Why I am a believer in the boundless potential of Nigerian craftsmanship – Odum

Kenneth Odum, the visionary behind Luxchairs, is building. He’s not just creating furniture; he’s sculpting experiences, transforming homes, and redefining the very essence of Nigerian interior design. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, Odum reveals a mind as sharp as the chisels he uses. He’s a master strategist, a business scaling expert, and, at his core, a passionate artisan. But more than anything, he’s a believer in the boundless potential of Nigerian craftsmanship. Excerpts:

What inspired the founding of your brand, and how has your vision evolved over the years?

LuxChairs is a bespoke furniture production company based in Lagos, Nigeria. We launched in 2020 in response to the rising foreign exchange rates, inflation, and evolving customer preferences, which made imported furniture increasingly expensive and inaccessible. Our mission was to offer high-quality, locally made furniture that could stand as a worthy alternative to imports. Initially, we focused on sofas, but as demand grew, we expanded our expertise to a wider range of furniture, catering to various residential and commercial needs.

How do you define the unique identity of your brand in the Nigerian furniture market?

At LuxChairs, our vision is to bring design concepts to life effortlessly. We are the go-to brand for custom-made furniture that aligns precisely with our clients’ imaginations. Our uniqueness lies in our ability to translate creative ideas into tangible, high-quality pieces, offering designers the confidence that their vision will be executed with precision. In an industry where mass production often limits creativity, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver truly bespoke solutions.

Can you walk us through your design process for creating custom-made furniture?

Approximately 80% of our clients are interior designers and real estate developers. They come to us with specific visions for their spaces, and our process begins with breaking down these ideas into producible components. We conduct thorough space inspections, take precise measurements, and ensure that each piece aligns seamlessly with the intended environment. Once we finalize design details—including material selection and finishing options—we move into production, maintaining close collaboration with the client to ensure every expectation is met.

How do you incorporate customer feedback into your product design and customisation?

Customer satisfaction is at the heart of our brand. We begin by deeply understanding each client’s vision and remain engaged with them throughout the process. Because our goal is to bring their exact imagination to life, we encourage real-time feedback and adjustments during production. Clients often gain new inspiration as they see the work taking shape, leading to refinements that enhance the final product. This collaborative approach ensures that every piece is not just furniture but a reflection of the client’s unique taste and style.

What sustainability practices do you implement in your manufacturing process?

Sustainability is a key focus at LuxChairs. We implement eco-friendly practices such as: Responsible Wood Sourcing: We use wood harvested through sustainable forestry practices that promote regeneration and biodiversity.

Recycled Materials: Our production process integrates materials like cartons, sacks, and engineered wood made from recycled wood particles.

Demand-Driven Production: By aligning production with actual demand, we minimize waste, avoid overstocking, and reduce environmental impact.

How do you stay ahead of design trends while maintaining your brand identity?

We stay ahead by continuously researching global design trends and training our team on emerging techniques. At our factory, we maintain a culture of continuous learning and innovation, pushing ourselves to refine our craftsmanship. Additionally, we create our own unique designs that blend contemporary styles with functionality, ensuring that we attract new customers while staying true to our brand identity.

Can you share a success story where your furniture significantly transformed a customer’s space?

One of our most memorable projects happened during our early days. A client desired a sleek, black-themed interior but had initially worked with a furniture provider who failed to deliver cohesive results. The previous attempt not only misinterpreted the designs but also overlooked the fact that black has different shades, leading to a visually inconsistent space. When LuxChairs stepped in, we meticulously reworked the furniture, ensuring perfect color coordination and alignment with the client’s vision. Upon completion, the client was so thrilled that he sent us a heartfelt email describing the immense joy he felt in his transformed space. He even extended generous tips to our artisans in appreciation.

What challenges do you face in the Nigerian furniture market, and how do you overcome them?

One of our biggest challenges is the shortage of skilled, professional artisans. While there are experienced craftsmen, professionalism and discipline in execution are often lacking. To bridge this gap, we invest heavily in training and mentorship, equipping our workers with both technical skills and a strong work ethic. We are also forming partnerships with technical institutions to recruit and train emerging talent.

Another challenge is the high cost of modern machinery, which limits efficiency. We recognize that placing advanced tools in the hands of skilled workers can triple productivity, so we are working towards acquiring more cutting-edge equipment to enhance our output.

What opportunities do you see for growth in the industry over the next few years?

We are excited about the real estate boom in Nigeria. As more homes and commercial properties emerge, the demand for quality furniture will continue to rise. Another promising opportunity is the young, dynamic demographic in Nigeria—new families and young professionals seeking to create stylish, comfortable living spaces. LuxChairs is poised to be their trusted partner in making these spaces a reality.

What exciting plans do you have for the future of your brand?

LuxChairs is turning five this year, and we are celebrating by introducing exciting new products and rewarding our loyal customers. Additionally, we are preparing to expand beyond Lagos into other major cities in Nigeria, bringing our bespoke craftsmanship to a wider audience.

How do you envision the role of technology in the future of furniture design and manufacturing?

Technology is already a game-changer in our work, and its impact will only grow. At LuxChairs, we leverage Virtual Reality (VR) and 3D design tools to visualize furniture concepts before production. In manufacturing, advanced machinery enhances precision and efficiency. Looking ahead, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play an even greater role, assisting designers in ideation and providing detailed production guidelines. The future of furniture design will be a seamless blend of creativity and technology.