Inside Edge34’s First Artist Collaboration
Edge34 has always had a way of making concrete feel different. Now, with our first-ever artist collaboration, the brand is pushing that idea even further, opening the door to a more expressive and human side of concrete design.
Through our new partnership with cultural artist Sam Mangakahia and multidisciplinary designer Tym DeSanto, Edge34 is introducing a new collection that will transform the industry.
According to the co-founder Kim Spencer, this collaboration is not a one-off project but part of a bigger shift in how the company approaches design.
Where this Shift is Coming from
The balance between durability and refinement is the foundation of our brand.
Design has always been at the core of what we do. After 20 years, that foundation has evolved into a more prolific and expressive body of work.
At the time, there was a growing sense that these pieces could do more than serve a purpose and shape the atmosphere of a space. Bringing in outside creatives felt like the next logical step to help expand what it can become.
The Legendary Collaboration
The collaboration between Edge34 and the two artists is unique, considering that it brings together two very different creative perspectives, each adding something distinct to the process.
Mangakahia is known for approaching design through a cultural and storytelling lens. His work often draws from identity and heritage, which adds a deeper layer of meaning to the collection.
That influence can be seen in pieces like the Tangaroa bench, a flowing, seven-foot form inspired by the movement of the ocean and named after the Māori god of the sea.
DeSanto, on the other hand, brings a more architectural and experimental approach. His work leans into bold shapes and structural ideas, often exploring how form and function can exist together in unexpected ways.
His Grimaldi lounge chair reflects that thinking. With its modular design and carved interior, it feels sculptural and comfortable, striking a balance between something visually striking and something you can actually use every day.
Together, their perspectives create a collection that feels grounded yet expressive, with concrete acting as the common thread that ties everything together.
Why this Collaboration Matters
This collaboration arrives at an important time for Edge34 when the company is expanding beyond its Panama roots and strengthening its presence in the U.S. market.
Instead of entering new markets with safe, predictable designs, we’re reframing how people think about concrete, showing that it can be strong and expressive at the same time.
Our objective is to reflect a broader shift happening across the design world, where furniture is increasingly seen as part of a larger creative conversation.
Where Edge34 is Heading
Looking ahead, this collaboration paves the way for ongoing creative dialogue with these artists, allowing the work to evolve through deeper exploration and a shared vision.
At the same time, we’re not moving away from what got us here. Craftsmanship, durability, and pushing the limits of concrete are still at the core of everything we do.
What’s changing is how we express that. We’re giving the material more room to evolve, allowing it to take on new forms, new ideas, and a stronger sense of identity.
If you’re designing a space, especially outdoors, always remember that furniture doesn’t have to sit quietly in the background.
The design can define a space, add character to it, and feel just as thoughtfully curated as anything inside. If this collaboration indicates anything about our direction, it’s that we are only just beginning.