— Photographer:  / May 18, 2025
showroom vignette at Yung Atelier in Chicago

Yung Atelier has been crafting couture window treatments for clients around the globe for the past 30 years. The company recently opened a flagship showroom and debuted a furniture collection. Here, President and Creative Director Bobby Yung chats about the new happenings and shares his take on the Chicago design scene.

What can we see at the new showroom?

Our gallery brings to life my father’s dream of housing manufacturing and display under one roof. Situated within the same building as our upholstery, drapery and woodworking ateliers, the showroom, which we worked on with longstanding design partner Kate Boyce Studio, offers designers and clients a space that not only showcases our work but also invites them to engage with our process in a more immersive way.

Tell us about your debut furniture collection.

Bespoke furniture is at the heart of what we do. Every design in our collection is fully customizable. We remain deeply committed to traditional manufacturing methods. Each piece is crafted with hand-tied springs and sustainable materials. The goal is to create furniture that carries a sense of presence—something that feels timeless and distinctly crafted.

You grew up on Chicago’s South Side as a first-generation American with family ties to Myanmar and Kenya. How has that influenced your designs?

I was exposed to a range of cultures that shaped my approach to leadership and creativity. I’ve always valued inclusivity, diversity and the exchange of ideas in design.

How is design in Chicago evolving?

The city’s creative identity has always been rooted in strong architectural heritage, practicality and timeless appeal, but it hasn’t always been the most experimental. That’s shifting. There’s a growing appetite for spaces and brands that push boundaries, take risks and embrace a more global perspective. We see our showroom as part of that movement.

Enjoyed the article?
showroom vignette at Yung Atelier in Chicago

Read More From Chicago