I come from Greece. My hometown is a small city called Volos.
MAGAZINE · INTERVIEW
Savvas Laz
Savvas Laz is a Greek designer based in Athens whose practice explores the relationship between craftsmanship, history, and contemporary collectible design. Originally trained as a civil engineer before studying design at ÉCAL, he combines technical precision with a sculptural sensibility to create furniture, lighting, and objects that reinterpret historical narratives through a contemporary lens. His work balances refined minimalism with moments of ornament, celebrating the dialogue between function, material, and storytelling.
Working across collectible furniture, lighting, and sculptural objects, Laz collaborates closely with master artisans to preserve traditional craftsmanship while embracing experimental techniques and contemporary production. Drawing inspiration from architecture, mythology, and cultural heritage, his practice transforms historical references into timeless works distinguished by expressive materiality, meticulous detailing, and a quiet sense of theatricality.
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Interview
Where were you born and where are you from?
What is your first memory connected to the art world?
The first Memory connected to the art world was a visit to the museum of Theofilos, a few meters away from my family’s house in Volos, when I was a kid. Theofilos was a Greek painter, mostly known for his murals and frescoes in various houses around Pelion and paintings usually made from inexpensive materials, exploring and depicting aspects of traditional everyday life.
Have you always worked in the art/design field?
I hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in civil engineering. I worked in the field for a while, but my true passion was always for the arts and crafts.
What led you to design creation?
I wanted to combine engineering with art. Design was a great option where I could do both at the same time.
How would you describe your creative process and its influences?
Everything starts with a story. For me, this is a very crucial point in the process. I need to talk about something and not do anything. The influence comes from my surroundings. It is very important the time and the place I find myself.
Could you describe a typical day of your work?
Studio life. I have my own studio in the center of Athens, where I spend most of my time working on various projects. I also visit factories and suppliers to discover new materials and techniques when there is time, but also to take a break.
Why did you choose the specific materials you work with?
The materials and their textures fascinate me. I don’t want to limit myself to one or two materials; thus, I try to explore as much as I can.
What are the technical particularities of your creations?
Simplicity.
What advice could you give to beginning artists who would like to create sculptural design works?
Have a story to narrate.
If your works had to belong to a design movement, how would you define it?
Meta-Memphis.
What designers and artists have influenced you?
The designer who has influenced me the most is Ettore Sottsass. He redefined design and pushed the limits to the next level.
What contemporary designers do you appreciate?
I really appreciate the work of Max Lamb, Chris Schanck, Misha Kahn, and Sabine Marcelis, to mention a few.
What contemporary artists, in any kind of art, have you been inspired by?
I used to work as an intern for Joep Van Lieshout at his atelier in Rotterdam. That was an experience that played a significant role in my future paths.
If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be?
Edgy and sensual.
“Everything starts with a story. For me, this is a very crucial point in the process.”
The Questionnaire
The Questions
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust.
Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde,
Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)
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