ASA JOURNAL 14/2023

SHER MAKER
149
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ชั้นจัดวางโมเดล
และชิ้นงานวัสดุต่าง ๆ
The process of designing architecture through research, learning, and experimentation is
one of the approaches that can reasonably lead to endless possibilities and discoveries, many
of which come to light along the way, revolving around the materialized body of knowledge
that is the end result. The application of the acquired knowledge to an understanding of users,
contexts, and the environment, as well as the methods and skills of local craftsmanship, are
vital elements by which Sher Maker is frequently characterized and defined. Patcharada Inplang
and Thongchai Chansamak, two trained architects who also refer to themselves as
makers, are the driving forces behind this Chiang Mai-based design studio.
Upon hearing the name of the studio, Sher Maker, many wonder about the meaning of the
name. Patcharada explained that the reason for choosing such a word is because it sounds
feminine. It also gives the impression that the gender cannot be identified as male or female.
And then attributed to what both are, “makers”.
“I originally began working with Thongchai around 2015–2016. We met
because we were both active in the craft community. Thongchai was working
on his Brown Bike at the time, and I was a maker. I also opened my own craft
studio, specializing in crafts and handmade products, so we naturally met.
I was also a freelance architect and curator, curating craft exhibitions and
things like that. I was doing a lot of different things. In 2018, we completed
and published our first project under the name Sher Maker. It was the refurbishment
of a gas station in Chiang Mai’s Saraphi neighborhood. But we
had been discussing our ideas and aspirations for opening a studio together
for a while before that, as well as the route we would be taking. It was a
modest start, just us talking and noticing that we have similar interests
and approaches to design. That’s essentially how we started this studio
together.”
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Patcharada is a graduate of the Faculty of Architecture, Art, and Design at King Mongkut
Institute of Technology, while Thongchai is an alumnus of the Faculty of Architecture at
Chiang Mai University. After graduating, Patcharada spent three years working with Studiomake,
an architecture practice and workshop based in Nonthaburi. After relocating back to
Chiang Mai, she crossed paths with Thongchai. They discovered their shared interests in
hobbies and handcrafted creations, which became the foundation for the studio’s design
philosophy centered around the importance of the ‘making process.’ It led to the foundation
of their design practice, which is founded on a true understanding of every step in the entire
production process.
“I believe that studios located outside of Bangkok have an advantage in developing a strong brand.
During our lectures and presentations abroad, we noticed a genuine interest in our work. People
were intrigued by the fact that our studio is situated in an unexpected location and possesses this
unpredictable design language. We have reached a consensus that residing in a rural suburb does
indeed have an impact on our work, thoughts, and work process, as well as our language and perspective
towards our design. We are content and at ease with our current situation, which positively influences
the quality and efficiency of our work. We have the ability to work on projects that truly interest us.
That is the reason why we have decided to establish
our studio in Chiang Mai.”