Born in Holland in 1967, Piet Hein Eek graduated from the Academy for Industrial Design in Eindhoven in 1990. While still a student, he attracted considerable attention for his Scrap Wood Cupboard (1990) project. Inspired by the beauty inherent in discarded and readymade materials, this series celebrated the contrasting textures and colors of the lumber remnants from which it was composed. With the success of this early venture, Eek was able to launch his own design studio in 1992.
The following year, he partnered with designer Nob Ruijrok, launching Eek en Rujigrok v.o.f. Today, the pair continues to work out of a 10,000 square meter multi-purpose space in Eindhoven, which includes a restaurant, shop, gallery, showroom, and studio. In addition to the collaborative work, Eek also works on individual, handicraft-driven projects.
Throughout his career, Eek’s aesthetic has centered on a love of old and discarded materials, often repurposing them using time-honored wood-working methods. His instantly recognizable work considers the tension between modernity and tradition, waste and sustainability. Eek has exhibited in venues across the globe, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art, Cïbone in Tokyo, and the Milan Furniture Fair.
