For the solid wood tailor “Moni-ka” sustainability is the top priority. A conversation about the appreciation of the craft.
KURIER : You are three men, your brand is Mo-ni-ka. What's behind it?
Pius Kaufmann : Yes, there are three of us, Simon, Johannes and me. Our surnames are: Moosbrugger, Nigsch and Kaufmann – this is how “Mo-ni-ka” results. The idea is that we three bring together different specialties. Simon is an architect, Johannes studied design in St. Pölten and I'm a carpenter. From this we create a synergy together. We want to create long-term and sustainable solutions.
How and when did you start mon-ni-ka?
Johannes Nigsch : We started very small in 2014. It was still a very loose collaboration; for the first three years we were in a joint workshop. About three years ago we moved to Märzstrasse 35 in the 15th district and rented a carpentry shop there.
Was that immediately profitable?
Pius Kaufmann : No, we were all very young and had little experience. Before you know what the work will cost, how much effort it is and how much you really have to ask for it to pay off, it has already taken a few projects.
How did you come together as a team?
Pius Kaufmann : We know each other from Vienna. Although all three of us originally come from the Bregenz Forest in Vorarlberg. However, we had nothing to do with each other there because we are three different age groups. That happened by chance in Vienna through acquaintances and it immediately worked out well.
What is the concept behind Mo-ni-ka?
Johannes Nigsch : Right from the start, we wanted to work with solid wood only and also take on responsibility as producers. That means: traceability of the material, durability, high quality and reparability.
Keyword sustainability: How do you actually implement this at Mo-ni-ka?
Pius Kaufmann: Wood is a renewable raw material. It is important to us to pay attention to the origin. That the wood also comes from sustainably managed sources. Most of our wood comes from a sawmill in Upper Austria. As a result, we have a material that is little processed and has only a short transport route. In addition, we try to pay attention to the origin of other materials, for example when we have to use plastic or aluminum, and only use them when necessary.
Who are your customers?
Pius Kaufmann: People who value quality and sustainability. It is certainly often people who already own condominiums or who want to stay somewhere long-term. Because it makes sense when we build furniture that it stays longer. And definitely customers who love wood.
Do people appreciate the craft more again – perhaps also because of the current situation?
Johannes Nigsch: Yes, partly for sure. If people have to sit at home, there is automatically more exposure to the living space. But I think that basically people come to us who already have access to the material and craft. We look at every situation together, we start with the floor plan and then go step by step until we get to the finished workpiece. In the end, this is your personal piece of furniture.
How do you ensure that customers have something from the furniture for as long as possible?
Pius Kaufmann: You get a wooden care box for every piece of furniture. There are instructions and the right means. This is a very important part of enabling customers to relate to and take responsibility for furniture. Then you can really build a relationship and appreciation for the whole.
“Solid wood furniture takes on its very own character over the years”
Mo-ni-ka is characterized by sustainability and minimalist design
The passion for the material is particularly noticeable and visible in the details
In their workshop in the 15th district, Mo-ni-ka only work with solid wood
