My transforming table is based on the Ulm stool, designed by Max Bill in 1955. Bill came right out of the Bauhaus movement, which was founded in Germany in 1919 by architect Walter Gropius, who wanted to reconnect fine art with craftsmanship and put soul and beauty back into furniture and architecture. Bill’s uber-functional stool is an icon of Bauhaus design.

A German friend told me that his university handed out stools like this for dorm use, because it could be used upright as a low table or seat, or on its side as a bookcase. Also, why not start students off with an inspiring example of functional design?

I took the Ulm stool as my inspiration, partly to make it fit the tools and techniques for a beginner woodworker, but also just for fun. There is nothing wrong with copying classic pieces, but I encourage you to make designs your…