Jiun Ho Furu outdoor dining table and Belo outdoor dining chair in Jiun Ho performers fabric, Hanakago in Black Sesame shown in Jiun Ho NYC, 200 Lexington Ave, NYDC
From the Designer | I often travel to Thailand, sometimes for work, often for pleasure, and always taking in the natural beauty that is in abundance. On one trip, Thailand also led me to the answer to an ongoing question I was sorting through: “Why do we set limits on beauty in our homes?” I’d been thinking about designing an outdoor furniture collection and wondering if could be more like that of my textile lines, created for both inside and outside usage. Visiting Thailand’s old traditional houses, I saw teak everywhere I looked. Starting outside, heading inside, flooring and paneling, cabinetry and furniture, the beauty of the wood was limitless.
Returning to my studio, I began to design. I celebrated the fine crafts of Japanese joinery and Roku ceramics; I embraced the simplicity of form and elegance of the line in Scandinavian wood design. What emerged is my first outdoor collection, made entirely of teak, and often with ceramic, metal and natural stone completing the vision. But to call it an” outdoor collection” is something of a misnomer, as each piece is versatile enough for full indoor and outdoor use.
I’m so proud to share this new collection with you. I hope that in teak’s ancient beauty you find many pieces to serve you in your daily life, and maybe even a few you fall in love with.
Bahia outdoor dining chair and bar stool in Jiun Ho Performers fabric, Obi in Taro
Raymond Paul Schneider: When did you first start to develop this new collection?
Jiun Ho: The inception of the new collection coincided with the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020 when everyone prioritized quality moments with loved ones while embracing outdoor activities with social distancing measures in place. Concurrently, my foray into managing a vine farm in Sonoma County prompted me to uncover a resolution to a longstanding question I had been contemplating – “Why do we confine beauty within predefined limits in our living spaces?” This introspection led me to contemplate the concept of crafting an outdoor furniture collection that echoed the versatility of my textile lines, designed to transition between indoor and outdoor settings seamlessly.
RPS: What was your initial inspiration, and where did the idea(s) come from?
JH: Drawing inspiration from my journeys to Japan, numerous pieces within the collection harmoniously resonate with the ambiance of my farm nestled in Northern California. The collection pays homage to the exquisite craftsmanship of Japanese joinery techniques and Roku ceramics. Infused with the sleek, minimalistic design and distinct lines characteristic of Scandinavian woodwork, each piece radiates simplicity and elegance. Emphasizing artisanal craftsmanship, an unwavering dedication to precision, and a commitment to showcasing the innate beauty of natural materials define this seamless fusion. Envisioned for versatility, these pieces effortlessly transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering functionality and style in both settings.
KIYOMIZU Outdoor Dining Table
RPS: Please describe your overall creative and design process.
JH: I initiated the creative process with sketches, progressing to computer 3D modeling and experimenting with 3D printing. This exploration led to full-scale prototyping as the project matured. After multiple rounds of revisions and thorough testing over several months, the collection was meticulously refined for its official launch. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the designs, it became evident that categorizing the collection merely as an “outdoor collection” would be limiting. Each piece has been meticulously crafted for versatility, seamlessly bridging indoor and outdoor realms to offer functionality and style across diverse settings.
RPS: Did you have a specific audience or theme in mind?
JH: Our mission at Jiun Ho is to provide our clients with stunning original designs hand-crafted with superlative quality and materials. The new outdoor furniture collection has been intricately designed to mirror the versatility of my textile lines, seamlessly transitioning between indoor and outdoor environments.
Embarking on the design process, I quickly realized that labeling it as solely an “outdoor collection” would be inaccurate. Each piece has been envisioned with versatility in mind, seamlessly transitioning between indoor and outdoor spaces to provide both functionality and style across various settings.
Torii Round outdoor table and Bahia outdoor dining chair Jiun Ho NYC, 200 Lexington Ave, NYDC
RPS: Please describe the methods, tools, and materials you used to develop and prototype this design.
JH: We crafted this collection from sustainably sourced teak and complemented it with elements of ceramic, metal, and natural stone. It embodies a blend of quality materials and environmentally conscious design. The key here was in the materials and ensuring that while bringing more products to market, we were doing it as environmentally responsibly as possible.
RPS: Did you use a new technique or technology to conceptualize or create this product? If yes, please share the details.
JH: We relied heavily on 3D modeling and 3D printing to align the initial prototypes exactly with our vision before production models were built. This way, we produced much less waste and continued our theme of environmental responsibility.
Franca lounge chair in front of JG Switzer bespoke felt art, Jiun Ho NYC, 200 Lexington Ave, NYDC
RPS: Please describe any challenges that affected the design and perhaps steered you to an entirely new final design.
JH: Designing an outdoor collection that seamlessly transitions between indoor and outdoor settings while marrying form with the ability to withstand Mother Nature, patina with exposure to the elements, and maintaining its striking sculptural form is a delicate balance. Bridging both needs was an exciting challenge and one we delivered beautifully with the artful combination of materials that marry durability with elegance.
RPS: Describe your overall brand DNA and ethos.
JH: At the core of Jiun Ho’s ethos lies simplicity, versatility across different interiors, timeless elegance, distinctive design elements, unparalleled craftsmanship, and uncompromising comfort.
Photography by Rayon Richards.
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