Khouri Guzman Bunce Limited: Handcrafted American Furniture

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To understand the point of view of a furniture designer it is necessary to investigate how they arrive at their unique designs. Each designer who takes on the challenge to develop and produce his or her own line of home furnishings begins with a specific set of goals. For most it is out of a need to create signature pieces that are an aesthetic extension of their broader work. Others offer their clients special made-to-order pieces which become unique and personal to each client’s residence.

Whatever the reason, it always fascinates me when a design firm takes on the commitment to create a complimentary product line that is synonymous with their style.

One such firm is KGB Limited, an architectural firm in the Chelsea Gallery District of NYC, named after the principles David Khouri, Roberto Guzman, and Christiaan Bunce. The locale of their to-the-trade showroom, where their furniture line is presented, tells me a great deal about these three talented men and their perspective. The line is a collaborative effort among them. They oversee the design, development and production of their line, and favor producing locally in order to personally oversee the manufacturing process, and carefully attend to quality control.

Zaragosa Coffee Table

The approach is one of artistry and hand crafted precision. With a select vocabulary of materials and finishes the line is tooled and constructed with an appreciation for the past, without ever pandering to it for the sake of creating a pastiche.

Armstrong Lounge Chair

The furniture is fresh, and specific to their design philosophy in much the same way that Frank Lloyd Wright produced pieces for his commissions. The designs are strong and exemplify the firm’s design vision.

Duran Coffee Table

After meeting the three principles on several occasions I asked David Khouri to talk to me about their collective endeavor. He was very gracious, and was eager to satisfy my curiosity, and invited me to his showroom where we had a most informative chat. I asked several questions to help me understand the rationale behind their pieces.

Liston Sofa

Baer Dining Table

Baer Dining Table Detail

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In the end, KGB Limited is a full service entity offering architectural, interior design, and custom furniture pieces for their clients. What better way to have a strong design statement than when the creators are responsible for all of the key factors in the genesis of a distinctive environment.

As with the principles of selection and fabrication, the maxim of successful design is one of cohesiveness that this firm offers in their commissions – from a complete home, to a single piece of furniture. For me, this mastery is the key which dispels the mystery of the value of good design.

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