BoConcept Outfits Professional Basketball Player Rui Hachimura's Washington D.C. Apartment
The Japanese-born NBA Star Enlisted the Leading Interior Design Franchise to Bring His Ideas to Life.
WASHINGTON, May 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- — BoConcept, the Danish retail furniture franchise and global leader in bold and stylish interior design, recently helped outfit the Washington D.C. home of Rui Hachimura, professional basketball player for the Washington Wizards. Hachimura's agency, Wasserman, connected him with BoConcept in hopes of creating a contemporary environment inspired by traditional Japanese design.
"As Rui's apartment was in D.C., it made sense that BoConcept Georgetown would be the dedicated store," said Laurence Machenaud, owner of BoConcept Georgetown. "However, since Rui had specific wishes in regards to the Japanese-inspired interior, we utilized BoConcept's global network that spans 65 countries to contact BoConcept Japan and see if they were interested in collaborating on this project. They came onboard and we agreed to have Yuka Ota from BoConcept Japan as the lead interior designer. We flew Yuka in to D.C. for an in-person design service appointment with Rui."
Born in Toyama Prefecture, Hachimura was the fifth Japanese-born men's NCAA Division I player and the first Japanese national in 2017 to play in the NCAA Division I men's tournament. Hachimura was drafted 9th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, making him only the second Japanese-born player to be drafted into the NBA. Hachimura is also one of the faces of next summer's Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The NBA star worked with Ota to create a Japanese-inspired interior where he would feel more at home in his new, Washington D.C. apartment. "This project has started from casual conversations between Rui and I," said Ota in a Japanese press release. "He shared his thoughts and enthusiasms and we were able to furnish the space based on that. This included an emphasis of dark hues, soft neutral tones, natural wood, as well as minimal and functional furniture design to create a warm and calming effect."
"BoConcept really helped bring my ideas to life," said Hachimura in the release. "I met with Yuka Ota about three months prior in order to design the layout together and choose the materials, colors and format of the furniture from BoConcept."
With assistance from Machenaud and BoConcept Georgetown, BoConcept USA then ordered the various furniture and secured the alignment of delivery and assembly, creating an international collaboration between BC Japan, BC USA and BC Georgetown.
As part of the collaboration, BoConcept filmed Hachimura during the Design Service Consultation as well as when the apartment was outfitted. "This interior decoration case will be showcased on boconcept.com together with a dedicated landing page outlining the process and the results," said Steen Knigge, Director of U.S. Marketing. "In addition, BoConcept now offers Virtual Design Service via Zoom, Skype or other video apps. Also, the brand has launched a virtual store that will allow the consumer to browse an actual store, check prices, receive inspiration and, last but not least, place an order online."
BoConcept was proud to outfit a place where Hachimura can be himself. "Rui was particular about wanting a warm environment where he can relax after being away most of the time due to training," said Ota. "Whether it be through discussing his favorite spots in the apartment or his concerns about entertaining family and friends, we made sure to select furniture that would create the ideal home as he adjusts to life in Washington, DC."
BoConcept was originally founded in Denmark in 1952 and began franchising in Paris in 1993. Today, BoConcept boasts a franchise footprint of more than 300 locations in 65 countries. The brand continues to expand the business and aims to reach 600 stores globally.
About BoConcept:
Since opening its first franchise in Paris in 1993, BoConcept has become a global leader in the design of bold, stylish furniture, boasting nearly 300 locations in 65 countries around the world. Founded in Denmark in 1952, BoConcept differentiates itself by offering premium quality, modern designs that elevate interior spaces to achieve their full potential. The company remains focused on creating functional furniture for the urban consumer through partnerships with the world's leading interior designers. Backed by a proven global concept and strong franchise support system, BoConcept's 15 U.S. locations include a flagship store, which opened in December 2017 on New York City's famed Madison Avenue. For more information please visit http://www.boconcept.com. To inquire about franchise opportunities, please visit https://www.boconcept.com/en-us/boconcept/franchise.
SOURCE BoConcept
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