It is undeniably true~Form + Function~IS this incredibly modern line of functional accessories. Make no mistake that this Berkeley, California based designer keeps it simple by conceiving and developing products that creates a palpable experiential connection when encountered by us mere mortals. How does he do it?

Josh Jakus embraces what he calls a “strict material sensibility~using materials in their simplest form so intrinsic qualities show through~and a rigorous design efficiency that strives to get the most impact out of the fewest moves.” Hmmmmm…the most impact out of the fewest moves…sounds like a brilliant game of Chess to me!

We are not surprised to learn that Josh is an architect by training with an M.Arch from UC Berkeley. Studying architecture was a way to continue his lifelong interest in the nature of structure, space and materials. With his understanding of the built environment and how it is inhabited, coupled with his innate curiosity and passion for pushing the envelope, Josh founded his design practice in 2005.

The Josh Jakus signature collection began with his shape shifting line of pressed wool felt UM Handbags, made from industrial factory excess, that unzip to lay completely flat for travel, dry cleaning and storage. Out of this grew a desire to experiment with other post-industrial waste materials that brings us many more joyful but useful finds like the recycled rubber Napkin Hugs and (I love this one!) the 6-Pack Set of Coasters.

In 2009 Josh unveiled FUZ, a line of unusually smart and sustainably produced simple but elegant home accessories. His latest incarnation, Actual, rolls the past, present and future into an actual form that fits today's modern lifestyle, blending old, new and re-new perfectly.

Actual products are produced from recycled or excess materials whenever possible. You will find the designs hold up to Josh’s fondness for efficient manufacturing standards, achieving the highest yield from standard units of raw material reducing energy-consuming machine time. In fact, many products require only a single punch from an industrial-sized cookie cutter to turn the raw material into the finished product.

This entire intelligent collection is made in the USA. By producing small batches to meet customer demand, the company not only stays lean and local, it can better oversee quality and offer reasonable pricing that remains competitive. This labor of love keeps Josh in the driver’s seat and I, for one, am happy to ride along and enjoy the scenery.

Happiest making things that are meant to be used, he hopes his functional designs will attempt to foster a more intuitive understanding of all objects in the people who use them.

Actual. Unusually smart. Sustainably produced. Made in the USA.