OUR CRAFT
& EVOLUTION
Grasscraft was born from a deep respect for nature, tradition, and design innovation. Founder and head designer Jon Medalla is a Cebuano architect and designer who founded Prototecture - a studio dedicated to cultivating the relationship between people, nature, and the built environment. His works have been published in Arquitektura, Hala Folio, BLUPrint, Shelter Magazine, Lantawan Magazine , and the book Heroes and Labourers: Architectural Communication and Criticism in the Philippines. Jon is the son of Alex and Janet Medalla, founders of the renowned architectural firm Arkinamix.
Educated in the Philippines with additional training in the Netherlands, Jon honed his skills in architecture and design confronted with ideas from east and west . In 2013, he and his team won first place in the World Architecture Festival Student Charette, a global competition recognizing forward-thinking design solutions. Determined to refine his craft, Jon earned a certificate from Bamboo U in Bali in 2022, deepening his expertise in bamboo construction and sustainable design.
One defining moment came from his own home—where a Red and Blue Chair by Gerrit Rietveld had been a fixture since childhood. Years later, while studying architecture in the Netherlands, he visited the Schröder House in Utrecht and saw the original chair in person. This experience ignited his vision: to merge heritage with modernity, function with art, through the medium of nature.
During the 2019 COVID-19 lockdown, Jon—self-taught in carpentry—crafted the first Bambutaka Chair prototype by hand, using bamboo that his father had planted in their family garden. Having grown up surrounded by a bamboo grove, this material was second nature to him. He personally harvested, treated, and shaped the bamboo at home, transforming it into a chair that would later define Grasscraft’s design philosophy. The eureka moment? Fusing the traditional Filipino Butaka chair with the bold geometry of Rietveld’s design, all while using bamboo—a material deeply tied to Filipino culture yet often overlooked in contemporary design.
Grasscraft's mission redefines bamboo craftsmanship, merging tradition with innovation to create world-class, sustainable furniture. Rooted in ethical sourcing and artisan skill, we transform nature’s raw beauty into modern, functional designs that honor heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary living. With a commitment to sustainability, quality, and Filipino ingenuity, we aim to lead the evolution of bamboo furniture, creating a future where natural materials shape global design.
Though founded by Jon, Grasscraft is more than just one designer's vision. It is a growing, collaborative movement. Built on the belief that great design thrives in collaboration, Grasscraft is committed to working with the best artisans, architects, and visionaries to push the limits of bamboo furniture and sustainable design.
Today, Grasscraft partners with a team of skilled Bisaya artisans, talented designers, dedicated collaborators, sustainable suppliers, and excellent manufacturers to create bold, enduring pieces that challenge conventions. From a single handcrafted chair to a collective effort in rethinking materials, Grasscraft is shaping a future where nature and innovation collide.
Working with skilled Bisaya artisans, talented designers, ethical suppliers, and excellent manufacturers, the brand ensures that every chair, table, and fixture carries a legacy of authenticity, durability, and environmental responsibility.
OUR PRODUCTS
View Products
GALLERY
Explore our gallery to see Grasscraft’s craftsmanship up close, detailed chair images, unique features and design recognition.
Discover how our pieces come to life in real spaces.
