From the narrow streets of Tondo to design studios in Tokyo and Singapore, Jed Yabut has carved an unlikely path to success – turning humble beginnings into a thriving design brand that celebrates Filipino craftsmanship with global sophistication.
Now 39, Yabut is the founder and creative director of Jed Yabut Furniture & Design, a fast-rising homegrown brand known for its distinctive modern Filipino furniture. Each piece reflects a deep respect for heritage, blending traditional materials like rattan, abaca, and lampakanay with contemporary silhouettes and clean architectural lines.
“We use natural materials and traditional Filipino craftsmanship, but we make them into modern silhouettes and forms. I really espouse Filipino design, Filipino sensibilities, Filipino icons,” Yabut shared.
Wide-eyed dreamer
Growing up in a working-class family in Tondo, Manila, he remembers a life of constant rent payments and modest means.
“We were very poor. My family rented a small house for P3,500 a month. We only managed to buy our first home in 2021. Everything I have now comes from hard work, patience, and faith,” he recalled.
After earning his architecture degree from UP Diliman, Yabut went on to pursue an MBA at Waseda University in Tokyo, where exposure to Japanese minimalism and craftsmanship shaped his design sensibilities.
He later worked as an architect in Tokyo and Singapore for several years, honing his talent, his discipline, and attention to detail.
“Architecture taught me how to build from nothing – whether a skyscraper or a chair,” he said. “Furniture design is like architecture, only on a smaller scale. It’s still about space, form, and human experience.”
When the pandemic hit, Yabut’s architectural projects slowed down, giving him time to explore a long-held dream. With less than half a million pesos in savings, he began designing and outsourcing his first pieces to local makers. His side project has quickly evolved into a full-fledged enterprise.
Today, Jed Yabut Furniture operates its own workshop in Valenzuela City, employing around 25 artisans and 10 administrative staff.
Modern stories
Yabut’s creations transcend the usual — they are cultural statements. His designs carry names like “Bunot,” “Laso,” “Binibini,” “Sampaguita,” and “Serpyente,” each drawing inspiration from Filipino icons and everyday objects.
“These names reflect our identity. The parol, the bunot, even the sari manok—they remind us of who we are,” Yabut explained.
Among his favorites is the “Pabo Chair”, a sleek reinterpretation of the traditional peacock chair, and the “Sampaguita Chair,” designed to resemble the national flower’s delicate bud. Every piece is 100 percent Filipino-made, with materials sourced entirely from local suppliers in Pampanga, Palawan, and other regions.
“We don’t import anything. Everything we use is proudly Filipino—from the hands that weave the rattan to the craftsmen who build each frame,” Yabut emphasized.
Collaborations
Yabut’s craftsmanship has caught the attention of both design enthusiasts and institutions. His pieces have graced the homes of celebrities and politicians, and Malacañang Palace recently ordered 50 pieces of his “Santa Cruz” throne chair, a modern evolution of the peacock chair.
He also collaborates with other creatives, including Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, with whom he designed the “Laso” bench and several bespoke chairs.
Internationally, Yabut has been commissioned by the Philippine Embassy in Singapore to design large-scale sculptural pieces and chandeliers for the embassy’s main ballroom, proof that his Filipino aesthetic resonates beyond local borders.
Next chapter
The brand’s next milestone is the opening of Jed Yabut Furniture’s new showroom at the YMC Lifestyle Compound on Chino Roces Avenue, Makati – a curated design hub that gathers Filipino brands in one creative space.
“We found our lane here. People are looking for something authentic, something that reflects who we are. I want to be the bearer of that philosophy,” Yabut said. Despite his growing success, Yabut remains grounded and grateful.
“I’m still that kid from Tondo who wanted to make something out of nothing,” he said. “Now, I get to tell stories through furniture – and every piece we make is a love letter to the Filipino spirit.”
