By Sara Chan | Sep 17, 2009

Whale-y Good Designs

“It gives me satisfaction knowing that I am using raw materials based on recycled concept without sacrificing nature. It’s amazing and I can apply environmental issues more freely in my artwork” says Rahim.

Rahim Ismail is a simple man with big dreams. A Malaysian furniture designer and entrepreneur, he creates one-of-a-kind eco-friendly furniture using organic materials, all within the borders of our home country. Earlier this year in March, Rahim’s creations were among those selected by Kraftangan Malaysia, an agency under the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry which was later handpicked by Harrods Limited to be showcased in London.

His initial ambition was to be a ship designer until fate guided him to be an interior designer. By the time he turned 40, he realised that he was bored with conventional designs and despite the lucrative earnings, he felt no satisfaction in his career.

A visit in 2003 to Frankfurt, Germany for a design convention brought his attention to the popularity of cane furniture. Realising that he had the knowledge and the know-how to exceed the designs he saw in Germany, his passionate personality brought him to start his own eco-friendly furniture designing business. “Everyone has a dream, but to execute that dream is always a challenge,” he reflects.

Today Rahim is the principal designer in his 7 year old furniture design company which exports its eco-friendly furniture to many countries including Germany, Paris and Australia. However the journey towards international recognition was not without its challenges. “When we first started, it was difficult to penetrate the local market because it was not ready for such designs with eco-friendly or organic properties,” recalls Rahim.

The appreciation that he sought for his designs were found across the seas when a few pieces caught the attention of a number of people during an exhibition he participated in Paris and Germany. Since then, numerous orders have been placed for Rahim’s unique, artistic pieces.

Curiosity started picking up and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry took interest in Rahim’s work, sponsoring his visits overseas to participate in numerous exhibitions, design conventions and competitions.

Save the Whales, Save the World
Adopting the “Save the Whales, Save the World” theme, an arch was created by Rahim with the notion of focusing on the mammal’s depleting numbers in the wild. The visual artwork focuses on the image of a whale coiled by rattan. Acting as a reminder to the masses that like the whales, it is our responsibility to save our world and its environment from pollution and human negligence. Exemplifying a passion for a holistic approach, Rahim incorporates architecture, interior design and furnishing as part of his creative challenge.

The Whale Stand Light is a contemporary piece, releasing a warm glow of light from the hollow of the whale's head upwards.

The latest material Rahim adopts in his designs incorporates German technology and recycled paper. Cabana and loom are made by turning used paper into a strong weave which is able to resist water. As furniture designs, the cabana and loom present an authentic traditional charm not easily found today.

Rahim adds, “It gives me satisfaction knowing that I am using raw materials based on recycled concept without sacrificing nature. It’s amazing and I can apply environmental issues more freely in my artwork”. 

	Design Principles Sdn Bhd
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