Objects & Ideas: Transformative Furniture and Lighting Design

Objects & Ideas is a Toronto-based Canadian design practice founded in 2015 by Di Tao and Bob Dodd. The studio is dedicated to a transformative design process that seeks to imbue furniture and lighting with a soul and a distinct voice. Objects & Ideas believes that the best products have an inner quality similar to art, capable of raising spirits and inspiring the people who interact with them. Their collection includes a diverse range of materials and styles, such as the Dreamscape Collection featuring pieces made with papier-mâché and the Mono Collection which utilizes ebonized ash for a striking visual presence. The studio's work is characterized by unique concepts turned into objects of desire. Notable designs include the Avebury Coffee Table in white oak, the Viking Bench in hard maple, and the Beaver Tail Chair. Lighting is also a key component of their practice, exemplified by the Ascend Floor Lamp. Each piece is designed to be used, loved, and touched daily, reflecting the founders' vision of design as a transformative force in everyday life. Objects & Ideas operates out of their studio in Toronto, focusing on pieces that speak for themselves and inspire a deeper connection between people and their domestic environments. By blending artistry with functional design, Di Tao and Bob Dodd continue to push the boundaries of modern furniture and lighting through their collaborative practice.