A New Cycle

Since 1950, teo jakob has shaped Swiss living culture with a pioneering spirit, uniting design, architecture and art. In 1972, the company opened the world’s first USM specialist shop – a milestone for the modular furniture classics made of steel and chrome. Today, teo jakob has showrooms in Bern, Zurich and Geneva, studios in Lausanne and Zug, a consulting office in Biel and an interior architecture office in Winterthur: a unique network for furnishing solutions in Switzerland. In autumn 2025, the company will take another step with its «Second Cycle» expertise: refurbished, certified USM furniture will be integrated into contemporary interior design concepts.

Ms Rossier, in 1972, teo jakob opened the world’s first USM specialist shop. Why is Second Cycle a logical continuation of this story?

It is the logical continuation of our original vision. With the opening of the world’s first USM showroom, we committed ourselves to a modular design that is functional and future-oriented. We chose a system that can be adapted for generations to come. This is exactly where Second Cycle comes in. Instead of exclusively selling new USM furniture, we create a circular system. We acquire previously used furniture, meticulously restore it, and incorporate it into new, contemporary projects. It is a logical development: from a pioneer in sales and consulting to an innovator in the circular economy. Or to put it another way: teo jakob’s philosophy is to create inspiring environments that accommodate the realities of everyday life. With Second Cycle, we use the past to create a better and more sustainable future – without compromising on quality and aesthetics.

How exactly can Second Cycle be integrated into current interior design concepts?

Second Cycle does not trade in one-off pieces. We incorporate refurbished USM elements into comprehensive interior concepts, for example in working environments, reception areas, hospitality spaces or residential spaces. Companies thus benefit from an ecological and economic solution: They deploy Second Cycle USM furniture where the typology has proven itself, for example in storage areas, as room dividers or for technical workstations. At the same time, they can invest in new furniture tailored to current needs, for example in room-in-room solutions by Mute featuring quiet ventilation, integrated lighting and connections, or in intelligent lighting systems that automatically adapt to natural conditions and workplace demands. In this way, we unite heritage and innovation within a single concept.

How does Second Cycle differ from a traditional second-hand market?

Second Cycle goes far beyond the sale of individual vintage pieces. Each piece of furniture is inspected, its provenance is documented, and it is supplemented with original parts, if necessary. Above all, we do not sell stand-alone pieces. We integrate them into a bespoke interior concept comprising furniture, lighting, textiles, acoustics and colours, and supplement this with 3D visualisations and project support. Thanks to their clear design language, USM Second Cycle pieces integrate seamlessly into unique settings. Our clients can choose from among thousands of material options in our showrooms in Geneva, Bern and Zurich.

Why is USM at the centre of this programme?

USM is not just a product, but a principle. The longevity of this furniture is legendary, but of crucial importance is its modular construction. USM furniture can be fully dismantled, cleaned, expanded and reconfigured. What was once formed the wall of a records office can now be transformed into a room divider with integrated plants. In addition, we bring unique expertise: teo jakob not only opened the world’s first USM showroom, but still operates the only official USM showroom in Switzerland. Drawing on our historical and technical expertise, we ensure that every Second Cycle project adheres to both the brand’s standards and our own quality requirements.

The cultural dimension is part of teo jakob’s identity. What is the connection to Second Cycle?

Since our founding in 1950, we have understood interior design as a dialogue with art, architecture and society. Teo Jakob himself collected works by artists such as Meret Oppenheim and Franz Eggenschwiler. Today, we continue this commitment with our Teo Jakob Art Collection Foundation, with exhibitions, and with the Prix Teo prize for young interior architecture students in collaboration with HEAD Geneva.

Second Cycle fits seamlessly into this philosophy, because the company combines design culture with responsibility for the future. We show that beautiful furniture is not only functional, but can endure for generations – if given the opportunity.

What does design mean to you personally?

For me, design is the union of aesthetics, functionality and innovation. It is both a passion and a calling to create environments that inspire, offer comfort and reflect the personality of the people who live or work in them. With Second Cycle, we expand on this commitment to include the dimension of sustainability without ever compromising on quality or beauty.