FAQ
How do I place an order? ▾
We are able to accommodate a wide range of custom sizing, material, and detail modifications across many of our works. The studio also welcomes fully custom projects and commissions, including furniture, lighting, glassware, and tabletop objects. We encourage clients to reach out with ideas, needs, or specific concepts they would like to explore.
Please reach out directly about a piece, commission, or custom project, please review our work and contact the studio at rafi@rafiajl.com. We are happy to discuss specifications, dimensions, materials, finishes, and custom possibilities, and will provide a quote based on the scope of the project.
To secure a place in our production queue and begin material sourcing and fabrication, a 70% deposit is required upon approval of the final quote and specifications. Due to the made-to-order nature of our work, all deposits are non-refundable.
We are able to accommodate a wide range of custom sizing, material, and detail modifications across many of our works. The studio also welcomes fully custom projects and commissions, including furniture, lighting, glassware, and tabletop objects. We encourage clients to reach out with ideas, needs, or specific concepts they would like to explore.
Handmade work ▾
Many of our works intentionally explore the tension, thresholds, and rawness of material, and may reveal subtle irregularities or evidence of process that are integral to the work's final expression. These variations are not considered defects, but rather a reflection of the studio's approach to craftsmanship, experimentation, and material investigation.
All work is handmade individually in our Berkeley, California studio using natural materials and highly tactile processes. Variations in grain, tone, patina, texture, shape, and finish are inherent to the nature of the materials and the handmade process itself. These distinctions are embraced as part of the character, individuality, and honesty of each piece.
Many of our works intentionally explore the tension, thresholds, and rawness of material, and may reveal subtle irregularities or evidence of process that are integral to the work's final expression. These variations are not considered defects, but rather a reflection of the studio's approach to craftsmanship, experimentation, and material investigation.
Planting a forest ▾
Our work removes trees from nature, and we are doing our part to put them back. We must think and act as best as possible, seek the highest quality answer, and activate the change that we wish to see in the world around us.
We have partnered with the National Forest Foundation, a non-profit, and with every piece of furniture purchased from the studio, we plant 100 trees in a National Forest in need of reforestation. Our relationship with the natural world is one of give and take, of resource management and of wildness.
Our work removes trees from nature, and we are doing our part to put them back. We must think and act as best as possible, seek the highest quality answer, and activate the change that we wish to see in the world around us.
What are your lead times? ▾
While we do our best to account for all known factors when providing timelines, the nature of handmade production means certain variables may arise throughout the process. Lead times begin upon receipt of payment and confirmation of all final order details.
Please note that shipping and transit times are not included in estimated production lead times.
Lead times vary, but they are typically 12-16 weeks. At times we are able to flex projects into the queue, and if possible, we will get your work to you as soon as possible. We are sometimes able to rush orders for an additional charge. Our quoted lead times are estimates only.
While we do our best to account for all known factors when providing timelines, the nature of handmade production means certain variables may arise throughout the process. Lead times begin upon receipt of payment and confirmation of all final order details.
Please note that shipping and transit times are not included in estimated production lead times.
Do you make custom pieces? ▾
We are able to take on custom work that is based on previous projects or entirely new ideas. Please reach out directly to Rafi at rafi@rafiajl.com to talk specifics.
All of the work is designed and built in-house. We call the work "tailored," as the materials, finish, and some details can all be customized by the client.
We are able to take on custom work that is based on previous projects or entirely new ideas. Please reach out directly to Rafi at rafi@rafiajl.com to talk specifics.
All sales ▾
Due to the custom and handmade nature of our work, all sales are final. We do not accept returns or exchanges. Please review your order thoroughly before submitting, including measurements, specifications, and finishes.
Do you supply samples? ▾
Yes. Finish samples are given for approval for each project.
Full sample packages are available to our trade clients. Please reach out to studio@rafiajl.com.
Where can I see your work? ▾
The Future Perfect with locations in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami has work on display. Marta, in Los Angeles, has a small selection of work that is aligned with a current show.
We welcome trade professionals for studio visits - nothing beats taking a team through the dream world of the studio, and talking inspiration and process together. Please reach out to studio@rafiajl.com to arrange a visit.
How do you ship, and do you ship internationally? ▾
All orders must be paid in full prior to shipment, release, or scheduling of delivery. Once a piece has been completed, clients are expected to supply shipping information and receive the work within a reasonable timeframe. Due to limited studio storage capacity, finished merchandise must be collected promptly or storage fees may apply.
Please note that damages in shipping must be reported within 48 hours of delivery. Failure to report damages within this timeframe will be considered acceptance of the goods as is.
All works are professionally prepared for transit and shipped with care through trusted freight and logistics partners. We are able to coordinate both domestic and international shipments, including white glove delivery services where available and appropriate.
Shipping costs are not included in product pricing and are quoted separately based on destination, scale, handling requirements, and delivery method. Please note that freight quotes, particularly for large-scale or international shipments, may require additional processing time.
All orders must be paid in full prior to shipment, release, or scheduling of delivery. Once a piece has been completed, clients are expected to supply shipping information and receive the work within a reasonable timeframe. Due to limited studio storage capacity, finished merchandise must be collected promptly or storage fees may apply.
Please note that damages in shipping must be reported within 48 hours of delivery. Failure to report damages within this timeframe will be considered acceptance of the goods as is.
Do you offer trade discounts? ▾
For our trade clients, we extend a discount to works from our product line. Custom pieces are priced as-is. From time to time we have some available inventory, studio projects, and prototypes that we release a few times a year. Please email studio@rafiajl.com to ask to be put on the mailing list.
What is your warranty? ▾
Unless otherwise noted, our metal finishes are unsealed with a "live finish", intended to develop a beautiful patina over time. We love and appreciate the change in materials over time, and the development of a patina shows the story of the work living and growing with you.
Our work is designed to last for generations and guaranteed for 12 months against manufacturing defects. We are not responsible for damage due to misuse or mishandling, installation-related breakage, chipping, staining, scrapes, scuffs, and what we deem to be misuse or ignorance of care instructions - which we provide with every piece. That being said, please reach out directly if you feel there is an unexpected defect after 12 months.
Solid wood is inherently dynamic and will continue to respond to its environment over time. Seasonal shifts in temperature and humidity may cause subtle movement within the material, including slight changes in surface alignment, texture, or joinery. These variations are a natural and expected characteristic of solid wood furniture and are not considered defects. Rather, they reflect the living quality of the material and have no impact on the craftsmanship, structural integrity, or longevity of the piece.
Unless otherwise noted, our metal finishes are unsealed with a "live finish", intended to develop a beautiful patina over time. We love and appreciate the change in materials over time, and the development of a patina shows the story of the work living and growing with you.