Jomo Tariku is a designer who has worn a lot of hats during his design career (web developer, graphics, 2D and 3D animation, data visualizer, furniture designer). Currently, Jomo works as a Data Scientist at the World Bank Group in Washington, DC and in the evenings and he pursues his lifelong passion as an Industrial Designer creating his own line of unique and modern African furniture based on themes from all over the continent.
I was born to Ethiopian parents in Nairobi, Kenya and grew up in Ethiopia. I came to the US to pursue my college degree during turbulent times in Ethiopia. I changed my major to Industrial Design while considering a transfer to study fine arts at the University of Kansas after a professor gave me a convincing presentation why I should consider ID.
I loved to sketch and draw even as a young kid. My sketches were of objects, buildings and cars and never of people.
In high school, my father got my younger brother, and I involved in a local woodshop that was walking distance from our house. At that moment I thought it was an excellent excuse to escape the strict rules at home and I did not think of it much but now looking back it probably played a more significant role for awakening my interest in design later on in life.
Strictly focusing on my furniture design, I would say I have been trying to introduce the concept of modern African furniture ever since my 1992/93 Industrial Design thesis. Currently, I am on my second attempt to introduce my work after an 8-year hiatus giving it a try from 2000 to 2008.
Since my latest reboot, I have been diligently working on developing new designs and have seen positive progress towards both my work and the whole concept of mainstreaming modern African furniture getting acceptance in the contemporary design world.
Even though my work has been published and I have been invited to various global shows my most significant accomplishment is tirelessly working to represent African design in furniture and home décor industry from the perspective that most consumers are not accustomed to. I believe I am one of the new breeds of African designers that are showing work that changes the design narrative that people have of African furniture.
I would say trying to break into an industry that feels like it has its own echo chamber and raising capital.
I think it is the diversity and breadth of my portfolio even though I have only a couple of hours to work on it each day.
It’s been very tough. I have been told by few to drop the “African” themed label. If the Italian, Danish and others can name and be proud of their style I don’t see why I should consider my heritage any less. So there is always a struggle to rid off the assumed and erroneous narrative tactfully but it is not easy. At the end I want my work to speak for itself by what it brings to the market.
My kids. I want to leave my two boys and hopefully their generation a positive legacy that they come from a very proud heritage that has contributed so much but not duly recognized.
My most significant fan, critique, and watchdog is my wife. ☺ Friends are always inquisitive and ask how things are going which is great to hear but my younger brother who used to joke saying “my expensive hobby” is now the biggest supporter of my work. If it were not for him, this thing would not have been rebooted for a second try.
The constant challenge, creativity and new solutions that my competitors and I come up with.
Be more inclusive and genuinely step outside the design centers of NYC, London, Paris, and Milan. There are more amazing things happening all over the world. I believe that is why formats like Design Week has been very successful.
Design media, industry leaders, PR agencies, manufacturers, and companies are in close proximity of so many underrepresented communities and can play a huge role by continually engaging and trying to find where the glass ceiling is for minorities. I am sure they see the disparity when they go to enormous shows like Salone del Mobile or ICFF, but we need to keep showing them variation, as most will not do anything unless pointed out. Of course, designers like us should do more outreach by being involved with local schools, conferences, social media, etc. so kids will have role models and see what is expected out of a great portfolio.
I am in the process of setting up a small prototype shop in my garage. I will be investing in a CNC machine this year and hopefully a decent 3D printer next year. I can’t wait to be back in the shop. I will also be introducing my two latest chairs called the Nyala and BCII Maasai at shows in Paris and Milan.
I hope I will continue to unabashedly promote the value and contribution of African design in the home décor industry. I would like to see some of my work also licensed and produced by other manufacturers.
My advice for future furniture designers is to do your apprenticeship even if you have to do it for free. There is so much to learn from an actual craftsperson you will never learn in school.