Kwadwo Som-Pimpong

In a world increasingly dominated by mass production, Kwadwo stands out as a visionary artisan dedicated to preserving the soul of furniture-making. As the founder of Crafted Glory, a small batch luxury brand, he masterfully bridges cultures and traditions—fusing the bold elegance of West African artistry with the clean, functional aesthetics of Scandinavian design. Each piece crafted under the Crafted Glory name is more than just furniture; it’s a sustainable, hardwood sculpture that tells a story—of heritage, intention, and timeless craftsmanship.

We sat down with Kwadwo to learn more about his journey, his creative process, and what Crafted Glory truly represents.

When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming? Did any of those childhood ambitions lead you to where you are today?

I dreamt of being an inventor and a builder as a child. I would spend hours in my bedroom building what was in my imagination out of legos and objects I collected around the house. When it came time for college, I studied engineering, but later on fell in love with furniture making, which satisfies my passion for building.

Where and what did you study?

I studied mechanical engineering for my bachelor’s degree and Civil and Environmental engineering for my master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.

How did you get your studio started?

I started in my 300 sq. ft. garage after I felt inspired to make some end tables for my home in 2015. I fell in love with the process and grew into the craft organically. We currently craft my furniture in my 1,400 sq. ft. studio in the mountains of North Carolina.

Is there a particular craft tradition, designer, or material that deeply inspires you? How has it influenced your approach to furniture design?

West African artistry and Scandinavian design are the primary influences for my work. I blend my and my wife’s Ghanaian artistic culture with Scandinavian design. My work is sculptural, warm and textured as well as elegant and elevated. Oak and walnut inspire me the most.

How would you describe your design philosophy? Has it changed over time?

I design for longevity. My work is collectible and elevated. As I have grown in my craft, I have leaned more heavily into making my work distinct and one-of-a-kind.

Is there a particular film, book, or piece of music that has influenced your creativity or approach to furniture design?

I am influenced by West African music with its vibrancy and colorfulness.

Tell us about your workshop or studio: How does your environment influence your creative process and craftsmanship?

My studio is located on a serene one-acre mountain property bordered by a gurgling stream and a horse farm. It sits high above surrounding towns and is deeply inspiring. Working in my studio on the property is a time of escape and solace. We have future plans to host workshops and retreats on the property. There is already a house on the property that can welcome visitors.

Which piece or project are you most proud of, and what makes it special to you?

I am most proud of the Ati end table which I designed with my wife and marks a transition to work that truly characterizes my culture and design philosophy. It is thoughtfully sculpted and draws the viewer in from all angles.

What do you see as the biggest challenge in furniture making today—whether in design, production, or sustainability? How should the industry respond?

One of the biggest challenges is the fast fashion method of production. Mass produced furniture is designed in such a way that it ends up in the landfill and workers are not paid wages that allow them to flourish. Furniture should be made to be kept and passed down from generation to generation.

What are you currently working on? Any exciting pieces in progress?

I am working on a custom stool design for a Naples, Florida client which is sculptural and like nothing else I have seen. I am excited to add it to my collection.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, collaborations, or aspirations you would like to share?

My wife and I are collaborating on work that incorporates both of our creative areas of focus. She is a fashion designer. We are incorporating Ghanaian kente fabric into pieces in the collection.

Follow Kwadwo Som-Pimpong on Instagram and visit his website here >>>

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