Waka Waka has had several commissions for retail spaces and private dwellings. For the local Hammer Museum's store, they designed a modular and moveable shelving unit in birchwood. A series of airy coat racks and other furniture were crafted for nid deux, a clothing store in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Waka Waka has also had some less-overtly commercial projects. For example, last year they designed a bespoke desk-cum-bureau-cum-display unit for an exhibit by A.L. Steiner at Blum and Poe gallery in L.A.

I got in touch with Okuda to learn a bit about his studio.

What's your background? Where are you from and where did you train as a designer?

I worked for a few sculptors and on some occasions I was making furniture as art pieces for them. Originally, I’m from Fukuoka, Japan. I studied English literature and education at University. I didn't go to school for design. I am self taught.

How would you describe the design ethos of Waka Waka?

It’s a balance between simplicity and playfulness. Subtle details. Design is a part of the structure. 

Where does the name come from?

It comes from Fela Kuti's song "Coffin for Head of the State”. In the second part of the song, he repeats "I Waka Waka Waka, I go many places,” meaning "walk walk walk, I go many places."  We thought it seemed like a good fit for the idea of furniture.

What materials do you prefer to work with?

Baltic Birch Plywood. It’s the best material among plywoods for making furniture. It's like a blank canvas. There are lots of possibilities. 

What are you working on now?

I've been working on a series of chairs using cylinders and half cylinders. I’ve also been designing furniture for an ad agency's new office and for a boutique hotel in the desert. 

Check out more of Waka Waka's furniture below and on their website. 

Looking for more places to sit? Find more playful plywood here, part of Archinect's special February theme, Furniture.

And don't forget to send us your own furniture musings, interviews, critiques, designs, projects and investigations for review to be featured on our site. The open call ends February 21, 2016 –more details here.