Cover Kuysen Design + Experience Center at night (Photo: Courtesy of Kuysen)
Kuysen Design + Experience Center at night (Photo: Courtesy of Kuysen)
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Kuysen's Jensen Go and Marleen Go-Uyecio recount the vision, milestones and innovations that punctuate their legacy in luxury home furnishings
The journey of building a home—from curating products, materials and finishes to putting everything together and seeing your vision come to life—sparks inimitable joy and fulfilment. The task is neither quick nor meant for one. While the process may take months or even years, the experience becomes lighter and richer if you have a reliable partner to help you see it through. For many designers and homeowners in the country, Kuysen is that perfect partner.
A household name in the premium furnishings business, Kuysen and its five-storey flagship store in Makati hold world-renowned brands like Axor, Hansgrohe, Poggenpohl, Baxter, Porro, Duravit and many others. In the last decade or so, the company has also made several notable acquisitions, including Antoniolupi, Kartell, Simmons, Guzzini, Haworth, Hoover, Inax and more. These brands, renowned for their exquisite quality, functionality and design, have adorned countless homes and interiors over the years.
See also: When thoughtful design sparks tranquillity: A look at the hansgrohe MellowTide Washbasin
On its 35th year, Kuysen’s leaders are now reflecting on the beginnings of an outstanding legacy and the fundamental vision that set them on their path. This vision was none other than Kuysen Go’s, the man who transformed a humble industrial hardware store into the industry front-runner it is today.
Above Luxury bathroom furnishings by antoniolupi (Photo: Courtesy of Kuysen)
Above Furniture from Kartell (Photo: Courtesy of Kuysen)
Luxury bathroom furnishings by antoniolupi (Photo: Courtesy of Kuysen)
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“My father understood the limitations and competitiveness of the mass-market product segment and envisioned the progress that the Philippine market would undergo,” shares Jensen Go, Kuysen president and general manager. “His utmost confidence in the Philippine market led him to invest in this belief.” With immense trust, astute foresight and his growing knowledge of brands overseas through his travels, the elder Go began bringing in renowned names to his small store in Caloocan—from the Swarovski-owned Austrian brand Tyrolit to German bathroom manufacturers Hansgrohe and Axor.
Jensen joined the company in 1999, well attuned to the values his father championed. “Since its inception, Kuysen has embodied a unique identity, vision and unwavering direction rooted in a steadfast commitment to superior quality,” he says. “Our journey has been guided by pursuing only the finest brands worldwide, a reputation that defines us and is deeply ingrained in our DNA.”
Above British designer and AXOR collaborator Jay Osgerby visits the Kuysen Design + Experience Center (Photo: Courtesy of Kuysen)
British designer and AXOR collaborator Jay Osgerby visits the Kuysen Design + Experience Center (Photo: Courtesy of Kuysen)
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The following years saw the company flourish, marked by key partnerships and a loyal customer base. However, such an undertaking meant its fair share of challenges, too. “Amid the market’s everchanging tastes and designs, we take a unique approach to staying ahead,” states Jensen. Kuysen prides itself in working closely with top architects and designers from across the Philippines and the world. It is also an avid participant in international exhibitions and industry events, all to ensure that its offerings remain current, relevant and sought-after by discerning buyers in the Philippines.
Marleen Go-Uyecio, creative director and head interior designer for the company, shares further insight: “We regularly research inputs from our market and the public, including developers, architects, designers and end-users. Their opinions are integral to our decision-making process, and we actively seek and consider their feedback.” She also emphasises the value of taking risks in their selection process, aiming to inspire design sensibilities and trends in the local market.
Above Simmons Beautyrest Ultimate Crown mattress (Photo: Courtesy of Kuysen)
Simmons Beautyrest Ultimate Crown mattress (Photo: Courtesy of Kuysen)
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It is likewise for this reason that she states, “At Kuysen, we believe in empowering our clients.” Through its curated portfolio of brands that champion quality and innovation, consumers can create homes that reflect their individual tastes and lifestyles with the confidence that they have invested in enduring quality and timeless style.
Read more: Spark Leader: Kuysen’s Marleen Go-Uyecio on collaboration and inclusion in the design scene
Having customers who are willing partners in exploring design possibilities is indeed a crucial part of Kuysen’s success. Go-Uyecio shares, “They become advocates, referring us to their friends and family and even entrusting us with furnishing their children’s houses. This level of trust and endorsement speaks volumes about the service and collaboration that clients experience with Kuysen.”
Another testament to this is the Kuysen Design + Experience Center, where clients are free to conceptualise and refine their ideal living spaces with the guidance and service of an expert team. Housing a comprehensive assortment of home furnishings and fittings, the multilevel building is strategically designed to enhance the customer experience as one knocks down each part of their well-appointed abode—from bathroom and kitchen fittings to furniture and lighting solutions.
Above At the launch of Poggenpohl Kitchen Studio (L-R): Edison Go, Dirk Lange, Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, Jensen Go, Miki Nakamura, Marleen Go-Uyecio, Lia Chua (Photo: Courtesy of Kuysen)
At the launch of Poggenpohl Kitchen Studio (L-R): Edison Go, Dirk Lange, Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, Jensen Go, Miki Nakamura, Marleen Go-Uyecio, Lia Chua (Photo: Courtesy of Kuysen)
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Go-Uyecio muses, “The Center is a testament to our dedication to innovation, design excellence and superior craftsmanship, providing clients with a tangible experience of the company’s core concepts and vision.” The space has also held a few notable events in the past years, including the visit of acclaimed designer Jay Osgerby to promote the sleek Axor One collection and the launch of the Poggenpohl Kitchen Studio last year.
But Kuysen hasn’t stopped there. Karousel by Kuysen is a recently unveiled endeavour that aims to further elevate living spaces and reach more Filipinos with some of the company’s newer acquisitions and categories. Designed to be a “day-to-day companion”, Karousel’s offerings complement daily meals, cleaning chores, the constant work hustle and all breaks in between.
Above Tableware from Guzzini, one of the latest brands available on Karousel by Kuysen (Photo: Courtesy of Kuysen)
Tableware from Guzzini, one of the latest brands available on Karousel by Kuysen (Photo: Courtesy of Kuysen)
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This is perfectly aligned with Jensen’s vision for Kuysen’s future, which he says will revolve around “authentic personal identity, celebrating individual passion and preference.” With a renewed passion for crafting bespoke interiors and a commitment to personalisation, Kuysen shall continue to build steadfast partnerships with top brands and designers, empowering each client on their design journey.
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Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
