Design as Mediator

The relationship between design and traditional craft has always been deeply intertwined, with each informing and enriching the other. But the nature of this relationship has evolved, particularly as global markets, mass production, and digital technologies have changed how objects are created and consumed.

As people in post-industrialized countries have become increasingly disconnected from how their everyday objects are made, we see our role within the design world as intermediaries, translating artisanal practices into contemporary contexts. We believe this is an important model for sustaining craft traditions while adapting them to modern markets—creating mutual benefit for both craftspeople and consumers seeking authentic, meaningful objects.

Historical Continuity of Craft and Design

Design as a formalized discipline emerged from craft traditions, not separate from them. We've mentioned the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century here before - a style era that looked to traditional craft practices as an antidote to industrial production. Similarly, the Bauhaus, while embracing industrial methods, maintained workshops centered around craft knowledge—weaving, ceramics, woodworking—acknowledging that material understanding remained fundamental to good design.

Throughout the 20th century, designers from Alvar Aalto to Charles and Ray Eames to Isamu Noguchi consistently drew inspiration and techniques from traditional craft, creating a continuous thread of influence that persists today.

Design-Craft

Modern designers working with traditional craft communities build on this historical relationship while adapting it to contemporary realities. Those we admire most in the Design-Craft space occupy the intersection of two knowledge systems, requiring an understanding of both craft traditions and market dynamics. This translational work happens at multiple levels: adapting forms and functions for contemporary use, articulating the value of traditional techniques to new audiences, and creating appropriate contexts for craft objects in global markets. The designer becomes a bridge—connecting material traditions to new possibilities while maintaining respect for their origins.

Redefining Value Through Material Narratives

A big part of the work in Design-Craft is communicating the biography of objects across contexts. By sharing these narratives we hope to reshape conceptions of luxury in contemporary markets, and to shift value metrics from uniformity and perfection toward authenticity and material integrity.

We believe that objects created through traditional craft processes—from hand-loomed textiles to indigenous basketry to artisanal ceramics— acquire significance not simply as commodities but as carriers of cultural meaning and material intelligence.

 

Collaborative Methodologies

Our designs emerge through conversation, allowing generations of craft knowledge to shape each piece while we contribute our understanding of contemporary needs. As designers, we aim to create frameworks that let traditional craftsmanship express itself in modern forms.

This collaborative approach requires genuine engagement with craft communities and their traditions. We respect their cultural rhythms—including festivals, harvest seasons, and periods of mourning—and embrace the natural variations that come with handcrafted processes. These "imperfections" aren't flaws but essential characteristics of authentic craftsmanship.

By acting as translators and storytellers between artisans and consumers, we hope to connect people to cultural histories while benefiting both craft communities and contemporary culture.