AMES

AMES

Incredible nature, a rich cultural heritage and generous people: Ames was born out of a deep love for Colombia. By introducing contemporary designers to the country’s traditional crafts known by the local artisans, Ames creates vibrant furniture and lifestyle collections.

Founded in 2006 by Ana María Calderón Kayser and her husband Karl-Heinz Kayser, the company predominantly uses the country’s traditional natural materials and craft techniques for their collection.

Their unique designs evolve through creative processes with international designers, often lasting several months. Once in series production, they translate the wealth of Columbian culture into an international design language. Colombian-born Ana María Calderón Kayser navigates the complex development process. With her appreciation for quality and her expertise she seeks out long-established workshops in different regions of the country and establishes encounters between artisans and industrial designers.

The approach taken by these creatives, as well as the design process, is intentionally free and intuitive. During research trips of several weeks at a time, Ana María Calderón Kayser and the designers immerse themselves in the diversity of the country’s materials and colours. Their under-standing of Colombia’s design and craft tradition is expressed in a powerful collection which impresses viewers with its vibrant, modern and original aesthetics.

“Colombia’s character is defined by its altitude. Colombia has no seasons, but it has snowy mountains, rainforest, coastal areas and deserts”, explains Ana María Calderón Kayser. This diversity also constitutes the basis for the choice of materials and techniques for a product “Whether we use fique fibres, iraca, or werregue depends on the availability of the raw materials and their specific characteristics. Sometimes we have to wait for years before we can use the material”, says Ana María Calderón Kayser.

With its collection and its commitment, Ames is developing the ability to take a stance on the discussion regarding sustainable materials and consumption-aware interiors.