beformative

'be formative' is a design studio based in Seoul, South Korea, founded by Yejin Kim and Kiyong Lee in 2020, following their earlier collaboration as Craft Combine.

The studio works across product, lighting, furniture, and spatial design, with a focus on everyday life. Inspired by daily life and tradition, the studio explores the forms of objects and the stories they carry. Its work is shaped through a close engagement with materials, production processes, and craft, reflecting an ongoing interest in how things are made and used.

Alongside collaborations with various brands, the studio also develops independent projects to share its own perspective and approach to design.

Both designers graduated from the Product Design program at Hongik University in 2017. Yejin Kim also completed a dual major in Textile Art & Fashion Design. Kiyong Lee completed the Korea Design Membership program in 2015 and received a Master’s degree in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship from ECAL in 2023. He currently teaches as an adjunct professor at Daegu University, Konkuk University, and Hongik University.

'be formative' is a design studio based in Seoul, South Korea, founded by Yejin Kim and Kiyong Lee in 2020, following their earlier collaboration as Craft Combine.

The studio works across product, lighting, furniture, home accessories, and spatial design, with a focus on everyday life. Inspired by daily life and tradition, the studio explores the forms of objects and the stories they carry. Its work is shaped through a close engagement with materials, production processes, and craft, reflecting an ongoing interest in how things are made and used.

Alongside collaborations with various brands, the studio also develops independent projects to share its own perspective and approach to design.

Both designers graduated from the Product Design program at Hongik University in 2017. Yejin Kim also completed a dual major in Textile Art & Fashion Design. Kiyong Lee completed the Korea Design Membership program in 2015 and received a Master’s degree in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship from ECAL in 2023. He currently teaches as an adjunct professor at Daegu University, Konkuk University, and Hongik University.