Tags: Furniture
By KC Santos
BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – Husband-and-wife Felix and Catherine Hagad believe that furniture crafted with simplicity, function and integrity can calm one’s state of mind.
Art Energy was established by the two architects, whose philosophy in designing and making furniture have made famous among connoisseurs.
“We really wanted to offer something that’s not traditionally offered at least when we speak of the right furniture,” says Catherine, who even took a masters degree abroad to get a deeper grasp on the changing preference of modern-day consumers.
Spending over two decades in the business enabled the couple to master a signature design. The couple is known for overlapping different materials such as coco lumber, engineered bamboo and raffia palm, and integrating all of these in a single piece.
Their Asian/Zen-inspired signature style brings a calming and relaxing energy to a home or commercial space.
“Art in many ways induces calming energies. We thought the same energy can transcend in furniture and since then, that has always been our belief,” says Catherine.
In Bacolod, the cost of making furniture is cheaper so the couple are able to sell their works at reasonable prices. Their approach is to keep the price tags of their “realistic” through wise use of raw materials or re-using excess parts.
“By using less of the wood, and re-using parts that are often thrown away, we not only save in terms of production costs but we also stay true to our minimalistic style in crafting,” adds Catherine.
According to her, any furniture distributor knows the importance of design and quality but not everyone values ergonomics. Unfortunately, some people who venture into furniture, especially those who are not schooled in design, do not give much emphasis or value on the right fit of the furniture to a person’s body or posture.
“This is why we maintain that level of simplicity because just like anything else, when you start with a difficult idea or design, the execution will eventually become more complicated and less responsive to what the customer really needs.”
When not busy marketing their furniture in Bacolod, the couple joins trade fairs in Manila.
Furniture making is a craft often passed on from one generation to another. Catherine says it helps that designers and craftsmen alike adopt to the changing needs, even beliefs of customers when it comes to furniture.
“You always have to have a fresh expression to a long standing tradition. It took us years of research, travels, and observation before we have finally mastered our style.”
Get more information about Art Energy
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