Jonathan Yoshida Rowell

An American industrial designer living in New York. Currently design director at Cartier.
 

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Oak Board Table 

Oak Board Table is an exercise in designing and building a piece of furniture using the standard 1.5 x 1.5” oak boards from The Home Depot. Being constrained to a material of predetermined dimensions and surfacing results in a uniquely symmetrical design that utilizes eight oak boards of identical length. The table incorporates black oxide steel tee nuts and leveling mounts and is completed with a round glass top, providing a clear view into the unique intersection of oak boards.

Category: furniture
Materials: oak, steel, glass
Fabrication: self
2023



Looking Glass Lamp

The inherent rarity of Cartier pieces makes it impossible to stock them in every boutique, creating missed opportunities for both sales associate and client. In addition, the role of retail is evolving, with ephemeral and remote models becoming commonplace. Looking Glass aims to bridge these gaps, by increasing the confidence levels of sales associates requesting product transfers, and of clients wishing to purchase, sight unseen. It does this using a new form of machine learning neural net called a GAN (Generative Adversarial Network) to produce visualizations of jewelry indistinguishable from the real item, in real-time. The device itself is intended to replace the standard boutique desk lamps, and functions as one when not in use. It is designed, engineered, and assembled in-house.

Category: technology
Materials: various
Fabrication: manufacturing partner
2022



Looking Glass Rings

Integral to the Looking Glass experience is a set of custom-designed marker rings, with ceramic beads embedded as tracking dots for the StyleGAN neural net. The ring’s design aims to strike a balance between an expected preciousness of Cartier product and the functionality of being seen by the computer yet felt by the client. The complete set of sizes are held magnetically in a solid piece of hardwood. The rings are inspired by Cartier’s 1895 wedding band with diamond.

Category: technology
Materials: stainless steel and ceramic
Fabrication: manufacturing partner
2022




Tutti Frutti Maze

Tutti Frutti Maze
is a semi-precious toy inspired by the classic wood bead maze for children and Cartier’s “Tutti Frutti” style of necklace creations. It places children and adults alike in the shoes of the jeweller, allowing them to craft a necklace from their own imagination. The beads were hand-carved by a master wood sculptor and dyed with custom pigments, in-house. It is currently being exhibited in Cartier’s Rue de la Paix boutique in Paris.

Category: accessory
Materials: stainless steel and hardwood
Fabrication (limited production): Cartier

2021




La Panthère Du Puzzle

Inspired by one of Cartier’s own Métiers d’Art creations, La Panthère du Puzzle is an exquisite game that continues the Maison’s tradition of innovating on artisanal techniques. It encapsulates the mystery and intrigue of the iconic panther, an emblem of the Maison for over a century, while providing a sense of play that is uniquely challenging yet ultimately rewarding. Its composition includes solid hardwoods, rare hardwood veneers, and precious accents in brass and gold. 150 puzzles were crafted for and gifted to the North American CEO’s VVIP clients.

Category: accessory
Materials: solid hardwood and hardwood veneers
Fabrication (limited production): Cartier

2021