Roots of Inspiration
Phillips Collection Features Art, Furniture Made from Southeast Asian Wood
Nature does pretty well if you don't mess it up. That's Mark Phillips' philosophy. As president and CEO of the Phillips Collection, designers and manufacturers of extraordinary furnishings for residential and commercial markets, he should know.
"There's usually a reason nature is doing all of this," Phillips said. "If we are smart enough to observe it, we've got something."
Phillips and his wife, Julie, have been smart enough to observe nature for decades, and they've truly got something. They call it the Origins Collection, and it's part of their broader Phillips Collection. Through Origins, they have transformed their keen appreciation of nature into a growing line that features stunning Southeast Asian wood made into furniture and art.
The Phillips Collection, based in High Point, North Carolina, has charted astonishing success over the past decade, including growth of at least 25 percent in each of the last four years.
THE COMPANY MOTTO: "EVERY PIECE A CONVERSATION."
While the Phillips Collection features eclectic international pieces ranging from river stone cocktail tables to oil drum table lamps to resin sculptures of sheep, it's the Origins Collection where woods from Thailand and Indonesia are the true centerpieces.
The Phillipses harvest stressed or damaged wood and collect remnants of trees that have been left on the land. Most of the artwork and furniture uses abandoned roots and stumps —"the wonder of what grows underneath," as Mark describes it.
This lifelong passion all started thirty-two years ago when Mark's parents invited the couple to join them on a trip. Mark's parents traveled the world collecting Asian art. All it took was one trip accompanying them and they were hooked.
Although Mark and Julie were both working in other fields, the trip planted
Frequently asked questions
What is the Origins Collection by Phillips Collection?+
The Origins Collection is a line within the broader Phillips Collection that features furniture and art made from stunning Southeast Asian wood sourced in Thailand and Indonesia. Most pieces are crafted from abandoned roots and stumps.
Where is the Phillips Collection based?+
The Phillips Collection is based in High Point, North Carolina.
How does Phillips Collection source wood for the Origins Collection?+
The Phillipses harvest stressed or damaged wood and collect remnants of trees left on the land, using abandoned roots and stumps rather than cutting live trees.
Who founded the Phillips Collection?+
The company is led by Mark Phillips, president and CEO, along with his wife Julie. Together they design and manufacture furnishings for residential and commercial markets.
How fast has the Phillips Collection been growing?+
The Phillips Collection has grown at least 25 percent in each of the last four years.
What inspired Mark and Julie Phillips to start collecting Asian art and wood?+
Their passion began 32 years ago when Mark's parents, who traveled the world collecting Asian art, invited the couple on a trip with them. After just one trip, they were hooked.