“We always try to do something that is different,” says Julian Koh, the chief design officer of local furniture brand Commune. “That’s our tagline: to defy the norm. We create products with subtle details and focus on invigorating all of our six senses.”
It could be said that a passion for furniture design is in his blood. Koh’s grandfather founded local manufacturer Koda in 1972, which produces furniture for American brands including Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn.
He grew up with fond childhood memories of visiting his family’s furniture factory, and as a teenager, he regularly visited the IMM Cologne and Salone del Mobile trade fairs in Europe with his family; Koh’s subsequent decision to study industrial design at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne was also a natural progression.
Stanford grad s escapist novel set in Singapore high society lands her a two-book publishing deal at the age of 23 asiaone.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from asiaone.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Jasmine Ng, chief operating officer at Akar de Nissim
The brand’s forte lies in its signature 10-layer lacquer process. An unparalleled expertise helmed by the brand, the lacquering process requires the utmost finesse from artisanal craftsmen. The manifold procedure begins by meticulously coating each piece with at least four layers of primer to better intensify the applied lacquer colour. Individual lacquered layers are then varnished to seal in the vivid colour tones.
Jasmine Ng, COO of Akar de Nissim
Artisans will subsequently hand-polish each piece, tirelessly working to ensure that the creation radiates a luxurious shine and smoothness. This deft expertise has enabled the brand to make its mark with elegant pieces that boast a strong personality.
Pakkee Tan
Pakkee Tan is the Digital Director of Tatler Singapore. He is responsible for overseeing the editorial output of
Tatler Singapore’s website, leading the digital strategy, commissioning and editing features and news stories, as well as overseeing
Tatler Singapore’s video and social media channels. He also works on the digital extension of print stories and issue launches, and regularly contributes to the magazine. He has previously worked at Singapore’s top media titles including
Vogue Singapore,
E! Online Asia. Follow him on Instagram at @pakkee.
Related Stories
Grand Hyatt Singapore: Hotel Staycation Review asiatatler.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from asiatatler.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.