Established within both the Indonesian and global design scenes, Tjitrowirjo's aim for AlvinT is to constantly push the boundaries between modern and traditional design
Cover Established within both the Indonesian and global design scenes, Tjitrowirjo's aim for AlvinT is to constantly push the boundaries between modern and traditional design

Indonesian designer Alvin Tjitrowirjo discusses his passion for homegrown materials and local artisans, as well as the creative process behind weaving Asian elements into his contemporary designs

“The furniture that we make is a physical embodiment of the values that we believe.” Alvin Tjitrowirjo, founder and creative director of AlvinT, lives by this motto. The Indonesian-born product designer, who’s also a Gen.T 2020 honouree, started his namesake design studio and furniture label in 2006 after returning from his studies in Australia. 

“The idea was to create a high-quality furniture brand with pieces made out of local materials and manufactured by local craftsmen and manufacturers,” Tjitrowirjo shares. “It has its own identity and character. We want to respect tradition, but we don’t want to be bound by tradition; (this) was a new way of thinking in Indonesia, but that’s what we did.”

See also: This Young Collector Is Supporting Artists Who Bring Modern Sensibilities To Traditional Craftsmanship

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Alvin Tjitrowirjo, founder and creative director of AlvinT
Above Alvin Tjitrowirjo, founder and creative director of AlvinT

Tjitrowirjo’s keen sense of identity and strong passion for his Indonesian heritage plays a key role when it comes to his designs. The pieces that the label produces are a reflection of his design sensibilities; each embodies a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional materials; his pieces are available on The Artling, an art and design online platform headquartered in Singapore.

“I believe that the furniture that we make is a physical embodiment of the values that we believe,” he says. “When we design an object, we allow the material to participate in the design process. Understanding the character of the material and making the design work with the material is important for us. We want to appreciate the material’s traditions from the past, and we want to carefully integrate that into the design.”

See also: Singaporean Ceramicists Loh Lik Kian and Debbie Ng’s Tableware Serves as Canvases For a Chef’s Plating

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Built around the concept of an open weaving pattern typically found in Indonesian rattan chairs and sofas, the colourful Loop Stools feature a magnified scale of the pattern on the chairs
Above Built around the concept of an open weaving pattern typically found in Indonesian rattan chairs and sofas, the colourful Loop Stools feature a magnified scale of the pattern on the chairs

Rattan is one such homegrown material that the designer often features in his collections. The reasoning behind it is simple but admirable—Tjitrowirjo wishes to change the negative perceptions of the underrated material that many deem as inferior due to its abundance in Southeast Asia.

“Rattan is such a beautiful material; it’s flexible and grows quickly in a rainforest and can actually be transformed into high-value furniture pieces, but no one is doing anything about it,” he shares. “I feel like there’s a calling within myself to fix this misconception about rattan (being seen as an inferior material).” 

See also: 12 Stylish Rattan Furniture Pieces And Decor Pieces For Your Home

Rattan is such a beautiful material; it’s flexible and grows quickly in a rainforest and can actually be transformed into high-value furniture pieces

- Alvin Tjitrowirjo -

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Inspired by a traditional dance originating from Java, AlvinT's Lumping Indoor Natural is a toy horse crafted entirely from natural rattan
Above Inspired by a traditional dance originating from Java, AlvinT's Lumping Indoor Natural is a toy horse crafted entirely from natural rattan
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As its name suggests, the Lumping Outdoor Amaretto is the outdoor counterpart to the indoor version; it's crafted from woven synthetic rattan with an aluminium tube frame for extra durability
Above As its name suggests, the Lumping Outdoor Amaretto is the outdoor counterpart to the indoor version; it's crafted from woven synthetic rattan with an aluminium tube frame for extra durability

For Tjitrowirjo, AlvinT is not just a namesake brand that’s a testament to his design capabilities. Instead, he envisions the multidisciplinary design firm as a driving force towards a new and modern era of Asian design. 

Below, the spirited Indonesian designer shares more about the creative process behind AlvinT's works whilst further highlight the importance of rattan and other traditional materials. 

See also: Ask a Designer: How To Bring Tropical Style And Nature-Inspired Details Into Your Bedroom

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Tjitrowirjo aims to explore and exemplify the beauty of rattan in each of his designs
Above Tjitrowirjo aims to explore and exemplify the beauty of rattan in each of his designs

In your opinion, what is the essence of Indonesian design?

Alvin Tjitrowirjo (AT) Indonesia came from an agricultural society; we work less with precision and more with intuition. Thus, I believe that we should be friends with the environment and in turn, the materials we use. 

A lot of designers often only focus on the idea of the product. For AlvinT, we want to provide a positive influence to the people that use it. If we’re just making products without somewhat inspiring people to become better versions of themselves, then it’s pointless.

It’s an explorative way of thinking, and I wouldn’t say that we are at the ideal point yet. There is still a lot to learn for me and my team.

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Tjitrowirjo believes in using empathy to lead his problem-solving designs
Above Tjitrowirjo believes in using empathy to lead his problem-solving designs

How do your personal ideals factor into your designs?

AT The furniture is a materialisation of what we believe, basically. I feel that as designers, we have a role to play in society. I always tell my team and other peers in the design community that we should not simply make products, but instead embody an empathetic way of thinking as a designer should.

We should be focused on problem-solving, and we need to use our empathy to really understand people’s problems. Of course, we also need to be able to think outside of the box.

See also: Architect Steve Leung on His Creative Legacy and Achieving His Childhood Dream

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Designed not for sitting upright but rather for leaning to the side in comfort, the Bhuana Lounge Chair is crafted from natural rattan pole with a mahogany wood base
Above Designed not for sitting upright but rather for leaning to the side in comfort, the Bhuana Lounge Chair is crafted from natural rattan pole with a mahogany wood base
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The Bhuana Lounge Chair takes its slight curvy silhoutte from the natural curves of the Earth and plants
Above The Bhuana Lounge Chair takes its slight curvy silhoutte from the natural curves of the Earth and plants

Could you tell us more about your creative process?

AT Whenever we design something, we factor in the market situation, the needs of the customers—not just the primary needs, but the psychological needs as well. After researching, we get creative on how to turn those important facts into making our design work. I believe the future is not just driven by data and made by robots; it should be a nice balance between nature and respectful, responsible design. 

I believe the future is not just driven by data and made by robots; it should be a nice balance between nature and respectful, responsible design.

- Alvin Tjitrowirjo -

You're obviously a fan of rattan. Could you explain more about your choice of using this natural material?

AT Rattan is durable and can last long, and it’s not as expensive as compared to solid wood. Plus, there’s an abundant source of rattan in Indonesia, and thus we wouldn’t have to import new materials. Hopefully, using more rattan in our designs creates a sustainable, eco-friendly, and high value (furnishings).

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One of Tjitrowirjo's favourite pieces, the Linger Bench is designed to draw people to gather and experience the beauty of the natural rattan material
Above One of Alvin Tjitrowirjo's favourite pieces, the Linger Bench is designed to draw people to gather and experience the beauty of the natural rattan material

Which is your favourite collection out of everything that you’ve done so far?

AT Every piece speaks to me differently as each piece was designed in response to a specific moment in my design and self-discovery journey. Some pieces that I think materialised my thoughts (well) are the Linger Bench as well as the Mingle Bench.

Specifically, the Linger Bench represents a contemporary expression that triggers curiosity and invites people to be inquisitive. The details of the materials and joints communicate a delicate form, and yet it's completely made out of rattan and is manufactured locally in Indonesia.

How did your studio cope with the challenges caused by the pandemic?

AT It got me into a position where I had to become creative. If we’re not creative in adapting to situations, then we would become obsolete. We need to think from a broader perspective, and we need to understand people more. When the economy is suffering, there’s less room to explore and make mistakes; you need to be smarter. 

Personally from my perspective, we always need to step out of our comfort zones. We need to change our behaviours and priorities, and doing so is good for the brain and the soul. I always try to learn to look at these things with a positive view. The extra time allowed me to be more introspective towards what I was doing, and I’m also always excited when it comes to changes. 

See also: How Do You Create Art In A Pandemic?

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The loveseat sofa from the Bhuana chair collection is an elongated version of the lounge chair; its dynamically crafted to encourage one to lean against the sides to relax
Above The loveseat sofa from the Bhuana chair collection is an elongated version of the lounge chair; its dynamically crafted to encourage one to lean against the sides to relax

Could you share more about upcoming plans ahead for your studio?

AT We have a lot of things in the pipeline. Our vision is to always push the boundaries of contemporary aesthetics, whilst producing a visual and experiential representation of what modern contemporary furniture can be. 

We are in the process of developing several limited-edition pieces of furniture, and we’ve also been designing a few furniture pieces for a new brand called Every. For our interior design arm, we’re collaborating with a local furniture brand Vivere where we designed their new flagship store. We're also designing a few cafes that are opening soon in a few shopping malls throughout Jakarta.

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