The Business of Weird Design: Chen & Kai in Conversation

In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando sits down with Chen Chen and Kai Williams of the Brooklyn-based namesake studio. If you’re not already familiar with their work, get ready. We talk about how their partnership formed, what it’s been like building a practice in New York, and how their experimental approach has evolved into a studio that balances artistic risk with business.

The conversation touches on everything from navigating international production and building meaningful relationships in the gallery world to the trade-offs between accessibility and collectibility. Chen and Kai share insights into working with The Future Perfect, what it really takes to get a product to market, and the value of staying rooted in curiosity and materials exploration — even as the industry changes around them.

This one’s a must-listen for anyone thinking about how to make your weird ideas actually work.

https://cckw.us/

https://www.thefutureperfect.com/exhibitions/