Originally from Switzerland, Oliver Franz is a multidisciplinary designer whose work spans product design, interior design, graphic design, and branding. With professional experience in Sweden and the United States, he has spent over a decade in Japan, where he explores ways to harmonize the traditions and futures of both East and West in his design practice.

Trained as a cabinetmaker, Oliver brings a craftsman’s mindset to every project – valuing process, precision, and the integrity of materials. His work is grounded in a deep respect for traditional crafts and a commitment to uncovering paths toward genuine sustainability, ensuring that his designs remain meaningful and enduring over time.

In addition to a variety of ongoing projects, Oliver currently focuses on two primary roles: he serves as Creative Director at Takesada Shoten Co., Ltd., a Kyoto-based bamboo manufacturer with nearly 150 years of heritage, and as an interior designer at Kyoto Amplitude Co., Ltd., a trading company dedicated to promoting the city’s exceptional craftsmanship to the world.