Pepe Heykoop (b. 1984) is inspired by the ingenuity, adaptability and cycles of nature. In nature, little is what it seems and chance and serendipity, rather than planning or design, lead to beautiful outcomes.
Pepe translates these characteristics into his own design process, creating unique objects that each have their own story to tell - usually a story of finding something you weren't looking for, of time and change. His designs arise through chance encounters with objects, materials or techniques, as well as through trial and error.
Pepe likes to try out different perspectives on things we think we know so well; to use them to make the seemingly impossible possible, and to turn the rejected into something valuable and beautiful.
Pepe studied at the Design Academy Eindhoven (2008) and founded his design studio in the same year. He works on self-initiated projects as well as commissions. Together with his cousin, they founded Tiny Miracles in 2010: a foundation in the slums of Mumbai, India, aiming to help an entire community become self-sufficient within 10 years. In addition to increasing the future prospects of the members of this community, Tiny Miracles was another experience in relying on trust and improvisation, and letting time and opportunity run its course.
Pepe's work has won numerous awards, sold to collectors in both the fields of art and design. Pepe Heykoop's work is housed at several museums and institutions, including the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum NY and Musée des Arts Décoratifs Paris.
