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“Every object we make is guided by three core objectives: transferring knowledge, improving environmental quality and inclusivity,” says CoCo Ree Lemery, founder of Studio Kloak. At her practice based in Chicago, United States, every product design is born from waste—or rather, the untapped potential of what is deemed ‘waste.’ All creations, ranging from lighting design and furniture design to functional objects are carefully handmade in an environment fueled by experimentation with and research into innovative building methods, recycled products and biomaterials. Expanding on the ethos of reducing global waste and reimagining materiality, Studio Kloak breathes life into the Cypress collection—an ensemble of spirited lamp designs made out of a 100-year-old abandoned roof.
Ree Lemery, an award-winning designer and educator, established Studio Kloak after spending years leading design and development for several international brands. In 2022, she left her role as a design director to teach full-time and open her maker’s space—one driven by her passion for design and sustainability. “My extensive travels to factories have given me insight into how companies often exploit misleading sustainability claims and how quickly small businesses' ideas can be appropriated. All of my forms celebrate the handmade and intentionally adopt an un-manufacturable form,” the product designer tells STIR. At Studio Kloak, material deconstruction using artificial intelligence optimises the reuse of materials and minimises environmental impact. In an exclusive conversation with STIR, Ree Lemery traces her studio’s inception, her inspirations, the hands-on approach that guided her work and her expanding oeuvre.
Anushka Sharma: How would you describe your creative philosophy?
CoCo Ree Lemery: Great design is timeless. While some try to draw lines between design, art and making, I see them as beautifully intertwined. To me, great design is created with intention and meaning, making it not just functional but also deeply resonant and enduring.
Anushka: You work extensively with waste materials for all your collections. How did you encounter the potential of ‘waste’ as a resource?
CoCo: Waste is everywhere, so why not see it as a resource? It's also incredibly inspiring! It's part of our everyday landscape—in every room, lining the streets of Manhattan, even floating in the ocean. As designers, we have a responsibility to transform waste into something valuable and beautiful. It's our chance to make a difference and create something meaningful from what others might overlook.
The heart and soul of design come from human intelligence. Our intuition, emotions and experiences shape the creativity and meaning behind each piece. The human touch is what gives design its warmth, personality and connection to the people who use it. – CoCo Ree Lemery, founder, Studio Kloak
Anushka: Where do you seek inspiration? Are there specific bodies of work that have or continue to impact your design language?
CoCo: Every material introduces boundless possibilities, but I always find myself revisiting nature's patterns and forms. Nature never ceases to amaze me with its intricate designs and organic beauty. I'm particularly inspired by the work of Louise Bourgeois and Alberto Giacometti. Bourgeois captivates me with her fascination for ‘ugly’ forms, like maggots and spiders, turning them into profound artistic expressions. Giacometti and I share a deep appreciation for the human body, its elegance and complexity, which continually inspires my work.
Anushka: The new Cypress lamp collection resembles your previous Aggregate collection in compositions, with differing materialities. Did these designs, specifically their forms, have a common thought process?
CoCo: At the time, the design studio was plagued with the most horrible fluorescent lighting and I knew I had to reimagine it. I craved organic silhouettes in my personal space and was inspired by a trip to Hong Kong, where the landscape dramatically blends urbanism with looming forests. I envisioned lighting that was not only beautiful but also provided ample work light—and it turns out, everyone wants that!
Cypress is an evolution of this vision. The latest version features a custom light source that is 100 per cent recyclable. Unlike most LED lamps that end up in landfills once the driver burns out, with glued components for easy assembly, our lamps are designed with sustainability in mind. They allow easy access to change out the driver and each element can be separated for recycling. This way, we can all enjoy beautiful, functional lighting without compromising our planet.
Anushka: Working with waste materials must be challenging. Does this limit your design process? What are some primary challenges?
CoCo: Using waste materials in design is incredibly rewarding but comes with its own set of challenges. First, the variability of waste materials can be tricky. Unlike new, uniform materials, waste can be inconsistent in quality and appearance. This means you often have to get creative and flexible with your designs, adapting them to work with an evolving aesthetic. Sourcing waste materials can be a bit of a scavenger hunt. It requires time and effort to find suitable pieces and you have to be mindful of their origins to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your projects.
Finally, there is the challenge of changing perceptions. People are sometimes hesitant to embrace products made from waste, associating them with lower quality or durability. As designers, we need to demonstrate that using waste materials can result in beautiful, high-quality products that are just as functional and durable as those made from new materials.
Anushka: You work with a range of reclaimed and abandoned materials—a 100-year-old abandoned roof, for instance. We also observe irregularities in your final designs, as seen in the Cypress table designs and vases, as well as the Ombre collection. To what degree is the source waste material retained and how does this further colour your process?
CoCo: My collections that use waste materials have a distinct look and there’s a wonderful reason for that! When you work with waste materials, each piece comes with its unique history and characteristics. This means no two pieces are exactly alike, giving the final product a one-of-a-kind charm that you just can’t get from using new, uniform materials.
The variability in colour, texture and even shape from one material to the next adds a layer of uniqueness to each design. This often leads to unexpected and delightful results, as the materials guide the creative process in ways that traditional, new materials might not. Using waste materials encourages innovative design solutions. I often find myself thinking outside the box, finding new ways to combine and transform these materials into something beautiful and functional.
This creativity and resourcefulness shine through in the final product, giving each piece a story and a sense of character that is truly special. So, while my collections might look different, they carry a deeper meaning and a unique aesthetic!
Anushka: With the rapid use of AI tools in creative spheres, what are your thoughts on the ideal balance between artificial intelligence and human intelligence? How do you achieve this balance in your designs?
CoCo: Balancing artificial intelligence with human intelligence in my designs is like creating a perfect harmony between technology and creativity. AI can be an incredibly powerful tool, helping with tasks like optimising material use, predicting trends and streamlining production processes. It’s like having a super-smart assistant who can crunch numbers and provide insights faster than we ever could. The heart and soul of design come from human intelligence though. Our intuition, emotions and experiences shape the creativity and meaning behind each piece. The human touch is what gives design its warmth, personality and connection to the people who use it.
The key is finding the right balance. AI can enhance our capabilities, but it’s the human element that brings life to the designs. When we combine the efficiency and precision of AI with the creativity and empathy of human intelligence, we can create designs that are not only innovative and sustainable but also deeply resonant and meaningful.
So, in my design process, I see AI as a valuable partner, complementing and amplifying human creativity rather than replacing it. Together, we can achieve more than either [one of us] could alone, making the most of both worlds.
When you work with waste materials, each piece comes with its unique history and characteristics. This means no two pieces are exactly alike, giving the final product a one-of-a-kind charm that you just can’t get from using new, uniform materials. – CoCo Ree Lemery
Anushka: You mention how ‘misleading sustainability claims’ are exploited in the industry. How does your practice remain true to the tenets of sustainability amid trends of greenwashing?
CoCo: Misleading sustainability claims, or greenwashing, are unfortunately common in the corporate furniture industry. Companies often market themselves as eco-friendly without making real, impactful changes. This can be frustrating for consumers who want to make genuinely sustainable choices.
To avoid greenwashing, I focus on transparency and real, honest practices. I carefully source recycled and reclaimed materials and use production processes that minimise waste and energy use. I design durable, high-quality furniture that’s built to last and can be easily repaired or repurposed. Most importantly, I’m open about my methods and materials, providing clear information to collectors. This way, they can trust that choosing my designs means making a positive impact on the environment. True sustainability is about continuous improvement and honest communication.
Anushka: As a designer and educator, what do you want your work to convey?
CoCo: I want my work to convey a sense of purpose and connection. Every piece I design aims to be not only beautiful but also meaningful and sustainable. I hope my designs inspire people to appreciate the value of thoughtful, eco-friendly choices and to see the beauty in materials that might otherwise be overlooked. Ultimately, I want my work to reflect a commitment to both creativity and the environment, showing that great design can be both innovative and responsible.
Anushka: What is NEXT for you?
CoCo: Duke Ellington once said his favourite song was The Next One and I feel the same way about what’s coming up for Studio Kloak! Our next collection will feature fallen lumber paired with natural pigments from the blue pea flower, creating stunning, eco-friendly designs. We’re also revisiting our past lighting collections, reimagining their forms to make them more affordable for curious collectors and sustainability-conscious consumers.
Plus, we’re continuing our exciting experiments with mycelium fabrication. For over a year, we’ve been combining sawdust and wood shavings with mycelium to develop an innovative alternative material. We’re thrilled about the possibilities and can’t wait to see where this new material takes us!
What do you think?