Our Story
We started with one goal- to create beautiful art that can actually be used. After months of researching, challenges and breakthroughs, we have developed our dream into a reality. The basis of our concept is that art should not just be seen, it should be experienced. Art should be used as a way to enrich our lives and be connected to our memories.
We Design and Build Unforgettable Art that Functions as Furniture
Our mission is to empower and connect Africa and America through sustainable design. Our timeless handmade collection reflects the beauty and intrigue of Malawi, a small country in East Africa. For each project, we plant trees across Malawi. We can design based on your ideas for your home, or we can start from scratch and create something unforgettable. With each option, our goal is to exceed your expectations. It will not only be a conversation piece, it will be a legacy piece that will last forever.
Art Goes Green
We handcraft elegant modern African furniture, with the environment at the forefront of our work. The Sustainable Furnishings Council is a coalition of manufacturers, retailers and designers dedicated to raising awareness and expanding the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices across the home furnishings industry.
The Contour Gallery
Contour Success Stories
Customer and Media Reviews
- Susie Tommaney, The Houston Press
"The seed soon becomes the tree and ever since Jamar Simien first saw the potential in those handcrafted mahogany bowls, the operation has been growing exponentially. With Ike Igbo based out of Lilongwe, Malawi and Brandon Destouet in Houston, they're building an infrastructure with the Malawi community, training and educating on best practices."
- Michael, Boca Raton
"It was so gratifying to work with Jamar and be able to support the work of such a talented artist. Getting to know him and feeling so connected to the process of making this piece has been a wonderful experience for me. Each time I look at my beautiful table I am reminded of my good fortune both in being able to live with a piece of such beauty as well as to be able to feel the connection to the wonderful human who designed it."
- Joanne, Chicago
"I am so grateful to have found Jamar Simien and Contour! From my first contact with Jamar, I felt very comfortable and confident that I was very lucky to find an artist and craftsperson who was both extremely talented and passionate about his work. He helped guide me through the process of picking a piece of wood and designing just the right piece for the space."
We empower communities in East Africa by collaborating with local artisans to design and build custom furniture. We are passionate about creating meaningful, sustainable pieces of functional art. These handcrafted pieces of bespoke furniture are made from 100% sustainably sourced exotic wood, only found in remote regions of East Africa. We have partnered with a non-profit organization that plants trees across the country of Malawi, for every Contour piece sold.
Art, Narrative and Originality
Handmade green lighting, carefully repurposed from the shores of Lake Malawi. From luxury residential to high-end hospitality, we specialize in handcrafting remarkable pieces of functional art that cannot be duplicated.
From Tree To Table
All of our original products are handmade in Malawi, Africa. We are proud of the relationships that we have and the unique story that each piece carries along the journey to America. We have developed a sustainable design and build process in Lilongwe, Malawi that involves collaboration between several people that all care about what we do.
Our Canvas is Exotic Wood
We only use trees that have fallen naturally due to old age or weather conditions. All of our exotic wood species are sustainably sourced in East Africa and certified by the Malawian Department of Forestry, CITES and USDA.
From Malawi with Love
Recycled tumbled glass and copper beautifully handcrafted into functional art. Each piece of glass is found on the shores of Lake Malawi. We collaborate with local artisans in East Africa to handcraft one of a kind artwork that can be admired, but more importantly, used.
Contour Press
The unique story of Contour has been featured in a variety of publications across the country and around the world.
