Neom studio.

About

A lifelong obsession with design and utility, evolved into a mission to craft sustainable furniture where every line tells a story of intent.

Challenge the norm, challenge the form.

This is not just a slogan; it is our primary directive. It is a lens through which we view not only design but the very way we live.

Society often lures us into the comfort of the acceptable — a safe, stagnant place where we create only what is expected and repeat what has already been done. To break this cycle, we must intentionally challenge what is considered “normal”. We choose to look at every aspect of design with a fresh, almost naive gaze, stripping away assumptions to find the questions that are truly worth answering.

 

What does this mean for our furniture?

 

It means rejecting the industry’s reliance on hidden shortcuts.While conventional methods hide construction behind metal or plastic fasteners, we celebrate the structural truth of our material.Our innovation lies in a design principle that entirely eliminates the need for artificial hardware. Our joints are not concealed; they are a visible, essential part of the aesthetic, celebrating traditional craftsmanship through a modern, architectural language..

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How it started

Where a lifelong fascination finds its form.

For as long as I can remember, I have been sketching, building, and deconstructing the world around me. My fascination with design and architecture didn't begin with a lecture; it was fueled long before formal studies by a deep-rooted admiration for the masters of form — from the functional ingenuity of Niko Kralj to the visionary spirit of the Eamses. What began as a childhood spark has since grown into an inextinguishable flame for crafting furniture that is as intriguing as it is sustainable.

“I believe that intriguing design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a whisper of possibility, a puzzle begging to be solved, a form that challenges function in a way that sparks curiosity.”

 

NEOM Studio is a journey, not a destination.

 

I see my work as a quiet, ongoing conversation with form and material. I’m simply following a lifelong curiosity, trying to solve the puzzles that any given material presents. I’d love to share these discoveries with you — through furniture that carries a whisper of possibility and simply feels at home in your world.”

- Domen Gumzej, founder of NEOM Studio

the mr.shamrli

Foot stool

The mr.shamrli isn't just a footstool; it's a versatile companion for life's moments, big and small. Inspired by a centuries-old design that graced the homes of both royalty and commoners, it carries a legacy of timeless functionality.

the sleepwalker

Side table

Introducing the sleepwalker, a side table that captures the essence of this dreamlike state.

the moonlander

Coffee table

Inspired by the awe-inspiring lunar landing, the moonlander coffee table isn't just a piece of furniture; it's a conversation starter for life's most fulfilling moments.

the syndicat

Chair

There's a certain ritual to pipe smoking – a slow, deliberate process that invites reflection and conversation. It's with this spirit in mind that we introduce the pipesmoker, a lounge chair designed to cultivate moments of آرام (āram) - Arabic...

the pipesmoker

Armchair

There's a certain ritual to pipe smoking – a slow, deliberate process that invites reflection and conversation. It's with this spirit in mind that we introduce the pipesmoker, a lounge chair designed to cultivate moments of آرام (āram) - Arabic...

The mission

sustainable design for a lasting future

The Seed of Design

Visionary roots, organic growth, enduring form.

 

Every object I make begins with a spark—a seed of an idea that has the potential become something special. For me, this process is about more than just how something looks; it’s about taking that idea and testing it against the realities of function and sustainability, and mostly how it feels as it slowly takes its final shape.

 

I don’t rush this. I prefer to let these concepts grow naturally, from a simple sketch, into a tactile physical reality. To me, it’s not just manufacturing; it’s watching a thought grow into a piece that hopefully someone would want to keep forever.

Selected Plywood

Natural strength, engineered for stability

 

The foundation of any piece that lasts is the integrity of the material it’s built from. My chosen medium is birch plywood—not just for its clean, modern look, but for its honesty. It combines a quiet, natural beauty with a structural stability that I can truly rely on.

It’s a material that stays straight and strong, which is essential for many of my designs. This stability gives me the freedom to focus on the details and the shapes that define my work, knowing the material will hold its form over time. For me, it’s the perfect balance between engineering and a respect for what nature provides

Eco-Conscious Production

Smarter production, hand-refined soul, minimal waste.

 

I believe that being responsible starts with how I treat the material. In my studio, that means planning every cut to get the most out of each sheet of plywood, leaving as little waste as possible. I use machines for the precision my designs need, but the real work happens afterward—every edge and surface is refined by hand.

I try to find a use for every scrap: leftovers from the main cuts are used for smaller pieces, and the offcuts from those are used as supporting materials in production. Even the tiny amount of waste that remains at the very end isn’t lost; it’s used as biofuel. For me, this isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about respecting the resource from start to finish.

Natural Oil & Earth Pigments

Natural pigments, protection that breathes.

 

For me, the final step is when the wood really comes to life. I don’t use synthetic colors; instead, I use natural mineral pigments that work with the grain of the birch rather than masking it.

To protect the surface, I apply a traditional blend of natural hard oil and linseed oil varnish. I avoid plastic-like synthetic lacquers because I want the wood to breathe. But more importantly, I want you to be able to feel the actual texture of the wood when you touch it, not a layer of plastic.

Enduring Quality

Honest materials, built to stay.

 

I believe furniture should be a constant in your home—a reliable companion through different stages of life, not something to be replaced every few years. For me, that commitment starts with birch plywood. I use it because it’s tough, stable, and has a natural strength that I can count on to last.

But the real value of these pieces comes from the balance between careful engineering and the time I spend by hand on every detail. I’m not just making a product; I’m trying to create something honest and well-made—a piece that is sturdy enough and simple enough that you’ll hopefully want to keep it and pass it down.

A Vision for the Future

Transparent values, honest craft.

 

I don’t see design and sustainability as two separate goals—for me, they are just the foundation of making things the right way. Being open about how I work and using natural materials aren’t just “values”; they are the choices that guide every day I spend in my studio.

I enjoy exploring how new tools and technology can help me improve my designs and push my work a bit further. It’s an ongoing process of learning how to create furniture that doesn’t just look right, but also respects the world we all share.

My hope is that the objects we bring into our homes can reflect a bit more respect for how things are made. I believe that by trying to build something better and more thoughtful, I can create a small but lasting impact that goes beyond the walls of my workshop.

Intentional Craftsmanship

Intentional design, patient hands.

 

I believe that true quality is measured in hours, not minutes. From the first sketches to the moment the piece is finally finished, I try to value the time it takes to get things right. Every curve and joint is the result of a process where nothing is rushed—neither my mind as I envision the piece, nor the wood as it settles and breathes.

I hope this patient approach can be felt in every detail, even the ones you might not notice at first. By taking the time for careful assembly and finishing every surface myself, I try to create something that feels as honest as it is refined. I’m not chasing some static idea of perfection; I’m just constantly looking for a better way to work—a dedication to the craft that ensures your furniture is built to stay with you.

Made in Slovenia

Slovenian roots, local heart, global vision.

 

Our story is rooted in Slovenia, a land where woodworking is a way of life. With every design, we try to honor a heritage of craftsmanship that values patience, precision, and a deep respect for the material.

 

By keeping our production local, we maintain a close, personal connection to every component, ensuring that the heart of our woodworking is felt in every joint and surface we create. It is our way of staying grounded while offering a modern, global perspective on design.

Neom Syndicate

We don't cut corners, we just cut beautiful furniture. Responsibly.