GETTING TO KNOW JARROD LIM FROM HIS EXPLORATION OF WOOD FURNITURE SHOWCASING IN THE AHEC BOOTH DURING THE INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE MANUFACTURING COMPONENT EXHIBITION (IFMAC)

TEXT: NATHATAI TANGCHADAKORN
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL (AHEC)

(For Thai, press here)

Jarrod Lim was a half Australian-Singaporean designer who currently resides in Singapore where he runs his studio. His designs which center on the ‘human experiences’ include furniture, interior designs, exhibition designs, public space designs, and branding.

Jarrod Lim Studio focuses on exploring the possibilities of designs, especially furniture that is in close contact with humans. His style is refined but always unique. The exploration of materials and processes is regularly featured in his designs, each of which has its own captivating story to tell.

“I decided that carving out chunks would better showcase how thermal modification changes the properties of the material right through. Cooking the wood removes moisture, resulting in a timber which is more suitable for the humidity of the Southeast Asia climate.” Lim told us about the Kyan Ottoman and Side Table that he was working with skilled craftspersons at Omega Mas in Indonesia.

Lim was unfazed by the latest request from AHEC to create a booth for The International Furniture Manufacturing Component Exhibition (IFMAC) in Jakarta that ‘showed the creative possibilities of American hardwood species’ since his studio was also interested in finding further possibilities of designs. Plus, the consistently high quality, an equally diverse selection of colors and grain patterns of American species that are available in the Asia Pacific region from the perennially popular Red Oak and White Oak to the newly fashionable maples and cherry, means this task is on the right hand. “I am often asked by clients to show them a range of designs and it can be the opportunity for me to explore what works and what doesn’t, try things I’ve been thinking of, and bring them to life,” says Lim.

The studio not only generates unique and innovative ideas but refines them down to their finest production details, bringing out a distinctive personality. ‘‘If you look closely you will see multiple joint lines, as this was an ongoing process to achieve the look that I was aiming for. I do have experience as a maker, so I was able to get hands-on with an angle grinder and tools to demonstrate to the craftspersons what I wanted in terms of outcome.“ Lim further experimented with the Kellan dining chair.

Lim was also telling us that he could handle custom-made work by showcasing his studio’s expertise designing for each market’s needs. ”While I tend to favor a minimalistic style, North American customers tend to look for furniture which feel sturdier. Even if the original design is robust enough, I deliberately add visual and design cues to highlight the feeling of solidness and strength. While this is a slight departure from my design style, this also encourages me to step outside of my comfort zone and reassess my approach to design.”

“As a designer, it matters to spend time to really understand your material. Different timbers come in different sizes, thicknesses and lengths and each species has its unique qualities. By knowing the material well, you can design to reduce wastage and minimize production costs whilst concentrating on beauty, strength and sustainability” Lim concludes.

jarrodlim.com
americanhardwood.org/sea_region