Our Story

OUR STORY

Andean Legacy Meets Design Innovation

Amplifying Cultural Heritage with Thoughtful Design

Natural materials, traditional vanishing skills and ancient iconography blend in with interdisciplinary methods, high technology, and market trends to explore and boost value in design objects from the Andes of Peru.

In pursuit of finding new ways to keep the essence of our Andean cosmovision alive, we are always looking for design spaces in which we can preserve indigenous expression.

The Magic of the right place at the right time

Not many expect to find their future life partner in the jungle, but that’s exactly where DAR Proyectos co-founders Jenny Boucher and Mauricio Navarro first met.

Jenny arrived in the Peruvian Amazon working as a designer on a trade mission between Peru and Canada. A lifetime student of textiles, she aimed to understand ancient cultural traditions and breathe life into skilled artisan craft.

There, she met Mauricio, an award-winning Peruvian industrial designer.

The day before they met, an unheard of wave had drawn the whole community of surf to Pacasmayo, where a 4-meter-high wave so large broke the large pier in Pacasmayo in two. Mauricio made it to the Amazon just in time to charm her with his knowledge of indigenous craft heritage and passion for design within cultural practice at the heart of it.

They shared a vision and continued to bring it to life in vastly diverse regions throughout Peru.

Crafted by our Andean neighbors

There’s a certain kind of magic that comes with being neighbors with the people who handcraft our gemstone items. We live and work alongside our fellow craftsmen in the Peruvian Andes, building a close connection that comes to life in every piece.

From their hands to yours, holding the spectrum of culture and the energy of the Andean mountains close to your heart is an experience like no other.

From their homes to yours, design lovers are exposed to a world of luxurious yet playful everyday objects that can’t be found anywhere else.

But what does home mean to you?

Do you remember when home meant less screens and more human connection?

Candle lit dinners replaced television lit dinners, pulling out the board games wasn’t reserved for holidays, and a good book > scrolling before sleep.

We’re bringing that back.

Home is a time to pause. It’s where we listen, play, interact.

Surrounding yourself with objects and decor that reflect a grounded and mindful way of life is the first step towards making home feel like home.Switching out the latest Netflix series for a classic, mindful game infused with Andean culture reminds us of the power of disconnecting from the outside world and connecting with what’s right in front of us.

The priceless value of play

Our pricetag is higher, but for good reason. Consider this: when you shop for a gold ring, you know there is value in the material.

The same applies to our vibrant semi-precious stones infused with Andean culture. They will always hold value in more ways than one. Plus, Andean gemstones come in an unmatched array of vibrant tones and colors, making it easy to find a DAR. Proyectos piece that is as individual as you.

Gemstones are usually used in a way that says look, don’t touch. That’s not us. We want to actually appreciate them. Our designs are tactile and interactive – designed to awaken a sense of play.

And you can’t put a price on that, right?

Every purchase gives back to the Andean community, shares their work with the world, and preserves Andean traditions.

Unfortunately, our artisans won’t be able to compete with China to produce their decor forever. Once the demand drops, so will their business. By valuing design and heritage craft, we’re preserving their traditions and creating long-term economical solutions.