Our Story
FOLK originated from the desire to create pieces that will be around and stay around. Frustrated with the overabundance of cheap disposable products while simultaneously seeing the underutilized and highly talented craftsmen right here in Portland — FOLK was born. The founder, Richard Koehler, has a strong eye for simple design combined with a deep knowledge of materials and process. This leads to many of the beautiful objects that define FOLK. The idea is clear: responsibly build beautiful furniture, lighting, and goods that will last a lifetime. Our core values dictate the way our company lives and breathes.
Our Process
FOLK puts a strong emphasis on the exploration of design and materials. Combining modern tooling with the handmade touch of traditional craftsmanship, we aim to master the crossroads of precision and charm. We prefer material in its purest form, using solid hardwoods, steel, clay, bronze, and leather. We see value in working side-by-side with the masters of trade — machinists, artists, and ceramists – and are dedicated to utilizing the abundance of highly talented local companies. Everything is made right here in Portland.
The Folk Team
The FOLK team is made of artists, woodworkers, and fabricators who all share a common passion to create the highest quality pieces with the strongest level of detail. Our team brings a deep knowledge of materials and processes into every piece that leaves our workshop. We love what we do and hope it shows in our work.
Folk Manifesto
BE KIND
Start here and all else will follow.
BE HONEST
Stay true to yourself. If you’re authentic, you have nothing to hide.
STAY CURIOUS
Curiosity feeds the creative soul. Never stop questioning, tinkering, and stretching the malleable mind.
BACK TO THE BASICS
Strip it down to what it needs to be and nothing more. Keep it simple, but keep it charming.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
Know the source of your materials, and work with companies that share your values. Actively pursue the preservation of our earth.
SUSTAINABLE WAGES
The trend to cut costs wherever possible is not only irresponsible, it’s unsustainable. It’s time to share the wealth, create livable wages, and level the playing field.
DURABLE
If it won’t be around for 100 years, don’t build it.
GIVE IT BACK
If you get it, give it back. Share the success, share the knowledge, and pay it forward. Teach what you learn, empower those you can.
WISDOM FROM ELDERS
Some of the most inspiring people are those who have been perfecting their trade for years. Listen and learn from them.
FOLLOW YOUR GUT
Don’t lose yourself in the opinions of others. Listen to your intuition.
GO OUTSIDE
Some of the most innovative ideas come while backpacking in the mountains or walking to the park. Cultivate the creative mind, don’t stifle it.
STAY INSPIRED
Ensure everyone’s unique inspiration is not only protected, it’s fiercely encouraged.
LOVE YOUR WORK
Find what you love and pursue it passionately. This is where great work happens.
DO IT WELL
“A job worth doing is a job worth doing well” –My Grandmother
HAVE FUN
Laugh, jump, do the stanky leg. We spend a lot of time working, it might as well be fun.
PLAY NICE, PLAY FAIR
There’s plenty to go around. Be generous, be kind, and play fair.
TRUST IS THE DEFAULT
Put trust in people, and they’ll put trust in you. Trust is the default, not the exception.
GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY
The biggest lessons and greatest breakthroughs happen while getting your hands dirty. Make mistakes, and make many.
LISTEN
It’s amazing what you hear when you leave space to listen.
MAKE FIRST, JUDGE LATER
Dive deep, explore, and generate without judgment. The good stuff comes from the endurance of simply creating. There’s always time to edit later.
BE PATIENT
The best work takes time. Don’t rush it.