“ Neither would be wrong, although to fully appreciate my designs I invite them to visit Establishment. ”
A design enthusiast trying to capture Ungkun's aesthetic in a few words might describe him as a "warm modernist" or an "organic minimalist." Ungkun states: "Neither would be wrong, although to fully appreciate my designs I invite them to visit Establishment." The designer's new homeware, art and furnishings showroom, in New York's Meatpacking District, is a perfect stage for Ungkun's talents.
New York, NY (
PRWEB) December 11, 2006 - A design enthusiast trying to capture Ungkun's aesthetic in a few words might describe him as a "warm modernist" or an "organic minimalist." Ungkun states: "Neither would be wrong, although to fully appreciate my designs I invite them to visit Establishment." The designer's new homeware, art and furnishings showroom, in New York's Meatpacking District, is a perfect stage for Ungkun's talents.
With a constantly evolving collection and a limited number of each item created and sold, Establishment is sure to acquire a lasting following among modernist connoisseurs who appreciate Ungkun's organic, cozy and refined approach to handmade furnishings.
The designer is no newcomer to the Meatpacking District and can proudly claim "I've been here longer than Pastis." A trained Interior Designer, he and his partner Michael Dwyer have run Dwyer & Sae-Eng (an architectural design firm) out of 30 Gansevoort for nearly eight years, renovating apartments in New York, and building houses in Greenwich, the Hamptons and Nantucket. It was an act of pure self-expression and the realization of a life-long dream for Ungkun to open his deliciously airy, luxurious and stylish ground floor showroom.
Ungkun has many goals in opening Establishment. He seeks to promote contemporary Thai design, knowing that his country of origin is a treasure-trove of young, fresh design talent, many of whom have trained in the best European and American design schools and returned home to create a viable design industry in Thailand. Establishment gives contemporary Thai design a platform in the United States' number one market.
The sublimely colorful, eye-catching and exquisitely textured pillows on display at Establishment are a perfect example of Ungkun's design savvy and his respect and desire to collaborate with local Thai craftspeople. "I have always had the utmost respect for people who work with their hands to make things of beauty and quality," says Ungkun. "It is extremely important for me that the impeccable wares in my showroom are made by craftspeople who are treated respectfully." For Ungkun, being a hands-on designer and knowing the craftspeople and artisans personally is an integral part of his plans for Establishment.
Ungkun imbues all his creations with artistry and diligence. His large, dramatic Rosewood and Amboyna Burl Sculptures are carved and then hand polished. The size, skillful carving and rich finishes of the sculptures bring out the natural beauty of the wood's true colors. His ethereal Pewter Coral Bowl sculpture on a wooden stand also stands out for its striking, thoughtful design. Ungkun's sensibility is decidedly modernist, and that is evident in the color pairings and beautiful simplicity of all his designs.
Much of his work is a combination of the functional and the sculptural. His Amboyna Burl table is a stunning example of functional art, as is his Black Glazed Ceramic vase or his Mango Wood Necklace Vases. The impressive eleven foot long Makha Wood Table, made from rare and extremely durable reclaimed wood, is a one of a kind piece of art, repurposed from nature.
Though Ungkun recently opened the doors on his design showroom, his marble lighting fixtures ―cone-shaped marble lamps from $300 and towering hand-textured marble lamps from $350― are already in high demand from spas around the world. He has even had requests from resorts in his native Thailand. Pieces such as his candles and fossilized stone tea-lights are also poised to bring a sophisticated beauty to everyday relaxation or spiritual rituals.
Some might imagine it to be impossible to import and sell small batches of the finest hand-crafted design from Thailand for prices such as $85 for a vase or $350 for an impressive six foot tall Driftwood sculpture. By cutting out the middleman, the hands-on designer satisfies all his goals, successfully bringing a part of his burgeoning homeland to his beloved Meatpacking District.
Establishment is the newest design expression by popular interior designer Ungkun Chansavangwonk. With a premier collection of limited edition home-wares, sculpture and luxurious, engaging furnishings, Establishment is sure to be a landmark design destination for decades to come. For more information, or to contact Establishment, please call 212.242.6565 or visit Establishment at 30 Gansevoort St. or www.establishmentnyc.com .
