Coco Eco Magazine

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            It was an unexpected and unanticipated start for longtime buddies Willard Ford (son of Harrison) and John Brady when they set out to create an international agency for design. During a vacation in Thailand, and as they walked the country’s streets and roads, the cities and towns began to inspire great minds to think alike as they came across beautiful designs from local artisans and furniture makers. The duo set out to be the independent representatives for, not only their Taiwanese vendors, but for other international designers around the world and in the U.S.  In 2006 the partnership of FORDBRADY was born.

FC Showroom

            As they set up base in the historical Kim Sing Theater in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, a prime location in this emerging design community which Ford had already bought and lived prior to the start up of the company, they not only developed a company but also a brand. Having no background in the industry is was apparent that they had a natural and skillful eye in hand selecting stylish and functional pieces for their collections. Never professing to be an all-around and exclusively eco-friendly design gallery their choices still remained ecologically responsible. Many items of the collection (which includes both furniture and artwork) feature eco-friendly materials from around the world, which includes recycled, reclaimed, rapidly renewable products ranging from metals to woods, which all create exotic and cross-cultural options for everyone. The collection consists of contemporary designs that are inspired by nature yet warm and creative.

Silk Work Cocoon

            FORDBRADY created a company that did not exclude itself from any design field. Its association with the Kim Sing Theater Group has allowed them to offer a wide rage of services along with their amazing furniture and art collections. They have in essence become a one-stop shop for all you design needs, by offering services such as, interior design and architecture services, tile and pre-cast concrete manufacturing, custom cabinetry, construction management, and more. But in 2009, not soon after FORDBRADY was formed, Ford + Ching emerged. The departure of John Brady from the team was sudden but behind the scenes the stress of a failing economy proved to be too much and the partnership came to an end. Still longtime friends to this day, Ford and Brady can’t seem to break the bond that they had on that trip to Thailand that sparked the independent design gallery’s formation. With the subtraction of Brady and the addition of childhood friend Andrea Ching, Ford + Ching continues to hold the same standards and values as it always has. With the accumulation of Andrea’s 10 years of skill, talent, and experience in the furniture design world, the partnership has been given an advantage that it may not have had before. “ [She] brings a level of professionalism and expertise that was absent at FORDBRADY,” said Ford about his new partner, going on to say “ the addition of Andrea will surely increase the scope or work and better allow us to break new designers and new design.”

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            The new partnership of Ford + Ching now operates to the trade mostly, and to the public twice a week. They are continuing to represent emerging designers who are both local and international. “It’s a highly edited selection of products, Andrea has a great eye fro more traditional stuff, and I have a somewhat demonstrated ability to find new designers” Ford says. The collection is now a result of an eclectic combination of shapes, sizes, materials, and functions that all compliment the current need for the “wow-factor” in design.

WB Desk

Ford + Ching Sustainable Lines:

Riiska Design- Andrew Riiska’s craftsmanship accentuates the detail in the reclaimed and found woods that make up his designs. His expert joinery and signature constructing methods stabilizes already formed cracks in the material while also providing a unique and one-of a kind detail to ever piece.

Freeing Eco Couture From The Seams That Bind!

Angus Hutcheson- architect turned furniture and accessory designer Angus Hutcheson is best know for the unique application of natural materials to lighting design. Inspired by whimsical feel, his most intriguing lighting line is composed of stainless steel and more impressive silkworm cocoons. The Chrysalis lighting collection emits an ethereal glow that only this material can create. Other designs use renewable and recyclable materials such as mulberry tree bark. All materials are selected with its environmental impact in consideration.

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Skram- skram strive to minimize its impact on the environment with every piece that is produced. Only using responsibly harvested woods, low VOC stains and paints, non-toxic adhesives, water-based finishes. In 2009, the company is transitioning to a LEED contributing, formaldehyde-free, 100% pre-consumer recycled content substrate in all of its veneered products. It’s contemporary to transitional, high-style and high-quality casework and seating options are warm, functional, and impressive works of art.

Ching

Campinas Console

Casual sophistication has never been so sustainable. Environment brand furniture exudes this notion in every aspect that it’s name represents; the conditions of the natural world that surround people and affect the way they live. From concept to production, from the old to the new, and from those without voice to those that are heard, this brand exemplifies what we’d all like our environments story to tell.

There are many furniture brands in the world that has a mission to lessen the harmful and detrimental impact of everyday living and consuming has on the earth. These brands make us aware that there does not have to be a sacrifice to live in harmony with the planet, and that we can have all what we desire and contribute to these great efforts along the way. One brand, in particular, has embraced that notion and has taken in many steps further. Environment furniture brand’s commitment to telling a story in every piece in its collection, as well as its obvious commitment to provide and execute sustainable practices, makes it a brand like no other. Their position in this fight, their efforts to uplift people, and their dedication to quality and aesthetics has landed them much praise from many communities, as well as an eco-conscious celebrity clientele. The trial-and-success (not error) with many uncommon woods and textiles that Environment has been fortunate enough to experience has quickly launched them into the role of innovative design pioneers. These materials have inspired Environment’s designers to create sophisticated pieces of furniture that are all one of a kind. No two pieces being exactly the same, due to the materials used, makes a special presentation of the history behind them, which also evokes a sense of compassion and humility. The casual design aesthetics of these collections are modern and warm, inviting yet intriguing, and comfortable while uplifting. Environment’s success has launched them into coast-coast recognition with showrooms in New York, Atlanta, Orange County and Los Angeles. With more of the industry to conquer and with CEO of Environment furniture brand, Davide Berruto’s, description of Environment being “an innovative business traversing the peak of it creative powers,” it makes one wonder what the next step for Environment will be and how far will it go.

Cina Sectional

Environment’s constant search and discovery of innovative materials and art work speak well of it’s continuous effort’s to remain a leader in the sustainable design industry by leading them through various doors that were thrown open with no hesitation. Materials such as old military canvas, vintage denim, reclaimed wood from abandoned dwellings and deconstructed cargo ships, and art pieces that bring voices to those of whom otherwise go unheard, all contribute to the stories that Environment is more than pleased to tell through every unique piece it has to offer the world.

America’s war-ridden history may have left many people with ambiguous with thoughts of many victories won and challenges overcome. But the saying “when life gives you lemons, making lemon-aid” was advice that the Environment brand is taking and applying it to one of its upholstery lines. Vintage military tents, called “shelter halves”, were used since the Civil War and made up of an olive tone cotton canvas that was virtually indestructible. Each soldier carried half of one tent on his back, along with other military essentials, trekking along the battlegrounds until it was time to set up camp. The two halves were then fastened together to create a two-person, floorless, A-framed shelter. When there came a rainstorm the halves were used as personal ponchos for each soldier. After the war was over these Shelter Halves were retired and they are now reissued and sold by the U.S. Government. Environment has taken this material and made it into a beautifully unique transformation of the past by softening the canvas throughout time and usage, using natural vegetable dyes and creating beautiful tones and variations of indigo, rust, brown, black, and gray. Every piece of furniture created with this material tells a story, like most of Environments collections. This tale is of brave men fighting for the freedom of the United State of America and the freedom of others around the world. It not only embodies a wonderful patriotism, but it also establishes meaning and a sense of transformation of the past with its casual, ultra-comfortable, and exotic feel.

Campinas Console

Among the materials used in the Environment brand collections, are exotic woods. Their Peroba Rosa collection is yet another example of the storytelling in their missions. Peroba Rosa wood is an exotic and, now no longer abundant, hardwood native to the south Brazilian rainforest. The tremendous rosy tint as well as the hard, dense, nature of this wood made it a desirable building material for many builders. Environment searched the world for small towns and villages locating dismembered and abandoned barns, dwellings, and other buildings that was constructed of this beautifully patinaed lumber that they then recycled to create casework, tables, and bed frames that embody a rich permanence as it revamps its history and meaning. In other collections, wood beams are salvaged from the Maritime shipping industry where they were used to secure cargo them discarded after shipping and unloading. Already, FSC certified, this lumber originated from many countries across the globe. Originating from these areas, the wood provides a great mix and a variety of density, colors, and an visual character that is apparent in every distinct article it the collection, that can only be achieved through natures own weathering and oxidation. Environment’s wood collections are either recycled, reclaimed, or FSC certified wood which only exemplifies the commitment to their mission and goals by provide high quality furniture that keeps the negative impact on the earth to a minimum. These contemporary pieces are modern by design yet rich, warm, and inviting by material. It is furniture that maintains a certain timeless appeal that also holds tightly to its integrity in any environment.

Sofa

Environment furniture brand has made many feel humble and amazed in it efforts to support the protection of the earth and it has surpassed many expectations when it comes taking action in the design industry. It’s seems that their mission doesn’t just stop where most people are convinced being green ends. It goes beyond what we see to what we hope for. It’s humanitarian and philanthropic passions far exceed ones own needs, because not only does it have a tremendous commitment to conservation of the planet, but that same level of commitment is given to aiding the people of the world. In an excellent effort to guide and provide for those who are less fortunate, Environment has teamed with others to in order to create a platform for those to be heard. After falling in love with an organization, called BRANDAID, the people behind Environment immediately felt a strong need to team up and unite in the efforts to build prosperity for hard working artisans around the world’s most impoverished countries. BRANDAID’s mission is to bring the art of local artisan to international audiences for fair asking prices, which then provides these artists with aid that contributes to their and the communities around them by increasing health care, education, skill development, as well as helping to support better living and working conditions. As BRANDAID’s exclusive reseller for these pieces, the Environment furniture brand is supporting this initiative. Metal wall sculptures and painted wall hung masks are the art pieces offered in the BRANDAID collections. The metal sculptures are made from recycled oil drums, whereas the masks are made up of painted cement bags that may have been tossed away after use. These elements make every piece a unique, one of a kind, marvel. Each sculpture tells a story of a man pounding away at a tough piece of metal that was once an old oil drum, creating an carefully patterned work of art, while each mask tells a separate story of a woman carefully hand painting and shaping old cement bags into colorful wall mounted faces, which when purchased, inspires and provides the creators and their communities.

Santoner Block

Environment has maintained a drive to do all it can help the earth and the people of it. Its mission has not gone unaccomplished and the form in which it carries out that mission is one of many stories that the world should hear. Environment does not blindly seek out the next trend and follow it, it sets trends that soon become timeless and essential parts of successful, sophisticated furniture and art that would never go unnoticed. Every piece in Environments many collections tell a real story of the people and the history behind them. These pieces take forgotten materials and transform them into works of art, while aiding in the fight to end world poverty and contributing to the battle to end detrimental causes to our environment. The Environment furniture brand is more that what its title suggests. It is not just a brand, but it is something that can easily turn into a movement that makes it virtually impossible to deny the importance of what it stands for.

Santomer Low Headboard Bed

Pure eco-furniture

The word pure; meaning not mixed, free from adulterants, impurities, defilement, foreign elements, and pollutants. Containing no inappropriate or extraneous elements. It’s understandable why the company based out of Canada decided to name their very impressive green company after this notion.

Pure’s “guilt-free furniture” line is just that. It offers the opportunity to live in luxurious and chic environments without the harmful effects of off-gasing and detrimental effects to our environment. Pure’s goal is to be the option that people turn to when looking forward to high fashion spaces without compromising a healthy and sustainable home. Although its origin is based in British Colombia, Canada, Pure has proven to be an international gem. It has showrooms, all over the United States as well as the UK, making accessibility to sustainability that much more available. The beauty brains behind the beauty, Ami McKay, founded Pure Design, Inc. in 2007. This award winning interior and furniture designer creates mounds of style and glamour with every project that comes her way. Pure has managed to merge high quality and contemporary style, with sustainable eco-furniture and healthy construction processes that are timeless and high in quality. It speaks to our conscious, telling it: “go ahead, enjoy the luxury, the style, and the air around you. Fear not…I am pure.”

Pure eco-furniture

Pure eco-furniture in comprised of four collections. Fittingly named after the four elements of the earth; Fire, Water, Air, Earth. All collections consisting of sleek, smooth lines, and elegant forms. The contemporary feel of these collections offers something for everyone.

The Fire collection caters to our need to feel sensual and sexy. It’s French chateau influences evoke romanticism whiles it modern lines and simplicity allows it to fit perfectly into an urban loft. It is not too minimalist to point of it feeling cold or hard. In fact, it is opposite that. Its curved forms peak off into sharp corners, like that of a flame flickering on a candle. They inspire a feeling of femininity and sensuality of a woman’s curves, soft and smooth yet strong. The collection is comprised of dining and lounge seating, banquettes, tables and beds. All of which, are available with customizable options to suit anyone’s taste. The Water collection inspires a feeling of movement and fluidity. Its tufted forms graciously portrays ripples in a pond as a stone skips across it. The high profile seat backs and head-boards curve around you like a big wave enveloping your body.  The collections rolled arms and seat backs, which, although a contemporary line, speaks to tradition and seems familiar to us. Just like the name suggests, the Pure Water collection includes no unnecessary elements to make it a success. It speaks charm and Hollywood glam in any environment. The Air collection’s slim lines and streamline forms play off of movement and the negative space around it. It is whimsical and light, but yet lacks nothing. The collection’s high seats, thin legs, and open armrests are surely meant to appear to float in whatever space it is in, and makes it a natural in small, refined spaces that inspire clean, cool, airy moods. Last, but certainly not least, we have the fourth element: Earth. This collection is the only one of the four that incorporates cased goods. It is also the only one that includes a full size sofa and sectional options in its mix. It’s solid masses and substantial forms create a feeling of permanence and stature. It does not, however, take over a space. Its structural pieces, though not over bearing, grounds a space and makes it more defined. The Earth collections lounge seating and bed screams comfort. The pieces surround you like a cocoon in its deeply comforting elements. The case goods, such as the collections credenza, are modern with attention paid to detail.

Pure eco-furniture

The collections are all customizable with a variety of options. The wood finishes can be chosen to match any architectural element in the home. The fabric choices are created to suit anyone’s taste and style. It is an integral part of the piece because it touches our skin, therefore, Pure eco-furniture’s fabric options are all healthy for both you and the environment. One of the most intriguing of these customizing options is the choice to use modern embroidery on any upholstered piece. When you think embroidery, one may picture you grandma’s old throw pillows, but Ami McKay has created contemporary handcrafted embroidery that really marries the idea of the elements with each piece it embellishes.

Pure eco-furniture

Most importantly, Pure has a solid sustainable and health practice in its manufacturing process. So much so that these pieces contribute toward LEED points. Their motto is to have “luxury without compromise,” which they strive for in every collection. All materials used are non-emitting, certified woods and fabrics, biodegradable, non-toxic, and sustainable. Everything from the FSC certified wood frames, to the organic cotton batting, to the non-toxic adhesives used leaves you confident in knowing that you have not contributed to the harmful causes that effect the environment or the health of your family. Pure is an active member of the Sustainable Furnishings council, which is the number one organization in green furnishings. It is a coalition of suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and designers that promote sustainable practices in the industry.

With these collections, Ami McKay has managed to create a furniture line that speaks to our senses, evokes moods and inspires us to take notice of our environment and the world around us by designing the four elements for us to enjoy within the walls of our home. The Pure eco-furniture line is successful in creating an elegant, classy, and glamorous line that fits in any space and surrounds us with luxury that leave our conscious feeling Pure.

Pure eco-furniture