The design for the Anello Stool started with a request we kept hearing: a stool with a back. People in airports, libraries, university commons, and lobbies often stay at a charging counter longer than planned. Designers wanted more support for those moments.
To tell the story of Anello, we sat down with Matt Payonk, Agati’s Director of Design. He walked us through each phase, from the first requests to the finished stool.
“We’d gotten requests for a stool with a back several times. Our sales teams were interested in meeting those needs. The Anello started with the Altezza, and we knew we could make a back for it. But what we really wanted was to build a stool from the ground up, designed with a back in mind”
The Altezza Stool gave the team a proven disc-base foundation. Early interest in a round seat pointed toward a fresh form. Designers needed a stool that had a more organic look and offered options to fit most public spaces. Facilities teams needed one that was easy to maintain and clean. A generous open gap on the back gives the stool a modern, lighter look and an easy place to grab and turn it.
The team also studied how the stool looks when no one is sitting in it. That made an automatic return swivel essential on the version with a backrest. When a guest stands up, the seat returns to position. Rows of stools stay flush with the clean lines of the space.
“Once we found a design aesthetic we liked, we mocked-up and tested several versions. We sat on them to fully understand the ergonomics of the sit. Does the curve hug your back? We knew the hug was a benefit across our products. So that was a given for this design.”
Concept development started with aesthetics. The curved “hug” from the Etta Collection and Departures Airport Seating became a core feature of Anello. The team iterated on the back, sides, and angles. They kept refining until the seating experience and visual design came together. Every version was held to the same standard. It had to be a modern, comfortable, durable, and cleanable stool for public spaces.
“There is a fine line between over-engineering a product and engineering a good product. When engineering and designing our pieces out, we know we aren’t engineering and designing them for just the first year. We’re thinking about the 5th, 6th, or 10th year that our product is out in the field”
Matt described engineering as the biggest lift of the project. Anello’s rounded shape has no flat connection points. The team worked hard to make every connection strong enough to meet Agati standards. Those connections had to hold up in busy public spaces. Turning 3D-printed models into a manufacturable stool was its own process. Each detail was refined so the finished product kept the look of the original concept.
“We shared early models and designs with architects and professionals for feedback. We even sent an upholstered 3D-printed version to an airport for their feedback on what we were building.”
Prototyping followed a steady cycle: design, build, find improvements, and build again. The team went through several prototypes before arriving at a stool they were happy with. Feedback from architects, design professionals, and an airport helped confirm the direction. Back in our shop, many Agati employees sat on the prototypes and shared their honest reactions. Their feedback shaped the final adjustments.
” The Anello stool is an elegant looking stool for spaces to have in them. I’m proud that our team was able to figure everything out without compromising on the look or durability.”
The last big decision was whether to offer one profile or two. The team chose two, so designers can match the stool to each space. The backed version offers longer-sit comfort with an automatic return swivel. The backless version keeps sightlines open with a smaller footprint. Both come in bar and table heights. Each has a powder-coated steel disc base, stainless steel foot ring, and cushioned upholstered seat. Optional bolt-to-floor installation is also available.
The tear sheet, CAD, and Revit files are available on the Anello product page.
The Anello Stool pairs naturally with the Power Bar and Table Collection. It fits charging counters like the Original Power Bar and Skinny Power Bar. It also works in dining areas, computer stations, and waiting areas. Its wide disc base stays steady in busy environments. The curved back supports longer sits, and the push-through gap keeps cleaning simple.
Anello brings a modern, organic look to airport terminals, university commons, libraries, dining spaces, and other high-traffic spaces.
Thinking about Anello for your next project? Connect with our team to explore heights, finishes, and configurations.
Evolution of Design is a series where Agati shares our process of designing innovative furniture to meet industry needs. We are often guided by customer requests for custom furniture solutions, which then becomes part of our standard product catalog.
