Born in Republic of Georgia, Vakhtangi (Vako) and his family moved to Iowa City, IA in 2001 where he is currently running his own design studio. Much of the impetus for Vako’s design works comes from his childhood spent around former Soviet Modern and Brutalist architecture.

His studio, Vako Design, focuses on locally produced furniture, lighting, and home/office products.

Recently he has exhibited his research at Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy and at Wanted Design in New York City, NY. He has also opened a retail store in Coralville in collaboration with other local businesses.