Philia
Magazine
Six Dots Design
Six Dots Design is an East London-based furniture and homeware studio founded by British designer Joseph Ellwood in 2020. With a background in architecture, Ellwood studied at the University of Bath before completing his master’s degree at the Royal College of Art, while an early period working alongside a cabinet designer and maker brought him closer to the process of furniture making. These experiences eventually led to Six Dots Design, where architecture, craft and experimentation come together in a distinctly playful and unconventional approach to furniture.
Since presenting its first collection, Contemporary Vanity, Six Dots Design has developed an increasingly recognisable presence within contemporary British design. Ellwood’s work embraces individuality and the imperfections of the making process, creating objects with a sense of character that often sit somewhere between the functional and the expressive. Alongside independent collections and exhibitions, the studio has collaborated with brands including Rimowa, H&M, IKEA, Maison Margiela and CUPRA, while its work has been presented at Collectible in Brussels and recognised by Wallpaper, which named Six Dots among its “Future Icons” in 2022 and awarded the studio a Wallpaper Design Award in 2026.
Liyang Zhang 5 Picks From Philia Collection
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.
Valeria Coster
Valeria Coster is a Brazilian-born architect and founder of Valeria Design Studio, a practice rooted in empathy, human connection, and respect for nature. Educated at the Faculdade de Belas Artes de São Paulo, she began her career in Brazil before moving to the United States in 2003. Her multicultural journey and life-long fascination with people’s relationship to space define her philosophy: design is not about imposing a style, but about listening deeply and creating environments that reflect the essence of those who inhabit them.
Since arriving in the U.S., Valeria has nurtured a long-standing creative partnership with artist Jennifer Radoci, with whom she collaborates on projects that merge art and design into poetic, human-centered spaces. Together, they curate interiors that embody their shared values: love for people, reverence for nature, and the joy of creation.
Yalanzhi Objects
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.
Andrea Fasanello (For Ricardo Fasanello) Picks From Philia Collection
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.
Marcela Cure
Madeleine Sloback is an interior designer specializing in thoughtfully curated residential spaces that balance functionality, warmth, and timeless design. From early in her career, she discovered a strong passion for residential interiors, finding the greatest reward in transforming collaborative client visions into highly personal homes.
With over a decade of experience, Sloback has worked on hundreds of homes, developing a deeply client-focused approach shaped by her ability to connect with a wide range of personalities and lifestyles. Her expertise extends beyond design alone, drawing from hands-on experience in finishing carpentry as well as multiple personal home renovations.
Leading a team of skilled designers, Madeleine combines creativity with practical construction knowledge to create spaces that feel refined, livable, and tailored to each client’s unique way of living.
Dovain Studio
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.
