Jomo Tariku

Born in Nairobi, Kenya to Ethiopian parents, Jomo has intertwined his passion for design and his African heritage into what Robert A. Ivey, Editor in Chief of Architectural Records put it as "Tariku's tables, chairs, mirrors, and other work are resplendent with hard simple lines and expressive detailing of Ethiopian precedents. … Tariku's fine design is not only refreshingly new, it is also in many ways acutely necessary."

While in school as part of his graduation requirement thesis in Industrial Design, Jomo elected to study the viability of Contemporary African Furniture to fill the gap that exists in the marketplace, which was full of European, Classic American, Italian, Asian and Scandinavian furniture designs. 2 years after his graduation in 1995, Jomo started working independently and developed several furniture designs with contemporary African themes. In 1999, he teamed up with his childhood friend Henock Kebede and incorporated a company called Jomo Design in Alexandria, VA.

The company's first furniture line, Berchuma was first showcased at the Architectural Home Design Show in New York from March 11-14, 2004. At this show, Berchuma was picked by Fine Living Network to be profiled on the Sheila Bridges Designer Living show.