thoughtful design, enduring craft

SOMBRA creates refined ceramic objects that are at once distinctive and enduring. We are guided by architectural training, and it shows in our precision and exultation of essential, architectonic forms. Our designs balance dynamism with simplicity to become subtle showstoppers in your home. Each piece is appealing to the eye, inviting to the touch, and made to stand the test of time.

Essential forms. SOMBRA’s bold yet refined shapes are inspired by architecture and nature, the dynamic tension between the geometries of our built environment and natural world. We’re inspired by the gorgeously spatial, multidisciplinary practices of artists like Alexander Calder, Ruth Asawa, Isamu Noguchi, and Valentine Schlegel.

Designed for use and tactility. Form and function are inextricable. The scale, texture, and form of each piece is determined by its relationship to function and space. We want them to be effortless to use and style in your home.

Sublime, enduring materials. With our raw clay finishes, we celebrate the inherent material qualities of the earth. Every color, every texture comes directly from the alchemical transformation of earth meeting fire. Our high fire stoneware clay bodies are sourced from local, multigenerational suppliers that have been refining their products since the 1970s. We fire to Cone 10, the highest firing standard, which creates the most durable, watertight pieces possible. 

Made to last. To ensure our functional designs stand the test of time, we hone each prototype through an iterative design process informed by architectural practice. Each piece is made by hand in small batches and with dedicated craftsmanship.

SOMBRA is based in Northeast Los Angeles and led by Allison Shawn, an architect and ceramist with 15 years of design industry experience.

Her decade-plus history as an architect informs her care for human factors as well as her instinct for striking sculptural forms. She started SOMBRA in 2021, seeking to counteract the constant distraction of contemporary living by creating work that invites presence.