Ironically, it was this constant exposure that initially made him despise the craft.
Yet, fate had a different plan.
Zoe Kao
What made you decide that being a furniture designer was your calling?
The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Corinne Mucha / Taylor Ifland / Zoe Kao
I hated furniture growing up.
After working for various design studios in NYC, I decided Id design my own furniture.
Want more design inspiration?
Zoe Kao
How would you describe your personal style and approach to designing furniture?
Eventually, I narrow in on concepts with potential and then begin to refine them.
Too much inspiration is the problem these days for me.
Zoe Kao
As far as inspiration, there are some constants, though.
I tend to under-design rather than over-design.
The irregularity of naturelike the growth patterns in branches and the random faceting of rockshas always been an inspiration.
Zoe Kao
What design project have you done thats stuck with you throughout your career?
It gave me the confidence that if I worked hard enough, I could go pretty far.
How do you incorporate design elements from the communities you grew up in into your work?
Zoe Kao
While Japan is revered for its minimalist bent, China is known historically for its intricate detailing.
What does it mean to you to be AAPI in your industry?
Theres quite a strong community of Asian American creatives, which has been wonderful.
Zoe Kao
Whatre your favorite furniture pieces in your own home?
A small side table my wife made using metal pipe, red zip ties, and braided plastic.
She wanted to cut the tails off and I got so upset.
Zoe Kao
Theyre still on, for now, at least.
Whats one thing you give a shot to incorporate in every furniture piece you design?
It’s got to be practical.
What furniture design trend are you tired of?
The problem is that its impractical and distasteful to toss furniture seasonally.
Do we really want fast furniture like we want fast fashion?
