At Vikasa, mindful living extends beyond the way we move, eat and connect. It is reflected in the spaces we create, the materials we choose and the people whose hands and stories become part of them.
As we bring the vision for Vikasa Phuket to life, we want every element of the experience to feel connected to its surroundings. That connection comes not only through nature, but also through the culture, craftsmanship and traditions of Southern Thailand.
This intention led us to our partnership with T.A.I Studio, a design practice founded by Nicholas and Sai Rawling. Together, we are bringing local craftsmanship and sustainable design into Vikasa Phuket through pieces that celebrate natural materials, traditional skills and a strong sense of place.
Connecting Sustainable Design with Southern Thai Craftsmanship
T.A.I Studio works at the intersection of contemporary design and traditional Thai craftsmanship, connecting hospitality spaces with rural artisan communities and family workshops in Phatthalung, Southern Thailand.
At the heart of their approach is a respect for skills that have been passed from one generation to the next. Rather than separating an object from the place and people who created it, T.A.I Studio brings those stories into the design process.
For Vikasa Phuket, this means incorporating bespoke, small-batch pieces made by local artisans using traditional techniques and natural, sustainably sourced materials. Each piece has a purpose within the space, while also carrying a connection to the landscape, community and cultural heritage from which it came.
Krajood: A Natural Material with a Local Story
Among the materials featured in the collection is Krajood, a natural seagrass traditionally used for weaving in Southern Thailand.
For generations, local artisans have transformed Krajood into functional objects using techniques passed down through families and communities. The craft requires patience, knowledge and a sensitivity to the material, qualities that resonate deeply with the way we think about mindful living at Vikasa.
By bringing Krajood and other locally sourced natural fibers into Vikasa Phuket, we can celebrate traditional craftsmanship in a way that feels contemporary while remaining connected to its origins.
The result is design that does more than decorate a space. It helps give that space a sense of place.
Made Slowly, Made with Intention
There is something meaningful about knowing where an object comes from, what it is made from and who made it.
Choosing small-batch, handcrafted pieces allows us to take a more considered approach to the spaces we create. It supports local artisans and traditional skills while prioritizing natural materials and thoughtful production.
It also means embracing the subtle differences that come with handmade work. Variations in texture, weave and finish are part of the character of each piece and a reminder of the human hands behind it.
This philosophy feels naturally aligned with Vikasa. Mindfulness asks us to pay attention, and thoughtful design can invite us to do the same.
A Shared Commitment to Sustainability
Our partnership with T.A.I Studio grew from a shared commitment to sustainability, community-first production and intentional design.
For Vikasa, sustainability is not simply about making individual environmentally conscious choices. It is also about considering the relationships behind those choices. We consider where materials come from, how something is produced, who is involved in making it and how our decisions can better support the communities around us.
Working with T.A.I Studio allows us to support local craftsmanship while creating spaces that feel genuinely connected to Southern Thailand.
When guests arrive at Vikasa Phuket, many of these details may initially feel quiet. The texture of a woven surface. The natural character of a fiber. The individuality of a handmade object.
Together, these elements help create an environment that feels grounded, warm and considered.
Because we believe a mindful space is not defined only by how it looks. It is defined by the intention behind it.
Explore Vikasa’s approach to mindful and sustainable living →