At the forefront of function
- Shinwoo incorporates digital technology to create practical furniture pieces from wood
- He teaches furniture design to over 160 students at university every year
- He champions creative yet realistic furniture design
As a university professor and furniture designer, Shinwoo Kang creates works that embody both practical function and digital precision. Rooted in a deep respect for 'use, Shinwoo's designs focus on how furniture is touched, held and lived with. After studying woodworking at university and spending a decade at a major furniture company in Korea, he began crafting accessible, modern pieces that reflect everyday needs. Shinwoo blends traditional hand carving with digital design processes to create functional objects such as mirrors, trays and wooden utensils that honour the natural pattern and warmth of wood. "I like giving new life to even the smallest of scraps," he says on material repurposing. Shinwoo finds joy in teaching his students how to design and make furniture that is both thoughtful and affordable.
Interview
- What was the first work you made?
- My first university assignment was a zodiac-themed project. I chose to make a rabbit and carved it from lime tree wood, ideal for delicate carving due to its softness. The challenge was shaping the folds of its skin, which taught me the importance of material, texture and form.
- How do you find inspiration for your work?
- I find inspiration in the wood itself. Its colour and pattern vary with growth conditions, so even the same design can feel different if made from different wood. I carefully select wood and touch it to imagine the shape and design of my work, thinking how to harmonize the texture with the form and character of each piece.
- What is the most important part of your work?
- The most important part of my work is use. I focus on tactile comfort and functionality, a mindset I developed while working for a company where I had to create accessible and functional designs rather than rely on expensive materials. It became a valuable habit. Today, I hand carve spoons and knives from leftover wood, giving even small pieces new life through practical, simple designs.
- How do you use digital technology?
- I use digital technology in two ways: through the design process which includes market research, sketches, 3D rendering, technical drawings, and prototypes, and through CNC processing, where CAD-controlled machines carve wood with precision, depth, leaving room for handcrafted detail yet.
Shinwoo Kang is a master artisan: he began his career in 1982 and he started teaching in 1997
Where
Shinwoo Kang
