OBJKT Studio is a Singapore-based contemporary atelier, creating intelligent forms that bridge the gap between architecture and industrial design. OBJKT is a design force to be reckoned with, offering an impressive collection that truly marries the best of craftsmanship and design. 

The sibling duo behind the studio gave us at Indesign an exclusive insight into what inspires them now and into the future. 

Inspiration from place, space and company

The Pimenta sibling duo cite places as some of their most significant inspirations. Hailing from Singapore, the designers are acutely aware of the smaller footprints of most domestic spaces – just like those across metropolitan hubs across the globe. This understanding serves as inspiration for the multi-functionality and versatility of every OBJKT, from finishes to usage. Similarly, the duo’s regional travels for business and pleasure allowed them to connect with talented, up-and-coming artisans, each of whom brought a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and creative desires. 

For OBJKT, inspiration truly did start at home. The duo credit their father’s influence for developing their shared affinity for furniture, design, and art, with a family home filled with pieces of all styles. The Pimenta household was filled with timeless Danish-style pieces, crafted by artisans that had been restored and repurposed for generations to come.

This memory of their early, formative environments inspired the siblings to identify and collaborate with young, talented artisans who exhibited instinctive desires to create bespoke pieces with time-honoured design expertise and invaluable experience in an ever-changing industry. 

‘The Living Atelier’

OBJKT constantly explores innovative methods of design and production, reinterpreting heritage and tradition to create a flexible, organic design philosophy. “By constantly exploring innovative methods, we are able to re-interpret tradition, culture and heritage – imbibing these attributes into a ‘living’ contemporary lifestyle by being: ‘The Living Atelier’ as we call it.”

 This contemporary approach to design allows the team to explore how different silhouettes and forms can be used in multiple ways, within the same product family. “As an Atelier we are driven by a continuous quest for new perspectives and insights, brought to life through great design, material, cutting-edge technology and responsible manufacturing.” With a keen focus on rigorous design, durability, sustainability, and innovation, OBJKT’s modern creativity is evident from conception to production. 

OBJKT Studio reflects this philosophy with their range of functional and intelligent pieces. “Our design process consists of extensive explorations of form and studying its ability to transform into different functions within the same product family.” Each design piece is featured in limited series; with each collection showcasing the brand’s everyday values of design rigour, flexibility, sustainability, innovation and intelligence. 

The power of materiality and craftsmanship

OBJKT is committed to creating pieces whose production and materials are as sustainable as possible. Here’s what the team has to say about the connection between materials and superior craftsmanship: 

“Our conscious selection of materials ensures that they meet high quality standards, are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and sustainably sourced from regional suppliers. Every piece of OBJKT is unique, meticulously handcrafted by our team of artisans. Our craftsmen, while creating each piece, allow for slight variations and Idiosyncrasies, giving each individual OBJKT distinctive quirks and characteristics.”

This is seen through 6 Serie. One of a kind, meticulously hand-crafted, and always distinctive, OBJKT’s debut range is nothing short of spectacular. This inimitable collection features the designs of Angkor, Jakarta, Milano, Soho, Barcelona, Munich. Each design functions as a side table, stool or pedestal, with Angkor, Jakarta, Milano and Soho also serving as pendant lights. 

Each design has been crafted from a single log of wood, sourced from local felled trees of over half a century. A lathing method is used to achieve the fine, intricate details ingrained within each piece – a design process that spans across three full days in the workshop. With each piece named after a notable city, elements of heritage monuments are imbued throughout the collection

“We love these tiny imperfections as they accentuate the handmade nature of our products and artisanal skills of our makers.”

Each creation is rendered in an array of forms, from tables to chairs, lighting to art, and everything in between. While the collection was slated for launch at the 2020 and 2021 Salone del Mobile and ICFF + Wanted, OBJKT responded to the challenges of the pandemic with an intuitive online debut.

Looking forward: Designers and designs that stand the test of time

Although OBJKT’s designs might appear to be the perfect match for this season’s aesthetic, they are timeless in form, function, and materiality. The designers view their work as separate to trends, embracing the sustainable view that design, much like art and fashion, is cyclical. By ensuring that products are created to meticulous standards, OBJKT designs will endure years of love. 

“Each design is made in a limited series; furniture pieces and OBJKTs with a nearly sculptural presence.”

As a brand, OBJKT is also keenly aware of the responsibility that designers hold in terms of the industry’s commitment to sustainability. While good design will always be visually appealing, great design sets the stage for a better planet for the generations to come. 

Product photography by Jovian Lim.

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