DAFT about DRAFT furniture collection by designer Taiju Yamashita

A minimalist sofa quietly placed in a museum. What makes this scene so beautiful is the presence of the sofa and the mood of the entire space. The sofa itself, the mood of the entire space, the moderate amount of sunlight, and the invisible, quiet air all work together in harmony. DAFT about DRAFT products are designed with such stories in mind.

The design ideas created by architect and designer of DAFT about DRAFT, Taiju Yamashita, always come from the stories that flow through people’s lives. Each product embodies the warmth, fun and a sense of freedom and so it is most appropriate to launch this new collection at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, which takes place from 18 to 23 April 2023.

Sometimes challenging traditions, sometimes a sense of playfulness

The creativity that comes to life through the designs of Taiju Yamashita is close to the playfulness and freedom of expression also seen in fashion.  “Sometimes challenging traditions, for the first DAFT about DRAFT collection, we wanted to design with a sense of freedom and humour without being bound by stereotypes. We express this overflowing sense of playfulness through our products.” , says Taiju.

In Taiju’s design concept, which has always been based on the ‘ALL HAPPY BY DESIGN’ philosophy, he aims to contribute to the improvement of society and the human experience and emphasises on the significance of the role that a space can play. A perfect place where time passes in the ultimate of comfort.

So DAFT about DRAFT was born to illuminate rooms and give light to our lives, to stay by our side forever, to be freer to better express who we are by making each and every individual’s life as beautiful as a painting, as dramatic and emotional as a movie.

“Creating such an interior is not simply about lining up rows of big-name products. The key is harmony. Just as awe-inspiring orchestras and delicious cuisines are entirely formed from harmony, an interior is about carefully creating a world that will become your backdrop by adding or removing elements while considering factors like light, shapes, and materials.”, he continues.

His designs are characterised by free and well-balanced expressions based on a myriad of harmonies. From these products, enriching stories unfold and ultimately contribute to creating an interior that helps people shine even brighter than before.

“Our challenge began from a thought that derived from a particular project that we wished many people may sense the role of our interior, architecture, and products – all of which are entirely people-orientated. A beautiful story begins to unfold with just one such product arranged in space. A single product radiates creativity, from which people can feel warmth and enjoyment and experience a sense of freedom. That is the role DAFT about DRAFT furniture aims to serve.”

From the people who touch the furniture to the interior that surrounds them, the architecture that in turn surrounds such an interior, and ultimately, the cities, although the scale might differ, all of these things are a fusion of people.

“I normally oversee architectural design, large-scale urban development concepts, and the interior design of offices, hotels, etc… and now I also do product design. I have travelled to more than fifty cities across the globe and seen many things, but I learnt that it is always people’s stories from which ideas originate. 

I want our products that fuse with people very close to be like fashion in that they are free, gentle, and elaborate so that they may stay by people’s side throughout the long journey of life. Please enjoy the atmosphere of our modern and refined pieces of furniture and enriched stories envisioned by DAFT about DRAFT.”

About Daft about Draft

Dart about Draft is led by Japanese architect and designer Taiju Yamashita and his debut furniture collection aims to reflect a “sense of freedom and fun without the constraint of stereotypes”. The collection includes tables, stools and chairs offered in a range of neutral colourways.

Draft is based in Tokyo and employs 180 people. Its projects range from architecture to branding and product design.