Philia
Magazine

Liyang Zhang is a Chinese-Canadian architect and ceramic artist, born in Osaka and based in New York City. Her interest in ceramics emerged from a desire to explore the most elemental aspects of architecture, namely light, material, and form, on a more intimate, tactile scale. Her work often arises from a dialogue between hand and material, allowing form to emerge from the clay’s inherent qualities. As an artist, she sees her role as guiding a material to reveal its true nature and inviting its own character and story to emerge.

Julia Melnychenko Yalanzhi is a Ukrainian designer, artist, material researcher, and founder of Yalanzhi Objects, whose multidisciplinary practice explores the intersection of collectible design, craftsmanship, and material innovation. Rooted in nature, Ukrainian cultural heritage, and intuitive form, she creates sculptural furniture and objects that reinterpret familiar archetypes through organic geometries, tactile surfaces, and contemporary material experimentation.

At the core of her practice is an ongoing exploration of sustainable materials, including Zemletsvit, a proprietary biocomposite developed from minerals, cellulose, natural fibers, and pigments. Balancing engineering, artistic research, and traditional craftsmanship, Yalanzhi creates collectible works distinguished by their expressive forms, material richness, and timeless character. Her work has been exhibited internationally at events including Salon Art + Design, COLLECTIBLE, Révélations, 3 Days of Design, and CONTEMPORAIA, and is held in private collections worldwide.

Ricardo Fasanello (1930–1993) was a Brazilian designer known for his innovative approach to furniture and industrial design. Born in São Paulo and later based in Rio de Janeiro, he developed a distinctive design language characterized by bold organic forms, technical experimentation, and a deep understanding of materials.

Combining artisanal craftsmanship with industrial processes, Fasanello created sculptural yet highly functional pieces, including the iconic fiberglass seating and swivel chairs for which he is best known. Today, his work remains a landmark of Brazilian modern design, celebrated for its originality, innovation, and timeless appeal.

Dovain Studio is a Lisbon-based design studio founded by Sergio Prieto and Tiago De Lima. Working across collectible furniture and lighting, the studio creates sculptural pieces that balance artistic expression with functional design.

Drawing inspiration from architecture, travel, and everyday experiences, Dovain Studio is known for its bold use of color, geometric forms, and refined material palette. Collaborating closely with local artisans and manufacturers, the studio combines traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary design language, producing works that blur the boundaries between art and design.

Justus Knut Schomann (b. 1999, Cologne) is a German designer whose practice moves between industrial and collectible design. After working closely with designer Mike Meiré, where he gained experience in creative direction and interdisciplinary design processes, Schomann established his independent practice, JKS Studio, in Cologne. His work explores the dialogue between archetypal forms, contemporary materials, and refined craftsmanship, creating furniture and objects that balance functional clarity with sculptural presence.

Drawing on materials ranging from cast bronze and natural stone to advanced composite fabrication, Schomann approaches design as a quiet yet enduring presence within everyday life. Guided by a fascination with material behaviour and making, he creates pieces that seek not only to serve a purpose, but also to evoke calm, permanence, and lasting emotional resonance.