3 AAPI Designers & Brands Lighting Up the Design World
This AAPI Heritage Month, we're celebrating designers and brands from the Asian and Pacific Islander communities who are transforming the world of lighting and furniture. These creatives are not only honoring their cultural roots but pushing the boundaries of what design can look and feel like — one handcrafted lamp, woven chair, or minimalist shelf at a time.
1. Kenneth Cobonpue (Philippines)
A true icon in global design, Kenneth Cobonpue has earned international acclaim for his unique ability to turn natural materials into sculptural, luxurious furnishings. Based in Cebu, Philippines, his studio creates pieces by hand, using traditional weaving techniques and materials like rattan, bamboo, and abaca — all interpreted through a modern lens. His work, which has appeared in the homes of celebrities and in major design exhibitions, feels simultaneously earthy and futuristic.
Cobonpue’s approach bridges Filipino craftsmanship with contemporary design language, proving that heritage-based design can lead on the global stage.
Whether it’s a light fixture shaped like a blooming flower or a lounge chair that mimics the curves of nature, every piece carries a sense of place, culture, and intentional beauty.
2. Hive (Philippines)
Founded in the Philippines, Hive is a design and manufacturing studio that specializes in handcrafted lighting, collaborating with some of the region’s most talented artists and designers. Their focus lies in merging contemporary form with age-old techniques — think handwoven paper, natural fibers, and finely shaped wood. Designers like Vito Selma and Stanley Ruiz contribute to Hive’s growing catalog, offering everything from pendant lamps to sculptural floor pieces.
What makes Hive stand out is its commitment to community and sustainability, with every piece carefully made by Filipino artisans who continue a legacy of craftsmanship.
In a world of mass production, Hive is a beacon of slow, intentional design that values artistry as much as innovation.
3. Yamazaki Home (Japan)
Minimalism done right — that’s the hallmark of Yamazaki Home, a Japanese brand that has quietly built a global following through its clean, clever, and highly functional home goods. Though best known for its organizational furniture and accessories, Yamazaki also offers lighting and storage solutions that feel fresh, warm, and purposeful. The brand embodies the Japanese concept of monozukuri — a respect for thoughtful manufacturing and design that serves daily life.
Yamazaki’s aesthetic is quiet but impactful: neutral colors, sleek silhouettes, and a sense of calm in every piece.
It’s the kind of design that doesn’t scream for attention but becomes essential to how you live and move through your home — clear, clutter-free, and beautifully efficient.
Honorable Mention: Nitori (Japan)
Often called the “Muji meets IKEA” of Japan, Nitori offers accessible furniture and lighting with subtle, stylish design. As one of Japan’s largest home furnishing companies, Nitori has become a household name for stylish, functional, and affordable design. Their pieces echo a modern Japanese sensibility — simple forms, natural textures, and a feeling of warmth that’s easy to live with. Nitori’s lighting collection includes everything from soft, ambient table lamps to minimalist ceiling fixtures, all designed with the idea that home should be both beautiful and livable.
Rooted in the philosophy of “enriching homes,” Nitori combines accessibility with a quiet elegance that resonates across cultures.
With its wide reach across Asia and growing popularity abroad, Nitori shows that good design doesn’t have to be exclusive — it can be part of everyday life, for everyone.
These designers and brands remind us that great design doesn’t just decorate a space — it tells a story.
A story of where we come from, what we value, and how we live today.
This AAPI Heritage Month, we honor the craftsmanship, vision, and voices shaping the future of design from the inside out.
Whether you’re refreshing your home or just daydreaming, these AAPI designers and brands offer inspiration grounded in culture, craft, and soul.
