Uhuru Design is a Brooklyn-based design and build sustainable furniture company known for its reuse of used materials.[1] Founded in 2004 by Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) graduates Jason Horvath and Bill Hilgendorf, Uhuru's acclaimed material reuse projects includes reclaiming and hand-working wood from the Coney Island Boardwalk[2][3] and Kentucky bourbon distilleries,[4] as well as upcycling found materials.[5]

Uhuru Design
Company typePrivate
IndustryFurniture Design
Founded2004 Brooklyn, New York, United States
HeadquartersRed Hook, Brooklyn United States
ProductsSustainable Furniture
Uhuru's Original Design: "Stoolen" (designed 2004)
Uhuru's Coney Island Inspired "Cyclone Lounger" (designed 2010)

In 2011, Uhuru partnered with sustainability entrepreneur Daniel Husserl to grow the company's international presence, production capabilities and interior design division. Prior to joining Uhuru, Daniel was co-founder at furniture company Aellon and founder at sustainability strategy firm NaturalProgression.[6][7][8]

Uhuru has work in the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution[9] and the Brooklyn Museum of Art,[10] and featured in the Milwaukee Art Museum, A+D Museum in Los Angeles, and the New Museum in New York City.[11]

Uhuru builds each piece by hand in their Brooklyn workshop and has a showroom at the same location. Uhuru has collaborated with designers and architects worldwide, as well as artists such as Maya Lin for the Cooper–Hewitt[12] and Dan Colen at the Gagosian Gallery.

References

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  1. ^ Hickman, Matt. "Uhuru Design makes war-inspired furniture, not war", Mother Nature Network, June 8, 2011. Retrieved on 2011-09-26.
  2. ^ Calder, Rich. "Room and 'board'", New York Post, May 10, 2010. Retrieved on 2011-09-28.
  3. ^ NY Magazine "The Best Bet", New York, May 2, 2010. Retrieved on 2011-09-28.
  4. ^ Dunn, Collin "Used Whiskey Barrels Gen New Life with Uhuru Design", TreeHugger, March 22, 2008. Retrieved on 2011-09-28.
  5. ^ Fehrenbacher, Jill "Uhuru Design Stoolen Chair", Inhabitat, May 15, 2006. Retrieved on 2011-09-28.
  6. ^ "10 Ways Busy People Go Strong All Day Long". Shape. Shape. 2015-02-20. Retrieved 2015-06-20.
  7. ^ Redesign Revolution (2013-07-02). "We Interview: Aellon Co-Founder Daniel Husserl". Redesign Revolution. Retrieved 2015-06-20.
  8. ^ Julie Taraska (2009-03-01). "Virtue in Vice". Metropolis. Retrieved 2013-06-20.
  9. ^ Smithsonian American Art Museum "40 under 40: Craft Futures", Smithsonian American Art Museum, July 1, 2011. Retrieved on 2011-09-28.
  10. ^ Brooklyn Museum "Collections: Decorative Arts: Standard Side Chair", Brooklyn Museum, March 2, 2010. Retrieved on 2011-09-28.
  11. ^ Katcher, Joshua "Uhuru Designs New Museum Sustainable Cafe", The Discerning Brute, September 17, 2010. Retrieved on 2011-09-28.
  12. ^ Johnston, Wade "Reclaim, Re-Use, Recycle, Brooklyn Based Uhuru Furniture", Modular Four, July 9, 2010. Retrieved on 2011-09-28.

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