Cover Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez and Jessica Kienle Maxwell at the Philux Workshop (Photographed by Scott Woodward)
Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez and Jessica Kienle Maxwell at the Philux Workshop (Photographed by Scott Woodward)
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Get to know the story and evolution of this homegrown furniture brand from one generation to the next
Few names in the local furniture scene have spanned generations as Philux has. Founded in 1980, it began as an entrepreneurial husband-and-wife endeavour by Max Kienle and Zelda Aragon-Kienle alongside two carpenters from the backyard of Zelda’s ancestral home. Today, the established brand proudly serves as a champion of Filipino craft—a purpose that drives sisters Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez and Jessica Kienle Maxwell.
“In tandem with our growth and evolution over the years, supporting local remains at the heart of what we do,” muses Stephanie, Philux’s now president and managing director. Jessica, head of design, adds, “We grew up with parents who appreciated and understood the beauty of slow furniture—the ethos that luxury is not defined by price but by the time, intent and effort invested into the design and engineering of each piece.”
Though once synonymous with the quality of its predominantly wooden furniture made using traditional techniques, the brand’s distinct signature inevitably evolved. With the second generation at the helm, Philux expanded its range of materials and diversified its design aesthetic, incorporating elements not only inspired by Filipino materials and motifs but also by more contemporary European styles.
Above Philux M Sectional, Petrified Wood Tables, Stockholm Armchair (Photographed by EJ Bonagua)
Philux M Sectional, Petrified Wood Tables, Stockholm Armchair (Photographed by EJ Bonagua)
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“Our clientele is increasingly design-savvy, and this pushes us to continue to grow and elevate our offering,” says Jessica, detailing their recent endeavours to integrate locally woven textiles into throw pillows and accent pieces, source one-of-a-kind live-edge wood slabs from around the region, incorporate petrified wood and natural stone table tops, and collaborate with local artisans to produce unique hardware and accessories. “We want to create design-forward yet functional pieces that become staples in people’s homes, which can be passed on from one generation to the next.”
See also: Home tour: A family home that embodies Filipino craftsmanship and natural beauty
These days, the amount of time and study that goes into each design can take up to a full year to complete. “We take pride in our very intentional design process,” Stephanie shares. “While we aspire to have a global mindset, we remain rooted in our Filipino values in all aspects of the business. We do our best to source locally as much as possible, further develop our trade techniques and local talent, as well as collaborate with those who share in our purpose.”
As Philux continues to source from nature and be inspired by its beauty, it remains steadfast in its sustainable journey. The team is consistently studying how to reduce its environmental impact with more efficient engineering, the upcycling of its waste and the conscious sourcing of raw materials. “We recently visited the furniture trade show in Paris and came back feeling inspired,” Stephanie says to conclude. “The experience cemented our belief that Filipino craftsmanship is truly world-class and can compete on the global stage.”
Learn more on philux.ph or @philuxhome on Instagram.
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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.
