Genius Setting the Philippines’ Rattan Alchemy in Motion
Jed Yabut
Principal and CEO, Jed Yabut Furniture & Design
In a world besieged by pandemic chaos without a concrete ending in sight, Jed Yabut – accomplished project manager and architect turned sustainable furniture entrepreneur, comes as a breath of fresh air to some despairing business news in Asia. Conceiving furniture pieces made from local Philippine rattan handcrafted by Filipino artisans, Jed’s leap from being full time employee to providing a vision and employment to his nation since the beginning of 2021, is an admirable display of grit and talent.
Jed’s cosmopolitan project management experience ranged from some of Asia Pacific’s finest high-rise commercial developments and luxury hotels to designing social spaces combining form and function at their best - ideal springboards to bring Filipino furniture craftsmanship on par with the best in the world. He had lived and worked in two of the world’s busiest hubs, Singapore and Japan, even completing his International MBA from Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan, at the top of his class.
Some of Jed’s impressive project management and architect experiences include landmarks such as Singapore’s tallest building Guoco Tower, 2014 APAC best hotel design awardee by International Hotel and Property Awards - The Westin Singapore (Marina Bay) and the luxe Four Seasons Hotel Otemachi in Tokyo, Japan.
What better time then, contrary to risk-averse entrepreneurs, to spur some hope for the Philippine economy than in the middle of a seemingly long pandemic battle when people need jobs to fill their rice bowls and be an inspiration to fellow start-up entrepreneurs. Jed Yabut shows us the way.
FMAG: What was your family’s reaction when you decided to call it a day being an architect/project manager in Singapore and Japan?
JY: My family has always been supportive of any endeavor that I pursue. In the family, we all have deep respect for each other in that we simply trust and allow the person to take whichever path he/she chooses. I am very blessed to have this support system because I know many people do not particularly enjoy the support of their parents or siblings.
And of course, I celebrated our heritage, our culture and our natural resources in this collection. Several of the forms take inspiration from varied Filipino festivities, flora and geographies, architecture, and local cultural icons.
Jed Yabut amidst his oasis of rattan furniture conversation pieces .
FMAG: How has the pandemic affected your life?
JY: It was a quick decision to pivot my career from a salaryman to becoming an entrepreneur. I could not waste time just idling during the pandemic, so I took the risk to go out of the house to do my market research (of course, following protocols). The pandemic has really forced me to commit to a project and make a living out of it. So now, I am here. There is no turning back, but only looking forward to a brighter future ahead.
FMAG: A brilliant and creative architect like you must have had a thousand and one business ideas to venture into. What made you finally decide to go into the furniture design business?
JY: Thank you for the kind words! I have been a corporate architect for a decade and the pandemic has somehow forced me to break out from being a salaryman to becoming a start-up entrepreneur. At the height of the pandemic, I could not look for a job - but also, I did not want to look for a job. I focused instead on self-reflection and thinking of ways to “make a difference”. I capitalized on my strengths while I was finding my purpose. And I thought that creating a furniture shop was the perfect marriage of my love for design and my wish to put my MBA knowledge into good use.
Jed Yabut may just be the needed disruptor in re-introducing Philippine rattan furnitures for domestic and international markets.
FMAG: I saw your product catalogue and your creations were impressive. Who or what were major influences in your designs and craftmanship?
JY: Thank you. There was no particular influence, but what I had was an objective. And it was to simply articulate the modern Filipino furniture aesthetics. I reimagined the contemporary style by celebrating the “beautiful chaos” that is engrained in our culture. I wanted to celebrate Filipinos’ resourcefulness, and the philosophy that nothing goes to waste. For example, the tagpi-tagpi (patchwork) mentality of patching things up with almost anything that you can find within your surroundings. These cultural quirks are reflected in my designs through the use of random patterns, lines, varied textures, and the marriage of jarring materials (such as glass and metal) with the soft and elegant rattan.
And of course, I celebrated our heritage, our culture and our natural resources in this collection. Several of the forms take inspiration from varied Filipino festivities, flora and geographies, architecture, and local cultural icons.
These and more at Jed’s showroom: 8483 Kalayaan Ave cor Matilde, Brgy Poblacion Makati, 2nd floor. Viewing by appointment only.
FMAG: You always excelled in school and at work. Did you ever experience any situation in life where you had difficulty or challenges?
JY: Definitely. For example, finding a job in Japan was never easy. After graduating from MBA, I thought I could pivot to a job beyond Architecture. I thought I could do consulting or real estate development. However, Japan puts premium on experience, age, and business Japanese fluency. I was very unlucky not to land on the jobs I wish I could get. So, I still ended up in an Architectural firm. What I learned from experiencing fallbacks in life is that whatever I end up with, that point in itself is an invitation for growth and endless possibilities. I simply need to embrace and focus on the now, forget about regrets, and move forward with beaming hope of change. I will never know where that point can lead me to unless I keep marching forward.
FMAG: What was it like working and living in Singapore and Japan?
JY: For me, living in other countries is one of life’s biggest blessings. In each place that you live in, you come out a different person. In Singapore, I had a rich professional experience in mega projects which exposed me to working with people of different nationalities and professions. Singapore laid so many foundations for my professional career – I owe a lot to my previous colleagues, mentors, and people whom I have worked with in several projects in Singapore. They have all shaped the professional Jed.
In Japan, I experienced an impressive quality of life. I was happy: spiritually, mentally and physically. I knew my time in Japan was limited so I tried to travel, to eat, to learn, and to soak in the culture as much as I can.
Finest rattan artisans work passionately at Jed’s workshop.
FMAG: What best practices in your architectural/project management experience in Singapore and Japan do you feel can benefit similar firms in the Philippines?
JY: a. The efficiency of Singapore – Singapore has a culture of focusing on issues professionally and creating swift solutions. b. The attention to detail of Japan – Japan is the elite class of workmanship and quality.
FMAG: What is the business model of your furniture business? For people to order from you, how can they do so – including those outside the Philippines?
JY: We are a traditional retail business, maximizing online channels to create brand awareness. While we are still waiting for the showroom to open, interested buyers can browse Jed Yabut Furniture & Design’s online catalogue, or our website, or our Facebook and Instagram accounts. For now, we are only open to the domestic market.
Beyond creative and business pursuits, Jed provides livelihood to fellow Filipinos.
FMAG: You have too many achievements at such a young age. What do you consider your greatest?
JY: This is very personal, but my biggest achievement is finding my partner for life.
FMAG: Living and working in the Philippines now, what gives excitement and meaning to your life?
JY: Wow! Another big question (laughs). Pushing the boundaries of Filipino creativity and craftsmanship. I wish Filipinos can see more of and support our local products. Because supporting our products creates livelihood for fellow Filipinos, and it motivates artists and designers to innovate, and reach places beyond the norm. The simple act of buying something local has a butterfly effect – we think it was a small act, but that already meant the world to the suppliers, to the craftsmen, and the local entrepreneurs.
FMAG: Your advice to budding architects.
JY: Same golden advice to budding entrepreneurs: fail fast, fail cheap. But it does not mean that failing is the goal. It means that you should allow yourself to fail. Be kind to yourself for failing. What is crucial in failing is how you get back up, and pivot.
FMAG: What would you have to say to your 13-year-old self?
JY: That there will be a global pandemic in 2020, so better prepare yourself for the worst! Hahaha.
