic waste, aligning with circular manufacturing principles.​

This innovative foam isn’t new to the market; it’s been a trusted material in the mattress industry for over a decade, notably used by companies like Amerisleep since 2010. Its long-standing application in sleep products underscores its reliability and performance.​

Key Benefits:

– Sustainable Composition: Made from renewable resources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

– High Performance: Maintains the comfort, resilience, and durability expected from PU foam.

– Health & Safety: Low in VOCs, halogen-free, and compliant with Crib 5, POPs, and PFAS standards.

– Design Flexibility: Compatible with existing manufacturing processes, facilitating seamless integration into various furniture designs.​

By adopting BioPUR® in products such as Remi and Uma, and expanding its availability as a direct replacement for conventional polyurethane foam across our portfolio, we are reducing embodied carbon at material level—while maintaining the structural integrity, comfort performance, and design flexibility expected of moulded foam solutions.

Authoritative yet Versatile

Like other furniture in the Boss Design catalogue, Uma has been designed to adapt to a wide range of settings and, depending on how it’s specified, its tall presence can easily migrate beyond executive spaces. Upholstered in high-quality leather, it’s the perfect boardroom chair, but cover it in a smooth, durable fabric and it can also serve as a work chair amongst desks and tabling. Meanwhile, a playful approach with patterning or a two-tone look propels Uma into informal meeting, breakout and touchdown areas.

With a single seam concealed along the perimeter line of Uma’s integrated back and arms, the chair can be upholstered in a wide range of materials, making it suitable for any décor scheme or brand colourway. It’s available on either a four- or five-star base, and comes with a swivel, height adjustment and a lockable tilt mechanism.

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