Julian Koh, the driving force behind the Singapore furniture brand Commune, has crafted a unique narrative that intertwines family history, manufacturing expertise, and a deep understanding of contemporary Asian lifestyles. The brand's origins lie in Koda, a family enterprise that began as a small woodcraft workshop in Punggol, Singapore, and evolved into a manufacturer of furniture for global brands, including IKEA.
Julian's approach to design is shaped by his family's legacy in the industry. He grew up immersed in the factory environment, witnessing the intricate process of furniture creation. This experience instilled in him a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship and precision required in furniture making. Koda's strength lies in its intimate web of relationships, reputation, and reliability, which has been built over decades of experience.
Commune's design philosophy emphasizes emotion, craft, and functionality. Julian's design language draws on his observations of the curve of a walnut edge, the cool temperament of marble, and the way leather softens at the underside of an armrest. He focuses on the small decisions that determine whether a piece belongs naturally in daily life, rather than being a decorative flourish for its own sake.
The brand's early showrooms in Singapore pushed a deliberate atmosphere, creating a lived-in loft-like ambiance. This approach was a departure from conventional furniture stores, inviting customers to imagine not only what they might buy but also how they might live. Commune's success in China, where it entered the market through trade fairs and franchise partners, taught the brand about retail discipline, franchise management, and the delicate work of translating identity across cities, partners, and cultural expectations.
Today, Commune maps its territory more selectively, focusing on Singapore, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Cambodia, the Middle East, India, Mexico, and Japan. The brand is expanding its reach by building a curated design ecosystem, a hub where homeowners and interior designers can discover furniture, flooring, wall coverings, lighting, and audio from like-minded partners. Julian is also developing a digital referral platform that allows designers and influencers to recommend products, complete purchases, and earn commissions.
Julian's vision for the contemporary Asian home involves design that is seen, touched, lived with, and heard. He is exploring furniture-adjacent speakers and audio objects in quality wood, holding them to the same standard he applies to tables, chairs, and sofas. This ambitious project aims to converge cabinetry, light, and sound into a single object, creating a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality in the Asian home.
