THE FOUNDING STORY
Founder and Designer Eddie
Stories
by Nishobotsu
Today we visit OS28 and speak to founder Eddie, who tells us all about the origins of Nishibotsu, his love for furniture design and his dreams for the future. We look at what once started as a lock-down idea has now grown into a fully operational business.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Eddie lives in Zurich, Switzerland, and has found a base to unleash his vision onto the world. Entrepreneurship has always been in his family, but for Eddie, it wasn't really clear what form it would take. Building upon a mechanical design career in VIP and First Class Aviation Interiors, he knew that he had the ability to visualise and build robust, functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture, all that needed adding was a product.
"In my younger years, I was always the child making skate ramps or stripping my bicycles and skates, it was here where I found my interest in seeing ‘how things work’. Since then, my life has revolved around the design cycle. The reason? I just get really excited by creating things that allow people improvement and enjoyment in work or play. Plus, seeing your work used in unique ways is pretty cool!."
FOLLOWING THE HEART
That love of working with wood resurfaced into Eddie's life around 2020, finding a local workshop (GZ Bucheggplatz!) that offered the space, advice and tools to be able to create something from the heart.
After 2 years of small projects, learning the material and the processes, Eddie undertook ,what was to be, the first unofficial Nishibotsu product, the Dining Table. A 6-seater Dining Table with a unique split running through the middle and impactful use of the 'Butterfly' joining technique, commonly used to stop splits in wood propagating further over time.
"The Dining Table attracted quite a lot of attention, and that changed my approach to Woodworking as a hobby from something I just 'did' to something I can 'do'. This combination of Design and Build perfectly encapsulated the logical and creative aspects to my life, and there is where I have found my home, and do my best work."
What came next, was the product that would really take this concept into a business, the Sideboard.
"Good design touches you, great design touches your soul"
M. Coblani.
SIGNATURE STYLE
"People who see what we do, seem to be naturally drawn towards the lightness and contrast of the Maple and Walnut, coupled with the refined and simple geometry. It makes quite an impact whilst remaining subtle and light."
The bow-tie symbol helps to remind people that this is a Nishibotsu product and has helped us associate particular geometry to the brand.
THE LEAP OF FAITH
"I am a very lucky person to have the friendship group I have, they were always encouraging me to develop this hobby into something more tangible. With their confidence and feedback, I became more and more happier to share my work."
Turning this passion into a business is the natural progression for Eddie. "Creating something from the heart, with the focus on product has always been the best part of my career, so I wanted to create a business that shares this feeling with others."
THE FUTURE
So, what is next for Eddie and Nishibotsu?
"I want to spread the word, the word of Nishibotsu, and show people how we fill the gap for high quality, bespoke hand-made Japanese inspired furniture for the home."
"We will continue with the Hero product, The Sideboard, in small batches and increase our exposure to the market in Zurich, keeping quality, enjoyment and happiness at the centre of what we do. I would love to able to expand the range to offer other designs with our signature style."