A woman in a white blouse sits in a green armchair beside a small table and decorations.

Janet Feldman’s Ingenious AWEchair Reinvents Mobility with Italian Leather and German Engineering

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Written by Flynn Matthews

2026-09-11

What would compel someone to branch out from a decades-long family business to launch a venture that redefines comfort and design? For Janet Feldman, the motivation was straightforward: a need to solve a personal problem. Her innovative approach as the founder and CEO of Assistance With Elegance led her to create a stylish and practical solution for her aging parents facing mobility challenges. Thus, the AWEchair was born.

When traditional lift chairs failed to meet her expectations for both aesthetics and function, Feldman took matters into her own hands. “I wanted something beautiful and functional for my parents,” she shares. Her vision was to transcend typical designs, which she felt lacked elegance. Feldman’s inventive solution was to tap into skills honed from a career in the footwear industry and merge them with her new passion.

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Beige recliner chair next to black side table with book, fern, and brass lamp.
Beige recliner chair next to a small black side table with a closed book, a potted fern, and a brass floor lamp, all set on a white floor and background.

The Creation of Janet Feldman’s Ingenious AWEchair

Feldman’s journey involved assembling a team of engineers, industrial designers, gerontologists, and orthopedists. The mission was clear: integrate accessibility seamlessly into the AWEchair’s design from the start. Her perseverance bore fruit when a German factory finally understood and executed her vision after multiple iterations, showcasing her ability to unite diverse expertise.

Brown leather armchair by a glass table with books, flowers, in a cozy room setting.
A brown leather armchair sits next to a glass side table with books and flowers, in a cozy room with wooden furniture, art, and framed photos.

The AWEchair is a confluence of international craftsmanship—a German-engineered structure, a motor developed in China, and Italian leather upholstery. Its design leans heavily on classic club chair proportions, ensuring it resembles a piece of fine furniture while offering independence to its users. The patented mechanisms, including a retractable footrest, allow functionality to blend naturally into the chair’s form, another example of Feldman’s creative touch.

Close-up of green leather armchair with stitching on beige carpet near wooden cabinet.
Close-up of a green leather armchair with visible stitching, set on a textured beige carpet with a wooden cabinet in the background.

Crafted in North Carolina, the AWEchair comes in various leather options, receiving thorough finishing touches ensured through eight distinct patents. These innovations, the result of her meticulous planning, cover everything from comfort-centric features to the unique cup holder design.

Brown leather armchair with cup holder by a glass table with books and flowers.
Brown leather armchair with a built-in cup holder, next to a glass-top table holding books and a vase of white flowers.

The AWEchair signifies more than a product; it’s part of the broader aging and design discussion. Feldman’s philosophy is profound yet simple: supportive furniture should also be aesthetically pleasing. “This chair needs to be something people are proud to have, not just need,” she states.

In essence, this venture honors her parents and equips others with a dignified option. Although Feldman’s parents couldn’t see its final form, the AWEchair stands as a tribute to them and a helpful innovation for all.

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Red leather luxury lift chair beside a glass table, wooden cabinet with art and flowers.
Red leather AWEchair luxury lift chair beside a glass side table with books and a tray, set in front of a wooden cabinet with framed art and flowers.

Available in various genuine and synthetic leather hues, the AWEchair starts at $7,995, offering both elegance and practicality through Assistance With Elegance, demonstrating once more her ingenious approach to functional beauty.

Source: design-milk.com

Frequently asked questions

What inspired Janet Feldman to create the AWEchair?

Janet Feldman was motivated by a need to solve a personal problem related to her aging parents facing mobility challenges. She aimed to redefine comfort and design by creating a stylish and practical solution.

Where is the AWEchair manufactured?

The AWEchair is crafted in North Carolina, with a German-engineered structure and Italian leather upholstery. It integrates various international elements into its design.

How much does the AWEchair cost?

The AWEchair starts at $7,995 and is available in various genuine and synthetic leather hues. It offers both elegance and practicality through Assistance With Elegance.