Foundry/Felix Low (Singapore)
ESTABLISHED in 2003, Foundry is a design brand, manufacturer and retailer. Founder Singaporean Felix Low also designs furniture and sniffs out design talents for collaborations.
“Remembering our roots sets the premise behind the evolution of the company, to become a bridge between the world of contemporary design and East Asian craftsmanship,” says Low, 40, a proponent of understated elegance and pared-down aesthetics.
He brings together Singaporean, Japanese and European designers and Malaysian and Singaporean craftsmen to create simple, balanced and functional pieces.
Notable pieces include the Capa desk by German designer Reinhard Dienes and the Glide chair by Outofstock, a design collective made up of two Singaporeans, a Spaniard and an Argentinian. Capa, which means “layers” in Spanish, is a composition of colours and textures intended to redefine the archetype of the writing desk.
With its curved back and seat, the Glide chair embraces the user with the warm, tac- tile traits of oak or walnut.
“Foundry is also a story of making, and the emphasis is on craftsmanship. But beyond products, we are also about inventing fresh ideas and forging new creative narratives,” says Low via e-mail, sharing that he has a background in economics and finance.
Foundry’s products have been highlighted in Wallpaper*, Dwell and Elle
Decoration. Its retail arm also offers products and lighting from Danish design brand Hay, London-based SCP, Helsinki-based Secto Design and Spanish furniture and lighting brand Ziru.
“We are always on the lookout for the right people with the right products. I think there must be a connection between all parties – makers, artisans and designers. With the right chemistry, magic happens,” says Low. (Website: www.foundrycollection.com.)