Our friends: PPP LAB on crafting for simplicity and usability

In our Our Friends series, we meet the talented creatives shaping Flawk’s spaces – or inspiring us from afar. Up next is Jiayao Peng, the founder of PPP LAB and a ceramicist with over 15 years in the craft.

PPP LAB creates functional, sculptural ceramics that seamlessly integrate into everyday life. With a design ethos emphasising simplicity and usability, PPP LAB’s pieces are crafted to be tactile and enduring – objects intended to be held and used daily. 

Emerging from the constraints of lockdown, PPP LAB took form in Jiayao’s home studio, with her range evolving from simple soap dishes to thoughtfully made incense holders, mugs, and more. Most recently, she designed loo roll holders for our Lode project in Stoke Newington – a remarkably functional object indeed, but made beautiful through the PPP LAB interplay of craft and design.   

Here’s a look at Jiayao’s journey, inspirations and recommendations for a good night out in Hackney… 

Scura: Jiayao, tell us a little about your work

Jiayao: My work started from a love for ceramics, which I’ve been practicing for over 15 years. During lockdown, like everyone, I found myself with more time at home, and that’s when I started creating functional pieces. I’d never focused on making everyday objects before, but with everyone spending so much time indoors, I saw an opportunity to make functional pieces that were also sculptural. 

The goal is to design objects that feel meaningful to use, like a cup or incense holder that someone wants to hold onto and use daily. I keep the designs minimal and hand-crafted, focusing on the rhythm and texture of the clay.

Scura: What does it mean to be creative today? How do you get into a creative space?

Jiayao: For me, inspiration comes from daily life and the little things I notice around me. I might see interesting shadows from a tree on my bike ride, or I’ll find a shape I like in a pint glass at the pub and start thinking about how I could recreate that form in clay. 

Observing everyday objects and reimagining them in my work helps me stay grounded. I also try not to overthink things; if I start with functionality, the material often guides me. Creativity is in the making process itself, and that’s where I find my rhythm.

Scura: What does a normal working day look like for you?

Jiayao: My day usually starts with a cup of tea, then I head straight into the studio, which is only a short bike ride from home. Each day is different, but I usually have a routine that depends on the ceramic process and the weather, as both affect how the pieces dry and cure. I’ll plan my tasks around these conditions, whether that’s moulding, carving, or glazing. The work is intense – I can end up spending nine to 12 hours in the studio, especially in the summer. I try to get the necessary work done in the morning, then shift to more creative projects in the afternoon.

Scura: Where do you live? Any recommendations? 

Jiayao: I live in Hackney, and it’s a fantastic area with a vibrant, creative vibe. There are a lot of local pubs, breweries, and independent cafes, and it’s easy to feel at home here. London Fields is a big draw for the community; it’s full of energy, especially on weekends. For drinks, I enjoy visiting Queer Brewing, a pub with a fantastic selection of in-house brewed craft beers and sours. They are right across from my studio! Hackney is full of places that make it feel like home, and I love exploring it.

Scura: What does ‘community’ mean to you?

Jiayao: Community is really about respect and collaboration. When I was part of a larger shared studio, we learned to support each other, from cleaning up to sharing tips and advice. It’s like finding the right flatmates: you build a mutual understanding and take care of the space together. 

Now I’m part of a smaller studio collective, and the same principle applies. We all respect each other’s work and help maintain the space. There’s a strong community of ceramic artists in Hackney, and stepping out to meet others at markets or events, like the ceramic sample sale at Dalston’s Curve Garden, really brings everyone together. That’s what community is to me: collaborating and learning from each other while growing our individual practices.