An Interview with Design Theory’s Creative Director Soomi Kim at High Point Market
At Spring 2025 High Point Market, we had the chance to chat with Soomi Kim, Creative Director of Design Theory. Her family-run furniture company has been making waves in the design world since 2014, and after hearing how flexible they are with custom designs and deadlines, it’s easy to see why.
A Family-Run Brand Making Waves with Interior Designers
Design Theory is known for quality you can feel. “We manage every step of the process,” Soomi told us. “We topstitch all our upholstery, so seams won’t come apart. It’s those small details that make our American-made furniture stand out.”
Furniture Made With Designer Details
Design Theory focuses on sofas and sectionals, chairs, banquettes, and beds, many made as custom pieces. Their High Point showroom is built with designers in mind: a place to work, play, and get inspired.
Customization Without the Wait
Soomi partners with fabric giants like Kravet and leather importer Gruppo Mastrotto. They also import Italian dining chair frames. But what really sets them apart is their level of customization. “Designers can change sizes, especially on banquettes, and we can turn projects around in as little as 3 to 4 weeks. If it’s urgent, I’ll try to get it done even faster,” she said. That kind of speed is rare in the industry.
Design Theory Furniture Has a Fabric Library Built for Designers
Design Theory also stocks a huge range of high-performance fabrics. “We even have a separate fabric warehouse,” Soomi explained. “Just tell me what you’re looking for, and I’ll pull the right color, texture, and price point for your project.”
Swivel Chairs are Having a Year
One of their most popular items? Swivel chairs. “They’ve kind of become a standard,” Soomi laughed. “We make alot of them.”
Design Theory’s Commitment to Durable, Custom Craftsmanship
At its heart, Design Theory is about giving designers the freedom to bring their vision to life, without cutting corners. “We want our furniture to look and feel great five or ten years from now,” Soomi said. “That’s Design Theory’s promise of true craftsmanship.”
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