About In Element Designs
In Element Designs is the life’s work of husband-and-wife team Seiji and Himali Kuwabara. Driven by a shared passion for creating pieces that resonate with intention, they craft original, built-to-order furniture blending functionality, art, and architecture—all rooted in sustainability, minimalism, and the quiet spirit of Zen. Each piece is thoughtfully handcrafted to bring beauty, balance, and intention into everyday living spaces.
Deeply inspired by the elegance of Japanese design and harmonized with Western influences, their timeless, one-of-a-kind work is built to last, designed to elevate both the form and soul of a space.
At the heart of their process is a belief that design should be personal. This is why every piece is custom-built in limited quantities using only minimal, high-quality materials. Guided by sustainability, sincerity, and human connection, every decision—from the choice of wood to the final brush of oil—reflects their deep commitment.
More than high-end furniture, In Element Designs offers a heartfelt experience. Each piece is made with care, and every customer is treated with the same attention and respect given to the craft itself. This is a business built not just on aesthetics, but on intention—fostering harmony between nature, maker, and the spaces we call home.
Seiji Kuwabara DESIGNER / SCULPTOR
Born and raised in Japan, Seiji Kuwabara has established himself as a master furniture designer and sculptor, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and deeply original design language. Now based in British Columbia, Seiji is entirely self-taught. His designs have reached homes across the world, including in Ireland, New York, London, and Singapore.
What drives Seiji’s creative soul is the deep, intuitive process of refining each design to its purest and most expressive form. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, Seiji has always seen the world differently—something that continues to shape his distinctive approach to design. “I love to imagine new shapes and forms with wooden furniture,” he says. “Children enjoy drawing and sketching freely, without logic or boundaries. My creative process is a continuation of that childhood passion and imagination. Design is my calling—it enriches our daily lives.”
In both furniture and sculpture, Seiji works exclusively with sustainable, high-quality wood. He often incorporates Yakisugi—an ancient Japanese charring technique that brings out the natural grain and highlights the inner beauty of the material. His sculptural work is both contemporary and timeless, offering an ongoing space for creative exploration and growth.
Himali Kuwabara CREATIVE LEAD
Born in Japan, Himali Kuwabara has always been drawn to the world of art, design, and creative expression. At the age of 16, she moved to Vancouver on her own—an adventurous leap that led her to study fashion, theatre, and business entrepreneurship. These experiences laid the foundation for her role as the art director and co-visionary behind In Element Designs.
In her multifaceted role, Himali wears many hats—she’s the creative collaborator, the concept artist behind 2D and 3D design mock-ups, the voice of the brand, and the bridge between studio and client. She oversees all operations, ensuring every part of the business reflects the same care and intentionality as the pieces themselves.
Above all, Himali values genuine connection. She takes pride in building personal relationships with each client, understanding their needs, and guiding them through a meaningful design journey. Her hands-on approach ensures that every interaction is thoughtful, and every detail—from first sketch to final delivery—is infused with heart.
SHOWS / ACHIEVEMENTS
2001 - 2005 Eastside Cultural Crawl (ARC)
2005 Decorative Vancouver
2006 Decorative Vancouver
2010 IDS Vancouver
2013 Westernliving Designer of the year short list
2013 IDS Toronto
2014 IDS Toronto
2015 Illuminations (Visual Space Gallery)
2016 New Angles (Kozai Styles)
2017 ICFF NY
2018 ICFF NY
2019 Connections (Visual Space Gallery)
2020 Design Wanted NY
2020 Dezeen (ENN selected for the long list)
2021 Crafted Vancouver
2021 Encounter (Headline Gallery)
2024 IDS Vancouver