Philia
Magazine
OFFHAND PRACTICE
OFFHAND PRACTICE is a Shanghai-based design studio founded in 2019 by Yuan Yuan and Nie Xuan. Working across interior design, exhibition, and spatial design, the studio develops projects defined by a thoughtful balance of experimentation, material sensitivity, and contextual awareness. Their practice embraces curiosity and hands-on exploration, approaching each commission as an opportunity to uncover the essence of a place through careful observation and refinement.
Guided by the belief that meaningful spaces emerge from an ongoing dialogue between people and their surroundings, OFFHAND PRACTICE creates interiors that are understated yet deeply expressive. Their portfolio includes projects such as Aesop Suzhou Cangjie Store, Déjà Vu Recycle Store in Shanghai, and Brownie / Project M50 Gallery, each reflecting the studio’s commitment to authenticity, clarity, and enduring spatial experiences.
Alexia Vela Akasaka – FAKASAKA
Alexia Vela Akasaka is an interdisciplinary Brazilian designer born to a Bolivian mother and a Japanese father. Raised in São Paulo, Brazil, she moved to the UK in 2020 to pursue a foundation diploma in arts and design at Central Saint Martins. Following that, she attended the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Interdisciplinary Studies in 2024.
Alexia’s mixed heritage deeply informs her design work, where she explores how different cultural and ethnic identities blend, clash, and coexist in Brazilian contemporary culture. This is often expressed in her work through shape and form as a subtle cue to explore experiences and the process of self-discovery, which are brought through quiet references to people and moments lived interwoven within fluid shapes.
Edward Collinson 5 Picks From Philia Collection
Eline Martherus
Super Sunday Picks From Philia Collection
Super Sunday is the Montreal-based practice of designer and craftsman Vincent Le Sauteur, working across collectible furniture and lighting. Rooted in a hands-on approach to making, the studio creates timeless pieces that balance sculptural simplicity with functional design, primarily using wood and metal.
Combining industrial design with traditional craftsmanship, Super Sunday Studio develops both bespoke commissions and limited-edition collections. Each piece reflects a thoughtful exploration of material, technique, and form, resulting in objects distinguished by refined craftsmanship and enduring character.
Janine Stone
Janine Stone is one of Britain’s leading interior designers and the founder of Janine Stone & Co, an internationally recognized studio specializing in luxury private residences. Supported by a multidisciplinary team of architects, designers, craftsmen, and project managers, the practice works across restoration, refurbishment, architecture, and bespoke interior design for clients around the world.
Known for an exceptional attention to detail, Janine Stone creates highly personalized homes tailored to each client’s lifestyle and vision rather than following a fixed signature style. The studio’s portfolio ranges from historic listed properties to contemporary residences incorporating the latest advances in design and technology.
Raised in a creative environment surrounded by fine furnishings, textiles, and art, Stone developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship and design. After working across Europe and building relationships with artisans and makers internationally, she founded her own practice in 1987, which has since evolved into a global multi-disciplinary design studio with offices in London, Manchester, Moscow, and Milan.
