Rising Voices in Global Furniture Design
From handcrafted heritage practices to avant-garde digital fabrication, these ten designers are redefining furniture for the next decade.
1. Lani Adeoye (Nigeria–Canada)
Founder of Studio Lani, Adeoye incorporates traditional West African craftsmanship—like woven Aso-oke and bronze—into contemporary forms. Notable for her award-winning RemX Walker, she merges mobility, dignity, and design excellence.
2. Yinka Ilori (UK / Nigerian heritage)
Broader than furniture, Ilori’s joyful pieces infuse bright colours and cultural narratives, like his iconic Sunshine Bench. Celebrated as one of "12 Talents Shaping the Design World," he brings visual storytelling to global cities.
3. Jay Sae Jung Oh (South Korea / USA)
Based in Seattle, Oh's Salvage Chair blends recycled plastics with leather wrapping—an embodiment of sculptural sustainability. Her work is included in SFMOMA, Cooper Hewitt, and global collections.
4. Linde Freya Tangelder (Belgium / Netherlands)
Head of Destroyers/Builders, she explores contrasts—rich vs. poor materials—through sculptural, research-driven works that question architecture and craft boundaries.
5. Kodai Iwamoto (Japan / Switzerland)
Tokyo-born and ECAL-trained, Iwamoto’s designs like the Possum Chair merge craftsmanship with artistic fluidity. His work debuted at Salone Satellite, signifying growing international recognition.
6. Odd Matter (Netherlands)
Co-founded by Els Woldhek and Georgi Manassiev, this duo uses material experimentation to create layered, primal forms—challenging minimalist norms with visceral, geological aesthetics.
7. Studio Formafantasma (Italy)
Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin bring sustainable research-focused creations that engage material history and ecological consciousness, earning respect at global eco design circles.
8. Sabine Marcelis (Netherlands)
Noted for her mastery of resin, glass, and neon, Marcelis straddles art and functionality. Her luminous, sculptural installations are redefining material experiences in furniture design.
9. Misha Kahn (USA)
Kahn’s whimsical, boundary-pushing works integrate recycled materials and pop culture references. His imaginative vernacular makes him a sought-after figure in contemporary design galleries .
10. Studio Swine (Japan / UK)
Founded by Azusa Murakami and Alexander Groves, Studio Swine merges art, sustainability, and technology. Known for eco-conscious furniture creations, they represent the future of responsible design.
Why These Designers Matter Globally
Sustainability with Soul: Across continents, designers are embedding eco-materials and cultural heritage into furniture.
Narrative-rich Pieces: Many emphasize storytelling, identity, and social relevance—resonating with global audiences.
Craft Meets Innovation: From artisanal techniques to digital fabrication, they display a boundary-pushing hybrid of old and new.
Diverse Representation: Highlighting voices from Africa, Asia, and the Global South fosters a richer, inclusive design ecosystem.
