Designer insights with Khai Foo

Khai Foo is from Paloform, which creates well-designed modern fire pits and fireplaces, that transform and inspire the homes they inhabit. Khai’s philosophy is that great design continuously and subtly informs our mental well-being by transforming the way we interact with the home. Paloform creates hand crafted fireplace mantels, surrounds, outdoor fire pits and tiles. They have experimented with their materials for over twenty years to refine their products and the manufacturing process. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Khai Foo.

Designer Insights - Khai Foo

Image Credit: 1) Komodo Linear Fire  2) Bol Corten Firebowl 3) Miso Concrete Firebowl  4) Robata 72 Concrete Fire 5) Bento 32 Corten Fire

- Transcript -

1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

My style is organic minimalism. I like clean, peaceful design realized with warm, natural materials; simplicity in an organic context.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

I start by defining core purpose of the object/space; analyzing and responding to the functional and practical constraints; then removing anything unnecessary or arbitrary from the design.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

Without a doubt, my wife Elise Young. We have similar values but she has a skill set that is different and complementary to my own. She is not afraid to challenge me and ask “why?” and won’t hesitate to rip apart anything I have done and force me to go back to square one.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

I like playing with different materials and exploring their unique properties. Materials are like animals - they have their own personalities and will tell you how they need to be handled.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

Fumbling my way along, knowing that I knew very little, and slowly accumulating knowledge and confidence. I’m also very stubborn and have a very short memory for pain. You should always ask yourself “what would YOU do?” Cut through the expectations of others and act on what makes YOU excited.