Philia
Magazine

Luis Gimeno is a furniture and lighting designer whose practice is guided by timeless design, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Creating made-to-order pieces, he embraces a thoughtful approach that prioritizes quality, longevity, and low-impact production over mass manufacturing. Inspired by the organic forms of 1960s and 1970s design, Gimeno works with natural materials such as wood, glass, and sand to create warm, sculptural objects that balance everyday function with enduring beauty. Rooted in material honesty and thoughtful making, his work seeks to foster a lasting connection between people and the spaces they inhabit.

Fred&Juul is the design studio of Federico Minarelli and Julie Janssen, whose practice explores the intersection of architecture, collectible design, and traditional craftsmanship. After studying architecture in Florence and founding an architectural practice specializing in residential renovations, the duo launched their first furniture collection in 2012, collaborating with local Tuscan artisans. Characterized by refined proportions, precious materials, and meticulous craftsmanship, their work balances organic elegance with geometric clarity, creating timeless pieces that bridge architecture, contemporary design, and artisanal heritage.

Christian Friedl is an Austrian designer and furniture maker based in Styria whose work explores the intersection of sculptural form, craftsmanship, and materiality. Working primarily with natural materials, he creates collectible pieces distinguished by their refined simplicity, tactile presence, and timeless character.

Rooted in a deep respect for handcraft and sustainability, Friedl’s practice transforms raw materials into singular objects that balance functionality with artistic expression.

Chaeyoung Lee is a furniture and object designer based in Seoul. After studying Woodworking & Furniture Design and Aesthetics of Art, she began developing a craft-based design practice driven by narrative and purpose.

Her work seeks to translate abstract thoughts into tangible visual and tactile experiences. Through furniture and objects, she gives form to moments of life and explores the attitudes embodied within those forms.

Her practice continues to expand as a way of experiencing life and the world through both everyday and artistic acts.

Atelier V&F was co-founded by Chen Furong and Vega Zaishi Wang. Their professional background and artistic upbringing shape the character of Atelier V&F. Its work tries to break the divide of territories and cultures, with an inclusive narrative to interpret aesthetics and functionality. The two designers’ poetics of life and living, their respect for different materials’ true nature, and their unceasing pursuit of exquisite craftsmanship instill vitality into Atelier V&F’s works — from artistic sculptures, installations, and spaces to practical and utilitarian objects. As a married couple, Vega and Furong’s collaborative works embrace the non-utilitarian and pure beauty, and are thus emotionally powerful.