Side Table i by Raka Studio

At first glance, the beguiling furniture creations of Raka Studio look like optical illusions. A joint project of three brothers — Saleh, Waleed and Rayan Ahmed Salman — this exciting modern Pakistan-based company marches to the beat of its own drum. Its one-of-a-kind coffee tables, floor lamps and sofas serve as functional pieces of furniture and sculptural works of art.

Raka Studio was established in 2018 after the self-taught brothers produced their first pieces for the family home. The driving force behind all of their visually stunning designs is a love of nature and natural variance. Each piece is made entirely by hand, usually from ash wood imported from the United States, and can take weeks to complete.

In the studio, furniture is curved using ancient Japanese wood-bending techniques, giving the pieces an organic fluidity. The goal is to disrupt prevalent design trends while prioritizing quality craftsmanship. “This approach to our work helps us create distinct pieces that are also technically and aesthetically intriguing,” the brothers explained to StyleRow.

These unique designs have earned Raka Studio critical acclaim and partnerships in the United States and the United Kingdom. The brothers have exhibited at galleries and completed commissions for hotels. 

Since its establishment, the studio has grown to include not just the brothers but a team of skilled craftsmen, with plans to introduce new materials and techniques over time. At Raka Studio, it’s all about pushing the limits of design.

On 1stDibs, find Raka Studio tables, lighting, seating and more.

Galerie Philia is an international contemporary sculptural design and art gallery representing emerging and established designers and artists. The gallery is the brainchild of two brothers who share a lifetime passion for art, literature and philosophy. Their distinct academic background sets them apart from their peers, as it sees them following a rhizomatic and transcultural approach in the way they select works. This involves combining elements from multiple cultures in what becomes a network of harmoniously interconnected roots, ultimately revealing the beauty of each unique creation. The gallery’s non-hierarchical curation sits apart from the ephemerality of trends and focuses instead on the true aesthetic quality of the piece – alluring and timeless. Unlike others, Galerie Philia does not focus on a single style – whether minimalist, organic or raw – but rather embraces heterogeneity. The Galerie Philia takes pride in discovering new talents, providing them with multiple international platforms to showcase their latest creations. As well as propelling the newest generation of 21st century collectible design, Galerie Philia also works with internationally known design artists. Galerie Philia has a strong international presence, with galleries in Geneva, New York and Singapore. In addition to their permanent spaces, the gallery organizes temporary group exhibitions and artists residencies in first-class locations around the world.