German designer Sebastian Herkner (b. 1981) is internationally recognized for a practice that brings traditional craftsmanship into dialogue with technological innovation. Since founding his Offenbach studio in 2006, he has created furniture, lighting, and accessories with leading brands including ClassiCon, Moroso, Thonet, and ames. His work is distinguished by an intuitive approach to material and colour, combining unexpected textures and vibrant tones with a strong sense of place.

Herkner’s enduring collaboration with ames has been shaped by journeys through Colombia, where encounters with local artisans—from weavers to master potters—introduced him to generations of craft and knowledge. These experiences, alongside the country’s landscapes and culture, have deeply influenced his forms and chromatic language. A graduate of HfG Offenbach, Herkner also works across interiors and exhibition design. His practice has received numerous international honours, including the iF Award, the Elle Deco International Design Award, and Maison&Objet’s Designer of the Year in 2019.