Philia
Magazine

Ayres is a Mexico City–based design studio founded by Venezuelan textile designer Karim Molina. Drawing on a multicultural background spanning Venezuela, Argentina, Italy, and Mexico, the studio creates collectible furniture and objects that explore the dialogue between nature, architecture, and sculptural form.

Working primarily with marble and lava stone, Ayres reinterprets these materials through refined textures and soft, organic forms. The studio’s collectible pieces balance durability with sensitivity, creating timeless objects distinguished by elegant materiality and quiet sophistication.

HADGE is a multidisciplinary architecture and interior design practice founded in 2020 by Belgian architect Dieter Vlieghe. After earning his Master of Architecture from KU Leuven, St. Lucas Ghent, in 2015 and collaborating with various architects and designers, Vlieghe established HADGE as a platform for exploring architecture, interiors, furniture, and object design through a highly atmospheric and artistic lens.

Rooted in a pursuit of balance between form and emotion, HADGE creates spaces and objects defined by restraint, material honesty, and timeless simplicity. The practice is guided by a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, tactile raw materials, and the subtle interplay of light, texture, and atmosphere. Through residential, artistic, and collectible design projects, HADGE seeks to create environments that are serene yet deeply evocative, where unique handcrafted pieces evolve with time, developing a patina that reflects the lives of their users.

Altin Studio is a contemporary design practice founded by Yasmine, an interior designer trained at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs de Paris (ENSAD), and Mehdi, a civil engineer educated at the Université de Bretagne Sud. Rooted in a deep appreciation for Tunisian craftsmanship, the studio draws inspiration from ancestral techniques, natural materials, and the cultural richness that has shaped the region throughout its history.

Working closely with a network of artisans across Tunisia, Altin Studio develops contemporary handcrafted furniture and objects that balance tradition with innovation. Defined by an organic and restrained aesthetic, their work celebrates materiality, texture, and imperfection while exploring the enduring relationship between craft, nature, and contemporary design.

Borja Barrajón is a Spanish sculptor based near Madrid whose practice is rooted in a deep exploration of stone and materiality. Trained at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Madrid, he has developed a distinctive body of work that bridges sculptural tradition and contemporary expression.

His work has been exhibited in galleries and art fairs in Spain and internationally, earning recognition through numerous awards, including the International Urban Sculpture Competition of the City of Pamplona and the Cosentino Prize International Sculpture Competition. Through his sculptures, Barrajón continues to investigate the relationship between form, matter, and space.

Wonwoo Koo is a South Korean designer whose practice bridges collectible design, furniture, and functional sculpture. Trained in furniture design and with a background in product and interior design, he explores the intersection of art and design through objects that balance sculptural expression with everyday utility. Drawing inspiration from nature, art, and the quiet moments of daily life, Koo creates refined pieces characterized by organic forms, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a meticulous attention to proportion. Viewing design as a sculptural language, his work seeks to achieve harmony between originality, functionality, and enduring aesthetic value.