Chen Chen & Kai Williams is a New York-based design studio working in furniture, products, interiors and mixed materials. The company was first established as an experimental design space in 2011 by Pratt graduates Chen Chen and Kai Williams - their work backgrounds undoubtedly contributing to their playful, yet functional products (Chen through his time at the former New York concept store Moss and Williams with his experience at Tom Sachs’ studio).
Currently operating in the commercial and art/design markets, Chen Chen & Kai Williams encourages new ways of design thinking. Illustrated through their real fruit-molded, Stone Fruit Planters and utilitarian Third Eye Vessels to one of a kind Resin Benches and towering Warp Core floor lights.
Past clients include Études Studio, Baggu and Mission Chinese, while presentations of their work have been held at the Museum of Art and Design (USA) and the Venice Architecture Biennale (Italy).
From the Blog:
Chen and Kai: Design in Practice: This short film explores Chen Chen & Kai Williams’ ever-evolving approach to their practice.
Mirror Mask at Industry City: On March 17th, Areaware co-sponsored an event with the Pratt Institute and Wanted Design to celebrate the launch of our new Mirror Masks by Chen Chen & Kai Williams.
A Cool Thing, Realized: A conversation between Chen Chen & Kai Williams, designers of the Mirror Mask, and designer Brendan Timmins. An Areaware exclusive interview.
The Process Based Practice of Chen Chen & Kai Williams: Chen Chen & Kai Williams have been designing, experimenting and literally cross-sectioning materials in their Brooklyn studio since 2011. Working as a team the two have produced furniture, rugs and objects for both the home and body, taking full advantage of a wide range of materials and production methods.
