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KYLE SWEN

@kyleswen_

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Industrial Designer. Bridging Mechanical Curiosity, Silicon Valley Innovation, Timeless Craftsmanship. Co-Founder @astrostudios & @m4factory DesignLab

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Santa Fe Indian Market was incredibly inspiring.

More than 1,000 Indigenous artists and designers representing over 200 tribal nations come together across jewelry, pottery, textiles, sculpture, painting, fashion, beadwork, photography and contemporary art.

What stayed with me most was the extraordinary dialogue between inherited craft knowledge and contemporary design. Again and again, we met artists who weren’t simply preserving tradition, but thoughtfully reinterpreting it through new forms, materials and ideas.

Nearly every artist we spoke with had a story behind the work—the symbolism, the materials, references to crops, landscape, family, culture or tradition. That added another layer of meaning to objects that were already beautifully considered.

There’s something incredibly powerful in that tension between continuity and reinvention. So much amazing work, and a really inspiring reminder that the strongest design often carries a story forward while still finding a new expression. #IndigenousDesign #MaterialCulture #Tradition #innovation #Design by @kyleswen_

I had the opportunity to visit Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio in Abiquiú, New Mexico, and I left thinking as much about the space as the art.

One thing that really resonated with me: it’s not always about how a space looks—it’s about how it makes you feel when you’re in it.

I’ve always felt that deeply. The spaces around us can have a huge impact on how we think, how we feel, and especially how we find our creative flow.

What struck me about O’Keeffe’s home was how considered everything felt. Nothing seemed accidental. The objects she collected, the furniture, the materials, the light, the views—everything felt appreciated and given room to breathe. There was a beautiful sense of restraint, but also incredible warmth.

I also loved learning about the other creatives who spent time there—Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen and others.

I couldn’t help imagining what it must have been like to sit around that dinner table in the middle of the New Mexico desert with a group of creative minds like that—sharing food, stories, ideas and perspectives.

A good reminder that creativity isn’t only about what we make.

It’s also about the spaces we create around ourselves, the things we choose to live with, and the people we invite in.

#CreativeSpaces, #IntentionalLiving, #CreativeProcess, and #inspiredspaces by @kyleswen_

Each piece holds a balance between control and release, between structure and material expression.

No two are the same. That variability is the point.

What we discard isn’t the end of a material’s story.It is where design decides what it becomes next.

The work operates at the intersection of control and emergence.

Industrial processes are applied not to standardize, but to reveal.

Structure is introduced not to dominate, but to create tension.

What results are objects that feel both intentional and unresolved, capturing a moment where material is still negotiating what it wants to become.

This is not recycling as optimization.
It is reformation as authorship.

Where design becomes art.

@M4Factory Artist in Residence Program

#ReformedMatter #SustainableDesign #MaterialInnovation #CircularDesign #CollectibleDesign #DesignArt #IndustrialDesign #CMF #FutureMaterials by @kyleswen_

Not a PDF. Not a trend report.
Something you can hold in your hand.
Over time, it grew into a hands-on collection of materials that challenge conventional plastics and invite new thinking around how products are made.
#CMFDesign
#DesignLeadership
#DesignForManufacturing
#AdvancedMaterials
#FutureOfDesign by @kyleswen_

Cold Midwest winters send most people indoors.

We went the other direction.

Ice drifting on the lake with my good friend Nick (@duramaxtuner).

Worth every frozen layer
#icedrifting #makethemostofit by @kyleswen_

desirable, durable, and production-ready— by @kyleswen_

A year of growth, lessons, and gratitude. by @kyleswen_

ON-THE-GO AND SUSTAINABLE Ullo Uno wine wands are the portable wine accessory solution for wine purification anywhere and anytime. Each wine wand is one-time-use with no cleanup. Made with plant-based bioplastics, Uno™ is the only wine wand on the market that can be recycled.

#cheers #wine #id #industrialdesign #sustainable #onthego #product by @kyleswen_

At ICFF I observed several notable trends and innovations that stood out. Sustainable innovations took center stage, with cork, mushrooms, and 3D printing being highlighted for their eco-friendly potential and creative applications. Another significant narrative at the show was the fusion of cultural and geographical influences with contemporary design and manufacturing techniques. This integration showcased how local traditions and modern craftsmanship can come together to create unique, bespoke pieces that resonate with a global audience. by @kyleswen_

Can you imagine having an original Eames chair outside in the elements- neither can we. Experience the elegance of solid wood design for outdoor use with our innovative wood bio-fills. These advanced materials combine the beauty of wood with the durability of plastic, standing up to the elements while preserving a wood aesthetic.

Benefits of Wood Bio-Fills:

Weather Resistant: Endures the elements effortlessly

Versatile Design: Can be molded into complex shapes

Durable and Strong: Offers impressive strength and rigidity

Authentic Look: Features a unique aesthetic containing actual wood

Eco-Friendly: Uses regenerative ingredients

Sustainable: Can be recycled at the end of life

Discover the perfect blend of nature and technology with wood bio-fill, ideal for enhancing your outdoor spaces. Material chip samples available at M4 Factory.com by @kyleswen_

Africa is a continent that captivates the imagination of many seasoned travelers, and I was no exception. Our journey to Tanzania and the Serengeti, timed perfectly for the great migration, stands as one of my most cherished adventures. Witnessing the intricate hierarchy of wildlife within their natural habitat during our safari excursions was nothing short of exhilarating.
Beyond the majestic landscapes and awe-inspiring wildlife, our travels afforded us the privilege of immersing ourselves in the vibrant cultures of local tribes. Visiting these communities provided a glimpse into traditions passed down through generations, where the craftsmanship of jewelry and artisanal crafts reflected a level of mastery and attention to detail that was truly remarkable.

#tanzania #safari #explore #hotairballoon #adventure #culture #makemeaningfully #putabirdonit #wowitsnow by @kyleswen_