In Latvia's South Kurzeme region, the Schmidt family has been pioneering a unique approach to furniture production by cultivating it directly from trees. Over six years ago, Uldis Schmidt, an arborist, decided to transform a vision into reality by planting around 100 willows in their garden to grow chairs and lamp shades. This innovative project has now narrowed down to around ten developable objects, emphasizing a sustainable and creative take on furniture design.

Recent inspiration came from a visit to Peter Cook, a renowned tree-forming expert with 40 years of experience in Portugal. Uldis described the trip as invaluable, stating, 'It was a million-dollar journey for us,' as it cleared a pathway for more focused efforts instead of decades of experimentation. The knowledge gained has equipped the family with the skills to efficiently manage the growth and shaping of their furniture, which includes plans for producing sculptures and other decorative items from trees such as maples.

This endeavor reflects a growing trend towards sustainability and innovative craftsmanship within Latvia, showcasing how traditional skills can be integrated into modern design. As the Schmidt family continues to develop their furniture project, they hope to inspire others in the region to consider alternative methods of production that emphasize environmental considerations while still catering to aesthetic and functional needs in home decor.