Key Takeaways:
- Wooj.design combines 3D-printing technology, sustainable materials, and local manufacturing to make innovative, accessible home design more affordable and environmentally conscious.
- What started as a pandemic-era experiment grew into a Brooklyn-based design brand with a 60-printer studio, collaborations with designers, and products featured in the MoMA Design Store.
When you think about the artistry behind home goods, the words “handmade” and “factory-built” often evoke two contrasting worlds. But in a cozy corner of Brooklyn, New York, Wooj.design merges these realms, blending human creativity with robotic precision. At its heart, Wooj is a home goods store that defies convention by producing stunning 3D-printed lamps with a focus on sustainability and accessibility. Here’s the story behind this innovative brand.
From Closet Creations to Design Showrooms
Wooj began in the unlikeliest of circumstances: the depths of a global pandemic. Founder Sean Kim, then a graduate student, was experimenting with 3D printing as a personal project. “Wooj was formed in 2020 during the pandemic and was an accidental project that became a business,” Sean explains. The spark for Wooj came when he received a broken lamp shade from an online order. Left with the base of the lamp, Sean 3D printed his own shade for it, and then a base
The humble shop that followed quickly gained traction as people sought to redecorate their homes during lockdowns. In just a few years, Wooj outgrew its origins. From a one-man operation with six printers, the company expanded to a 60-printer studio by 2024, now staffed by 10 employees. As Sean puts it, Wooj’s origins were nothing short of an “accident.”
Sustainable Design at Its Core
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Wooj; it’s the foundation of its operations. The company uses recycled plastics and minimizes waste by repurposing less-than-perfect / blemished , etc products. Recently, Wooj began experimenting with melting excess plastic to create new products, further closing the loop on waste. Packaging is entirely plastic-free, ensuring that every part of the customer experience aligns with Wooj’s commitment to the environment.
This ethos extends to their Brooklyn-based production model. By keeping manufacturing local, Wooj supports its community while reducing the carbon footprint of shipping. Their goal, as Sean articulates, is to provide “accessible and sustainable design to the market without exploitative labor practices or requiring products to be made in the hundreds of thousands in order to be profitable.”
Designing for Delight and Connection
Wooj lamps are not only functional but also works of art. The brand’s design language is characterized by repeated lines and curvatures—a style that takes full advantage of 3D printing technology. “You wouldn’t be able to get this design at this price if it were made out of a product like glass,” Sean notes. These unique forms aim to bring “delight” to customers, fostering connection and understanding through beautifully designed objects.
In March 2024, Wooj reached a major milestone: three of its products are carried in the Modern Museum of Art (MoMA) Design Store. This recognition marked a proud moment for the team and affirmed their place in the design world.
Challenges and Growth
The road to success hasn’t been without its challenges. For much of Wooj’s journey, it was a two-person operation, with Sean and a co-founder learning the ins and outs of business on the fly. From marketing to production and personnel management, the team tackled hurdles with determination. Scaling up presented its own set of issues: “How to grow the business without growing the problems is another hurdle,” Sean admits.
Despite these obstacles, Wooj has thrived, expanding its product range and collaborating with more designers. Currently, the company works with five designers and hopes to broaden its creative network. Beyond lamps, Sean envisions Wooj exploring new product categories and technologies. “Our goal is to have more fun and learn new things,” he says with enthusiasm.
Why Wooj.design?
The choice of domain name, Wooj.design, perfectly encapsulates the brand’s mission and identity. Sean shares, “We’re a design company, and part of our mission is to make design more accessible. A domain that reflects that was important.” The name Wooj itself has a personal touch: it’s derived from Sean’s Korean name and conveys a wavy, onomatopoetic feel that aligns with the brand’s aesthetic.
Illuminating the Future
Wooj’s vision extends far beyond its current product lineup. By continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible with 3D printing and sustainable practices, Wooj is poised to redefine affordable, accessible design. Their journey from a closet to MoMA serves as a testament to what’s achievable when creativity meets innovation.
For those seeking home goods that marry sustainability with stunning design, Wooj.design is a beacon of light—quite literally and figuratively.