The Dwell 24: Ko Júbilo

If there is one rule designer Ko Júbilo seems to abide by, it is the Dieter Rams maxim that "good design is as little design as possible." This idea is expressed in the Vancouver native’s elemental furniture, fixtures, and objects, which range from a partition system composed of repetitive, geometric elements to light fixtures made from single sheets of folded aluminum.

Júbilo credits an early apprenticeship with London powerhouse Barber & Osgerby for challenging him to hone a more critical, iterative process. It also gave him the self-assuredness to set up his own studio in 2015. Júbilo’s growing reputation has led to collaborations with retailers like Adidas, John Elliott, and the Canadian menswear company Haven.

Lately, he has been expanding his furniture practice. Once again, his thinking goes back to basics: "How can you remove anything that’s unnecessary?" he says.

Learn why Júbilo would like to redesign eyewear, plus read more of his responses to our Q&A, below. 

Hometown: Vancouver, B.C. Canada

Describe what you make in 140 characters. I create objects and experiences through the efficient use of material and form while seeking communication and connection to convey feeling.

What's the last thing you designed? A family of products (lighting/furniture/objects).

Do you have a daily creative ritual? I start with a daily brew. I also use my sketchbook.

How do you procrastinate? Bike rides on an interesting road, hikes through the mountain forest, or sunset appreciation by a body of water. In other words, finding space and time for inspiration.

What everyday object would you like to redesign? Why? I currently find eyewear interesting since I recently had to select a new pair. The fact that they are worn on your face makes them such an intimate experience and a challenging object to design.

Who are your heroes (in design, in life, in both)? Those that inspire me!

What skill would you most like to learn? A new language or instrument.

What is your most treasured possession? An heirloom Alfa Romeo that I was lucky to have personally restored.

What's your earliest memory of an encounter with design? Designing and making skateboards and ramps with my grandfather's carpentry tools.

What contemporary design trend do you despise? Unauthorized reproduction of design.

Finish this statement: All design should...be functionally beautiful and share an in-depth connection to the user.

What’s in your dream house? A brilliant collection of art, design, and experiences.

Did you pick up any new hobbies or learn a new skill while in quarantine? What was it? I picked up a new polyphonic wave morphing synthesizer and learned how to make wonderfully sounding speakers.

How do you think the pandemic will affect residential design in the future? What about workplace or commercial design? All space design will be more focused on adaptability in order to insure proper physical/mental health and interaction.

How can the design world be more inclusive? By identifying and challenging pre-conceived assumptions.

What do you wish non-designers understood about the design industry? That good design requires a healthy amount of innovative thought, consideration, and collaboration. 

You can learn more about Júbilo by visiting his website or on Instagram. 

The Dwell 24 2020

Return to The Dwell 24 homepage and check out other emerging designers.   

The Design Life: What Inspires This Year’s Dwell 24?