FOONDI studio
Rooted in the spirit of the continent and crafted for the world
Foondi Studio is where tradition meets bold reinvention. Founded by Juliet Wanyiri — a designer, engineer, and creative director whose journey has spanned Tesla, Apple, MIT, and Nokia — the studio reimagines the essence of African heritage through contemporary furniture and spatial design.
A dual master’s graduate from MIT in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management (yes, she’s fluent in CAD and culture), Juliet has developed fuel systems for satellites, shaped future mobility at Tesla, and led future product innovation at Apple. But her boldest mission brought her home — to reclaim and elevate African design on the global stage.
Foondi Studio was born from a desire to see more of ourselves in the spaces we live in. After years of encountering mostly European-inspired furniture—even in Kenya—Juliet saw a beautiful opportunity: to celebrate the deep, diverse design traditions across Africa through contemporary furniture that feels both rooted and modern.
Our designs draw inspiration from the enduring beauty and wisdom of authentic African furniture traditions. From the regal symbolism of Ashanti stools to the coastal calm of Swahili interiors, every piece is a contemporary heirloom — designed to be felt, not just seen.
At Foondi, every piece is a dialogue between past and present. We work hand-in-hand with master artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations and elevated by contemporary tools. The result? Contemporary heirlooms — handcrafted, exclusive & unapologetic African furniture.
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