Chris Flechtner was born to speed. Since a young boy, he’s enjoyed designing and building all things fast. His life-long passion for speed evolved from racing remote controlled cars that he built, to building bicycle frames that he raced himself.

Growing up a gearhead in Massachusetts he built his first custom bicycle at age 12 and his first motorcycle from a Honda CB350 at the age of 18. After working in a machine shop building slip clutches by day and building motorcycles and hotrod cars from scratch by night, Chris took his intuitive hands-on philosophy and decided to refine and elevate his skills at Cranbrook Academy of Art where he earned his MFA in design and metal arts.

Ten years ago, Chris’s deep respect for Japanese esthetics led him to apprentice under one of Japan’s most accomplished sword polisher and restorator, Tatsuhiko Konno, where he is still involved in the restoration of priceless samurai swords and armor. Chris’s inventive techniques, understanding of metals and expert craftsmanship have enabled his Sensei to restore pieces that may at one time been deemed “lost”. These antiques are now in museums and in the hands of collector’s worldwide.

Chris has always held a level of Japanese mentality in his life. For the last five years he has been continually humbled by his other Sensei’s in Kendo.

Chris shares his professional time between Speed Shop and Gulassa & Co., Inc. where he is the head designer. A Seattle based furniture design and manufacturing company that is nationally and internationally renowned for their award winning design and unparalleled craftsmanship. His high-end furniture has been purchased by some of the most discerning and wealthiest people on the planet.

Regardless of who the client is, he always thinks of his work as for himself. “The design and the build need to be an evolution that happens together. This process of creation fulfills the spirit and results in something with soul.”

His goal: Integrity.

He continues to pursue his passion for all things fast, and has the skills and vision to make it a reality.

Chris resides in Seattle with his girlfriend and their two dogs who are not so fast.