ABOUT
Born and raised in South Africa, Hanneke Lourens is a California-based furniture designer, making contemporary pieces using classic woodworking techniques. She draws endless inspiration from her roots–always weaving the spirit and vibrancy of Africa into her work.
Working from a renovated cow barn in the Northern Californian redwoods, Hanneke makes each item by hand, constantly keeping quality and longevity front of mind.
In 2024, Hanneke was named as one on Wallpaper* Magazine’s rising stars as part of the Wallpaper* USA 400.
PROCESS
A former fashion designer, Hanneke took up woodworking as a return to making things with her hands. She finds unending similarities between clothing and furniture design–both disciplines making forms for the human body.
Her process is deliberate: a careful balance between thought-provoking flare and undeniable practicality.
PRODUCTION
Hanneke’s knowledge and skills from years of study at a traditional woodworking school have evolved into a contemporary practice, where she creates sculptural objects intended for daily use. She is fascinated by the permanence of wood, the precision it demands, and the creativity it can deliver.
Each piece is made from scratch and by hand in her studio on the West Coast. Creating high quality, long lasting objects is always a primary focus.
Although she’s lived in California for almost a decade, Hanneke still feels very connected to her place of birth. South Africa is her main source of inspiration–she goes back regularly and for as long as she can. It’s only fitting that her debut collection, Corrugated, is a tribute to her homeland.
PLACE
While South Africa’s natural beauty and vibrant creativity will always make a bright first impression, darker issues such as rising unemployment cannot be ignored.
Hanneke will be donating 5% of her sales through this website to Learn to Earn–a skills development and job creation organization in Khayelitsha, South Africa.
