Furniture Philosophy: A Conversation with Temitope El-Shabazz
Temitope sitting on the ‘V1 Bench’ by Heph, photo taken by Wana Muthama, Lagos, Nigeria
“I find objects poetic, philosophical, and most importantly, psychological. It’s about the influence an object can have on someone,” Temitope El-Shabazz shared in a recent interview discussing his exhibition at this year’s Design Week Nigeria. His approach to furniture design stems from a desire to communicate and preserve the ‘core’ nature of objects. Through a careful, human-centered approach, his creations tell a story of history, preservation, and the unique integration of natural elements—a testament to African furniture philosophy.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Temitope recalls his creative journey as a challenging path forward. He reflects on the traditional African philosophy of art as a way of life, one that sees furniture as more than mere function but as an aspect of the human experience. After working as a jewelry and fashion designer, he quickly realized that the lack of manufacturers in the country made it difficult to sustain the industry. He then transitioned to furniture due to The accessibility of raw materials on the continent. He was also attracted to the malleable and dynamic qualities of furniture, making it a natural medium for his expression and ongoing research. Driven by empathy, authenticity, and preservation,—values essential in maintaining human connections in African society—Temitope breathes new life into furniture, seeing each piece as a marker of identity in an evolving world. By embracing the natural simplicity of materials like wood with its patina, stone, and metal, he allows each object to stand in its full glory, lending each room a sense of timeless character.
‘V1 Bench’ taken by @ifeofdesign
He aims to move away from consumerist culture, emphasizing the importance of connection as the ultimate driver of positive growth. Just as fashion serves as a significant mode of traditional African expression, furniture holds a similar place. Consider, for instance, how one might distinguish a king’s palace in the Baganda Kingdom, or even England. High society in the Renaissance period, too, was acknowledged through clothing and distinct seating arrangements. Kings, queens, and other members of nobility sat on thrones of all types. Similarly, Agba stools and headrests served culturally significant purposes, representing diverse ethnicities and identities across different regions of the continent.
This “traditional furniture philosophy” places furniture at the heart of human interaction and connection, representing class, identity, lineage, and history. Furniture held meanings people could relate to—a reflection of who they were and where they came from. “During my creative process, I always wonder: why this particular piece? What makes one choose it? I want to bring the intentionality of fashion to furniture. Design for me isn’t just about function and aesthetics. It’s about the psychological effect these objects have on us—how they shape our spaces, influence our moods, and enrich our lives. That’s the essence of my vision,” explains Temitope. Today, more designers are sourcing materials locally, supported by improved cross-border logistics. This shift opens new opportunities for storytelling across the African continent. Recognizing this, African designers continue to create works that honor the craftsmanship and quality of African artisans. Driven by the need to reconnect and build closer bonds post-COVID-19, designers are embracing sustainable, locally crafted pieces to meet this emerging market.
‘V1-M [ITE] Chair’ taken by @ifeofdesign
This year’s Design Week Nigeria reflects this evolution, encouraging collaboration between designers and manufacturers. Temitope elaborates, “This year’s edition aims to bridge the gap by giving designers access to quality equipment and resources to produce high-standard items locally, with export potential. The goal is to show that it’s possible to create high-quality products here that can compete internationally.” Notably, the event featured a large number of designers and vendors, with dedicated spaces allowing for networking and interaction among creatives from across the region. The focus on collaboration and quality at Design Week Nigeria highlights an exciting shift in the African design landscape. With access to better resources and local materials, designers like Temitope are redefining African craftsmanship, one piece at a time. Click here to learn more about African furniture philosophies.