KOOP DESIGNS
Furniture in Durban

Richard Stretton founded Koop Design in Durban in 1993 after graduating as an architect, consistently producing both furniture and architectural design. Koop’s architecture is recognized for its strong design and high degree of structural and spacial resolution. Stretton’s furniture is playful, sophisticated, finely crafted and maintains an original and uniquely South African design identity. Koop has evolved between the workshop, the design studio and the building site. Inspired solutions happen in the face of challenges on projects. The aesthetic of the furniture or building is generated out of the manufacture process or system required to deliver it. We often collaborate with other professionals to deliver the best product. In this case we would bring on board the following partners to deliver the full project scope: Structural engineer, Quantity surveyor, Landscape designer, Graphic designer for way-finding and branding material. It is our experience that the success of an architectural or interior project relies on engaging, providing for and delighting the user. This is achieved by developing a singular and powerful concept in the early stages of the project from which all design and implementation can be holistically developed and delivered. Richard Stretton’s furniture is playful, sophisticated, finely crafted and maintains an original and uniquely South African design identity. Koop has strong social and environmental values and their choice of materials and sealants, and skills training programmes support these. Koop is broadly resourced and Stretton has 22 years experience in manufacture. Koop has established relationships with suppliers ranging from old school cabinet makers and joiners to operations with cutting edge technology and software driven production. Furniture design projects are often collaborations with architects, interior designers and/or decorators. Koop’s approach is to develop a unique language or methodology for each project that responds to, and is informed by, the original design concepts developed by the architect/s. Koop is able to translate and develop these concepts into fitted and freestanding furniture, source required products and produce and then install finished goods on site. Delivering the interiors and furniture on a project is an extension of the architectural works and compliments the design ethos that precedes it.