Maker's Story

Kai was born and grew up in Southern Germany and began her close associated with the Netherlands when she started her BA/Fine Arts degree at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam in 2000. After Rietveld Kai worked for many years in the Art and museum sector.

Then, in 2014, Kai changed her career to do something she had wanted to do since her childhood - become a furniture maker. Having won scholarships from the Carpenter Company, originally a medieval trade guild (UK), and the Prins Bernard Fonds (Nl), she applied to, and was accepted by, the Building Craft College in London. Here she studied their traditional and contemporary furniture making course, a 2 year, full time, course. Winning the Carpenters’ Company prize in 2017, an award presented by Princess Anne, indicated Kai’s level of success.

In November 2018, building on the foundations built during her BA time in Amsterdam, Kai eventually returned to Amsterdam. Starting her own company, Form and Function, designing and making her unique furniture. Working in a shared, entirely female run, workshop in Amsterdam.

"I love designing and making tables, as for me it is a piece of furniture that brings people together, sharing food and stories. And the table will with the small signs of use over time bear witness to these moments."

The Process

Kai was born and grew up in Southern Germany and began her close associated with the Netherlands when she started her BA/Fine Arts degree at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam in 2000. After Rietveld Kai worked for many years in the Art and museum sector.

Then, in 2014, Kai changed her career to do something she had wanted to do since her childhood - become a furniture maker. Having won scholarships from the Carpenter Company, originally a medieval trade guild (UK), and the Prins Bernard Fonds (Nl), she applied to, and was accepted by, the Building Craft College in London. Here she studied their traditional and contemporary furniture making course, a 2 year, full time, course. Winning the Carpenters’ Company prize in 2017, an award presented by Princess Anne, indicated Kai’s level of success.

In November 2018, building on the foundations built during her BA time in Amsterdam, Kai eventually returned to Amsterdam. Starting her own company, Form and Function, designing and making her unique furniture. Working in a shared, entirely female run, workshop in Amsterdam.

Products

Q&A

What motivates you to make?

Creating unique sustainable furniture pieces that are made to last, with respect to the material. Experimenting with new techniques and processes and honing my skills every day. Designing and making to the highest standard with design language that is playful and creative.

What and/or who are you most inspired or influenced by?

When it comes to furniture making I am inspired by modernist furniture and Scandinavian approach to design and making.

I also find architecture and the experience of it very inspiring. I love Brutalist architecture and the work by Frank Lloyd Wright and Alvar Aalto.

What is your unique approach to your craft and how have you honed your skills?

The commissions I enjoy the most are the ones that give the creative freedom to create a meaningful and personal piece for the clients.

Usually I incorporate an element of storytelling that is abstract to other viewers but the person/people it is made for bears significance and meaning.

During conversations I narrow it down to a theme/ something they are passionate about etc., something that has permanent meaning to them, brings them happiness and as a result this information fuels my design process in creating an abstract depiction/ pattern that will become a prominent part of the furniture piece.

My work often combines traditional making processes and contemporary approaches depending on the idea. I do enjoy exploring new processes while deepening my existing skills with every commission.

What is your defining or proudest moment as a maker so far?

Receiving the Livery Company Prize from the Carpenters Company, presented by Princess Anne, was certainly a very proud moment.

What is your dream project?

Designing a very personal, big dining table and chairs for a family home. Ideally made from timber that has a strong connection to them, e.g. because the tree grew on their property.

I love designing and making tables, as for me it is a piece of furniture that brings people together, sharing food and stories. And the table will with the small signs of use over time bear witness to these moments.

Creating a piece that will have a strong connection to the family for generations to come