Julian Koh is shaking up Singapore's furniture scene with his brand,Commune,which taps into his family's rich manufacturing history . The brand,an offshoot of family-owned Koda, aims to shape a distinct Asian design while building ecosystem for homeowners and designers .
Commune's roots go back to Koda, business started by Koh Teng Kwee, Julian's grandfather . Initially a design and tech teacher, Koh Teng Kwee switched to a small woodcraft shop in Punggol. The family began in Wenzhou,China,working in furniture retail,then moved to Singapore seeking new opportunities. Koda's early products were jewelry boxes and speaker cabinets, evolving into furniture manufacturing.
The company faced big challenges early on,including a fire in the mid-1970s that wrecked the factory. But this became part of Koda's identity. By 1980s,Julian's father joined, and Koda started making furniture at scale, notably for Ikea. This partnership taught them a lot about manufacturing and global retail demands.
Koda's growth tells larger story of Asian manufacturing, driven by entrepreneurial spirit and international clients. The company mastered mixed-material furniture,blending wood,metal,leather,and marble . Factories in Malaysia and Vietnam became production hubs,using a network of specialized partners.
For Julian,leading design at Commune, the family's manufacturing know-how is a unique edge. He gets production intricacies,from picking materials to supplier management. This fosters collaboration where design and manufacturing coexist smoothly .
At Commune's showroom in Millenia Walk, brand's ethos is clear. The space feels like home,letting customers imagine furniture in their lives . Julian's factory upbringing gave him deep craft appreciation. He recalls production's sounds and smells, saying,“Sawdust in our blood.”
His education at Temasek Polytechnic sharpened his skills,while time in Melbourne broadened his design view. There, he saw furniture as part of a larger atmosphere, shaping space moods. This holistic view guides Commune's designs,where each piece invites interaction and enriches living.
Back in Singapore,Julian aimed to create a standout brand. He saw Commune as a Singaporean interiors brand mixing manufacturing expertise with emotional depth. The name reflects furniture as a gathering facilitator.
Retail transition wasn't easy. Family knew manufacturing but retail complexities—staffing,customer engagement—were new. Julian tested concepts in Indonesia before his grandfather urged him to try Singapore retail. He teamed up with brother Joshua and cousin Gan Shee Wen to launch Commune,with Joshua as CEO and Shee Wen as COO.
Commune's early showrooms crafted a specific vibe,with dark walls and raw textures for a lived-in feel. This was shift from typical furniture stores,challenging Singaporean consumers who often focus on durability and price . But it clicked with those seeking emotional ties to their spaces .
As Commune evolves,Julian Koh stays dedicated to honoring his family's legacy while pushing design limits in Singapore and beyond. The brand mirrors not just a personal journey but also a wider story of Asian craftsmanship and innovation…
