LMBRJK is a design studio located in Antwerp, Belgium, founded by American Jon Kleinhample and Slovenian Maša Lončarič Kleinhample. They developed the brand in the spirit of love for wood, and in their creation they use an interesting design process that combines modern digital processes of three-dimensional modeling with traditional analog processes of material processing.
They both design and manufacture their products themselves, and also take care of the packaging and graphic image. The finished products are the product of the mutual cooperation of the extreme precision of machines and the sensuality of human work. In the design process, they use a laser cutter to cut the wooden panels into digitally designed shapes. The individual wooden panels are then connected to each other in new forms that form accessories for the home. Because of this process of transferring digital forms to the analog world, they gave the concept the name "digital wood". The two wood lovers are enthusiastic about the different types of this natural material, and in their desire for a sustainable approach to design, they mainly tend to use scrap pieces. In the final appearance of the lovingly made products, the emphasis on the textures of the wooden layers, which are stacked side by side, stands out.
Since the first official presentation of the brand, which took place in New York, the repertoire of products has expanded from vases and containers to lamps and chairs, and in the future we can also look forward to some larger pieces of furniture. In addition to their love of design and wood, Maša and Jon also share a love of cuisine and good wine. For this reason, they are slowly turning their studio in Antwerp into a place where visitors will feel their essence and enjoy the small sweets of life.
What is your story? How did you meet and start the story of your own design studio?
Mass: We met in Berlin, Jon was working as an architect, and I was completing my master's degree in public finance. Otherwise, we were planning to move to New York, but then I was offered a job in Brussels. This allowed Jon to quit his job and start exploring the field of product design. He focused on the development of the first products, learned about the technique of laser cutters and played with combining analog and digital approaches to design. When, after a couple of years of working in Brussels, it became clear that my job in the European Parliament was coming to an end, I joined Jon and his work.
How did an American and a Slovenian settle in Antwerp, Belgium?
Mass: In the beginning, we had a studio in Brussels and moved it from one wonderful location to another. At all these locations, we missed direct contact with customers, so we started looking for a place that would allow us to do that. We found it by chance in Antwerp, in the form of an old brick building that once served as a stable. We thought the location in the old port was fantastic, trapped between old industrial buildings and surrounded by water. At the moment, we have arranged living spaces on the upper floor, and the studio extends on the ground floor.
What is your design process? How did you develop the concept of laser cutting and gluing wood?
John: In the beginning, design was my way of releasing excess creative energy from a monotonous job where I didn't feel creatively challenged. I designed digital products, but I was looking for a way to cost-effectively transfer them from the digital world to reality. I toyed with 3D printing technology but found the technology inappropriate at the time due to time and cost constraints. Then I discovered laser cutting technology and started making prototypes. The design process starts in a digital three-dimensional world, then I play with the material and the construction. Compared to the perfection of the digital world, in contact with reality I encounter the imperfection of materials, which pleases me and further inspires me. The initial raw wood has its own characteristics, during processing I cut it and then reassemble it, creating completely new patterns and textures.
Mass: The whole process of combining digital and analog approaches to design takes place in the studio. Products are actually the fruit of a combination of intellectual and manual work. We are enthusiastic about wood as a material and like to push the boundaries of expected wood processing with the help of modern technologies, while at the same time maintaining a high degree of respect for the material itself, and in a way creating a completely new "digital wood".
Your design process could also be applied to other materials, such as plastic. Why did you choose wood as the processing material?
John: To be completely honest, simply because I love wood. It is a natural material with a wonderful graphic quality. It can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional and has many variations in color and texture. I also love the handwork aspect of design and the opportunity to learn about old processing techniques and their application in the modern design process.
Mass: Both of our families are historically tied to forests, so wood was a natural choice. The first products were made exclusively from Slovenian wood. At the time, we lived in dark Berlin and went on relaxing trips to Slovenia in search of the perfect wood. We met a lot of people from the Slovenian wood industry, which is barely surviving, which saddens us immensely. We are lucky to be located in Antwerp, which is the second largest port in Europe and full of shipments of different types of wood from all over the world. Our products are mostly made from waste pieces that would otherwise be thrown away in larger companies. In the future, we do not rule out the possibility of using other materials, at the moment, for example, we are playing with the use of liquid plastic, which goes wonderfully with wood.
They are a couple in private and business. How do you combine or separate working and leisure time?
Mass: I have never met a person as passionate about their work as Jon. This energy impressed me and I gladly accepted it into my life.
John: We have a lot of work to do right now. In between we take time for meals, but we also chat about work between them. In the evenings, we enjoy a glass of good wine and a TV series. This is our relaxation. We only started working together a few months ago and it's wonderful to work with someone you know so well. We know our strengths and weaknesses and complement each other perfectly.
At the moment, the LMBRJK brand focuses on smaller pieces of furniture and accessories for the home. Are you planning to make larger pieces, or even furnish entire interiors?
John: Since we started developing products without experience, it was easier to start with smaller pieces. Until now, we have devoted ourselves to the perfection of existing pieces, but now we want to devote ourselves to the research of new materials and furniture pieces. I am interested in designing tables, I am also currently developing a chair that will be made of wood and leather.
What is the future of the LMBRJK brand?
Mass: We are currently in the middle of a rather hectic period, as we are planning to open the lower rooms of our house at the beginning of December. In addition to the studio, we also want to offer visitors a store of designer pieces from California and Slovenia and host them in a small bar or tasting room. We would like to show our guests who we are in one location and share our love for design and cuisine with them. There are many plans and we can't wait to make them happen.
More information:
www.lmbrjk.com
