Julian Koh and the family story behind Singapore furniture brand Commune

Commune, a Singaporean furniture brand, represents the evolution of a family manufacturing legacy, tracing its roots back to Koda, a company that spent decades producing furniture for international brands. Julian Koh, leading Commune, channels this extensive factory-floor experience into his design philosophy, emphasizing thoughtful material selection and creating pieces tailored for modern Asian living.

The family's journey began with Julian's grandfather, Koh Teng Kwee, a former design and technology teacher who established a small woodcraft workshop. Their origins trace further back to Wenzhou, China, where an earlier generation engaged in furniture retail before seeking new opportunities in Singapore. Koda's initial focus was on meticulous craftsmanship, producing items like jewelry boxes for Japanese clients, speaker cabinets, and eventually, full furniture lines.

Koda faced significant challenges, including a factory fire in the mid-1970s that necessitated a rebuild. By the 1980s, Julian's father had joined the business, scaling up production significantly. This period included manufacturing for major retailers like Ikea starting around 1985, providing an invaluable, albeit unsentimental, education in knock-down construction, export standards, and the rigorous demands of global retail.

As Commune expands, it seeks to build a broader ecosystem that connects homeowners, designers, and interior partners, moving beyond the conventional showroom model. This approach leverages the deep understanding of production, material intelligence, and market dynamics cultivated over generations by the Koda enterprise, aiming to offer a more integrated experience for its clientele.