Meet Designer Miles Endo of Light Fixture Specialist Studio Endo
Studio Endo designer Miles Endo draws from the worlds of taiko and photography to create luxuriously modern light fixtures.
Residence
Tokyo-born and Kaimukī-raised, he lives in Los Angeles and has a design studio in San Gabriel Valley, California.
Aesthetic
Minimalist lighting sculptures blended with elements of repetition and art deco. “I strive to create statement pieces with clean lines, where every element feels intentional and proportional.”
Chime Chandelier and Chime Capsule Sconce. Photos: Courtesy Studio Endo
Musical Beginnings
“I had long wanted to create my own collection of lighting fixtures but wanted it to be personal and original. Then, about 10 years ago, I was in a period where I was building taiko drums. I remember a distinct moment when I was making a large drum body. The lights in the workshop were shining through and highlighting the texture of the interior. At that moment, I found the inspiration for my first collection, called Hira after the drum. The aesthetics of my designs have evolved over the years, but many fixtures are still shaped like a ring of light.”
A Studio Endo chandelier in Cino’s bar area. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Snap Decisions
“I’ve studied photography and have done my own product photography, which taught me about various types of light, be it direct, filtered or reflected. This knowledge guides my approach, from material choices to when to reflect light onto a surface. Cloudy or indirect light makes for more flattering portraits, and I use this idea of omnidirectional diffused light in most of my fixtures.”
Recent Inspiration
“Natural patterns, but also jewelry lighting fixtures are like jewelry for your home.”
Brie Thalmann is the home and style editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
