We are an award-winning, boutique design studio established in 2008. For 16 years we have transformed discarded Bolivian rosewood into one-of-a-kind pieces empowering local artisans and educating a new generation in the values of impact entrepreneurship and forest stewardship.
DRIVEN BY PURPOSE
A native of Bolivia, our founder Gabriela Flores made it her mission in 2008 to create a business that provides local artisans with an opportunity to showcase their talent while making a living as part of a thriving company. Her efforts earned her the 2012 Cartier Women’s Initiative Award (CWIA) which spearheaded the company’s international expansion.
INSPIRED BY NATURE
Located in remote regions of eastern Bolivia bordering the Amazon basin, managed-forestry operations are strictly monitored by international and local authorities. From their production leftovers roots, trunks, and branches, mostly of Bolivia’s “treasure rosewood” -Machaerium scleroxylon-, are brought to our master workshop.
Our unique approach to design is collaborative, adaptive and respectful of the origin of the beautiful natural materials we select and the hard work involved in procuring them. Under the direction of our Head Designer, Gabriela Flores, the potential of each piece of wood is carefully identified along with our team of Master Artisans. A decision is made following our signature Ki-design approach: the wood's "spirit", its "intrinsic energy" dictates what is to become of it. We "listen" to the unique combination of colors, grain and imperfections to select the best possible outcome.
BUILDING A LEGACY
Between 1696 and 1760 the Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos in eastern Bolivia allowed local arts and crafts to flourish as never before or since. In 1990 UNESCO collectively declared the six remaining missions – San Francisco Javier, Concepción, Santa Ana, San Miguel, San Rafael and San José – a World Heritage Site. By then, woodcraft was almost entirely lost, limited to few architectural interventions and low-value religous and utilitarian works. Our focus is the continuous investment in the development of a sustainable business model for Master Artisans, heirs to the country’s legacy of woodworking craft. It is through them that each piece of wood is passionately transformed into one-of-a-kind, beautifully crafted pieces.
PROUDLY BOLIVIAN, WORLDWIDE REACH
From our home-base in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, our products are sold and shipped to a wide array of clients all over the world, from art collectors and decorators to individuals who share our values.
