Tom Chung relocates studio to Amsterdam, marks decade with 16mm film
Designer Tom Chung has relocated his independent studio from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, marking both a new chapter and a decade of practice. To commemorate, he released a 16mm film shot with partner Rosanna Peng and DP Lenny Lu, nodding to Charles and Ray Eames. Born in Vancouver to immigrant parents from Zimbabwe and Malaysia, Chung's work explores identity, displacement, and cultural connection through functional design. He critiques the design industry's homogeneity and calls for a reset to serve the middle class. The film captures his solo practice—no interns or assistants—and aims to present his work honestly, countering high-resolution imagery.
Key facts
- Tom Chung relocated his studio to Amsterdam at the end of 2024.
- The move marks a decade of independent practice (founded around 2015-2016 in Toronto).
- A 16mm film was released to announce the relocation, shot with Rosanna Peng and DP Lenny Lu.
- The film references designers Charles and Ray Eames.
- Chung's parents immigrated from Zimbabwe and Malaysia; he grew up in Vancouver.
- He critiques the design industry for being homogeneous and backward-looking.
- Chung advocates for design to serve the middle class and regain cultural relevance.
- He has never worked with interns or assistants; the studio is a solo practice.
Entities
Artists
- Tom Chung
- Charles Eames
- Ray Eames
- Rosanna Peng
- Lenny Lu
Institutions
- Tom Chung Studio
Locations
- Amsterdam
- Netherlands
- Rotterdam
- Toronto
- Canada
- Vancouver
- Zimbabwe
- Malaysia
- Hong Kong
- United Kingdom