Philia
Magazine

Julie Nelson is a British ceramic artist whose practice explores the natural world through the expressive materiality of clay. Drawing inspiration from biology, botany, and landscape, she creates sculptural collections that investigate the patterns, rhythms, and subtle irregularities found in nature. Working in series, Nelson presents groups of objects that contrast and complement one another, revealing the interconnected relationships that exist within natural systems.

Rooted in an exploration of elemental forms, her work reflects themes of pattern, entropy, and transformation while celebrating the quiet complexity of the environment. Alongside her sculptural collections, projects such as Flock extend her practice into participatory installations, examining ideas of migration, identity, and collective experience through the gathering of individual forms.

Studio Indigene is an Indian design studio founded by architects Tanvi Deolekar and Shubham Mestry, whose practice explores the relationship between sculptural form, craftsmanship, and everyday function. Working across furniture and objects, the studio creates minimalist designs distinguished by clean lines, refined proportions, and a thoughtful exploration of volume.

Working closely with skilled woodworkers, Studio Indigene combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, primarily using wood alongside a restrained palette of materials. Guided by a deep appreciation for material authenticity, the studio creates timeless pieces that celebrate tactile beauty, artisanal expertise, and the expressive character of handcrafted objects.

Atelier George is a design studio and glassmaking atelier founded by Eve and Laurent George. Working collaboratively from sketch to production, the duo creates unique hand-blown glass objects distinguished by their sculptural forms, refined balance, and artisanal character. Rooted in a continuous dialogue between design and craftsmanship, their work reflects a shared pursuit of harmony, material expression, and timeless form.

Ana Volante is a Venezuelan interior designer whose multidisciplinary practice spans residential and commercial interiors, furniture design, and the curation of art and objects. Through her studio, she develops spaces that balance functionality with a strong sense of atmosphere, creating environments that feel both refined and deeply personal.

Guided by a sensitivity to materiality, color, texture, and detail, Volante approaches each project as a carefully composed dialogue between design and art. Working closely with contemporary artists from Venezuela and beyond, she integrates artworks, furniture, and decorative elements into cohesive spatial narratives, cultivating interiors that evoke emotion, character, and cultural depth.

CONTAIN was founded by Mauricio Obarrio and Juan Peralta and is the result of the collaboration between the duo’s practice, local artisans, and the industrial sector. It is a space where creativity and simplicity meet and create a unique narrative between materials and each final piece. Their mission is to create high-quality lighting designs that are not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable, using artisanal techniques and natural materials. They are passionate about creating custom lighting solutions that reflect each client’s personal style and needs.

Drawing inspiration from Mallorca’s rich culture, the studio strives to promote aesthetic innovation and the exploration of both old and new. They aspire to add more value to local materials by creating products that emphasize materiality and simplicity of form, and therefore, to promote a dialogue within and beyond the artisans in Mallorca. Ultimately, they believe in the power of combining local materials with contemporary design and high technology.

Alter Ego Studio is a multidisciplinary design practice founded in 2017 by designer Natalia Komarova and led in collaboration with Nuno Gomes. Working across collectible furniture, interiors, 3D design, and visual storytelling, the studio explores the relationship between organic form, materiality, and emotion.

Guided by a philosophy that seeks to imbue furniture with a sense of life and movement, Alter Ego Studio develops pieces characterized by flowing curves, rhythmic compositions, sculptural textures, and asymmetrical forms. Drawing inspiration from nature and its inherent imperfections, the studio creates works that blur the boundaries between functional design and artistic expression.