SOBU

Oakland, CA

Alessandro and I were friends in high school, but neither of us would have guessed that our paths would cross a few years after college, we'd date, eventually get married and start a family and life together. Our career paths also crossed in creative ways. Alessandro in the world of architecture and furniture design and mine as a graphic designer and photographer. We had talked for years about starting a business where we would bring together our experience and interests. This is how SOBU was born.

Named after our kids, Sofia and Bruno, SOBU began with an idea for a kids' bed which led to a pop-up shop in Old Oakland, which led to a shared space in Rockridge, which then led to taking over our current space in early 2016.

We wanted to design modern, well-crafted pieces from all-natural materials that would last a lifetime. We saw SOBU as an alternative to the mass-produced, hastily made, and soulless furniture available at every mall across the country from the corporate giants we all know. Our hope was to offer exceptional craftsmanship and design and really connect with our customers for a much more personal and meaningful experience purchasing items for their homes. We wanted to show our customers we care, appreciate them, and are truly honored they have chosen our designs to add to their homes.

Our mission with SOBU is really the same which we live by and which guides us as parents: to be authentic, respectful, joyful, and creative.

In addition to our own designs (DESIGN BY SOBU), we showcase furniture, art, and a wide range of home accessories from local and global artists whom we hold in high regard.

Wescover creator since 2020