Founded in 2011, Uncommon Projects brings together the architectural experience of Alan Drumm with the product design expertise of James Hoy. The award-winning studio specialises in the design and production of bespoke plywood furniture, and has earned a reputation for its inventive contemporary kitchen designs, function-first approach and original material-led aesthetic. Playful, practical and unquestionably stylish, Uncommon Projects’ kitchens and products are designed to last a lifetime or longer – making them truly sustainable. Uncommon Projects designs are regular fixtures on the kitchen-design awards lists, and their kitchen for Pocket House in Dulwich contributed to its being shortlisted for RIBA House of the Year in 2019. By no means restricted to kitchens, the pair work on residential and commercial projects and create standalone pieces (aka ‘Uncommon Objects’). Always working to realise the vision of their clients, Alan and James take pride in creating sustainable, locally produced furniture – making dreams come true, one coat of hand-applied hard wax oil at a time.
When Zetteler met Alan and James, we knew this was the start of a beautiful relationship. Their practice adheres to all the things we hold dear: sustainability, craftsmanship and deeply pleasing colours and aesthetics. We worked with the studio during a landmark year, as they prepared to launch their first showroom space in Clerkenwell’s Golden Lane Estate, helping spread the word about their unique design offering.
Under normal circumstances, we’d be busy sharing all the exciting projects we have lined up for Milan Design Week, and we were ready and raring to go and do just that, but the universe (and the WHO) have other plans...
When we visit our clients in their studios, we’re often intrigued by the things with which they surround themselves. Often such objects can say as much about someone as the work they inspire.