“Nelumbo” Restaurant by Thilina Liyanage
If there’s one thing the internet has done a great job of, it’s helping new talent shine. Optimized for engagement, the algorithms have somehow figured out what humans will spend more time looking at, and as a result, it’s introduced us to a lot of new things – both good and bad. We’ve curated some of the good we saw in the past year, compiling a list of designers whose journey last year has led us to believe they’re onto something big.
This curated lineup is meant to energize your imagination and offer a glimpse into design’s boldest frontiers. Each name brims with fearless thinking that sparks conversation and inspires reflection on what’s possible. Their work crosses boundaries between art, utility, and emotion, proving that the future thrives where creativity, sustainability, and human-centered sensibilities dance together in perfect—sometimes eccentric—harmony. Let’s just say that even with the rise of AI tools, the future of design is in good hands…
1. Colby Geary (ForgeCore)
Colby Geary’s tapped into social media in a way that should envy all designers. Armed with nothing but a 3D printer and endless creativity, Geary (better known by his IG handle ‘‘) is creating some of the most gorgeous nature-inspired 3D printed products. From Cactus toothpick holders to Monstera coasters, Geary has amassed nearly a million followers in a little over a year.
His style is best described as putting the ‘fun’ in functional. Geary has a unique way of looking at the world around him, and turning existing motifs and natural species into fun, reinterpreted products that delight. Bamboo shoot pens, succulent thumbtacks, lotus beer-can holders; Geary has a way of putting a creative spin on everything he sees. The best part? All his files/designs are for free because he doesn’t believe in gate-keeping.
2. Nervous System (Jessica Rosenkrantz & Jesse Louis-Rosenberg)
operates at the fascinating intersection of biology, mathematics, and digital fabrication, where Jessica Rosenkrantz and Jesse Louis-Rosenberg conjure designs that seem more grown than made. Their work, inspired by natural processes like cellular division and coral growth, redefines the way we approach form and structure. Using algorithmic tools of their own creation, they produce objects that feel alive, pulsing with organic complexity and technical mastery.
From intricately 3D-printed jewelry to experimental furniture and lighting, Nervous System’s portfolio blurs the line between art and science. Their ability to transform abstract biological patterns into functional, tangible designs speaks to a level of innovation that challenges traditional design methods. Each piece tells a story of discovery, translating the unseen rhythms of nature into works that captivate both the eyes and the intellect.
3. Studio Drift (Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta)
, helmed by Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta, operates like alchemists of the modern era, fusing technology with the ethereal beauty of nature. Their installations defy the limits of conventional design, using robotics, light, and motion to evoke profound emotional responses. Each creation feels like a living, breathing entity, whether it’s a flock of kinetic “drones” mimicking birds in flight or glowing glass structures that pulse like organic organisms.
What sets Studio Drift apart is their ability to harmonize the precision of engineering with the poetic unpredictability of nature. Their work isn’t just meant to be observed; it’s designed to be felt. By exploring themes like connectivity, fragility, and our evolving relationship with the environment, they craft immersive experiences that challenge perceptions and spark dialogue about the intersection of humanity, technology, and the natural world.
4. Love Hultén
is a Swedish designer who seamlessly blends retro aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, crafting objects that feel like portals to an alternate timeline. Known for his handcrafted work in wood, Hultén specializes in transforming everyday electronics—like gaming consoles, speakers, and synthesizers—into heirloom-quality pieces that exude warmth and nostalgia. His designs often feel like they belong in a 1970s sci-fi film, merging analog charm with digital innovation.
What sets Hultén apart is his obsessive attention to detail and his ability to inject a sense of playfulness into high-end craftsmanship. Each piece, whether a portable arcade or a modular synthesizer, is as much a piece of art as it is a functional object. By combining traditional woodworking techniques with modern technology, Hultén creates pieces that bridge the gap between past and future, delighting both design enthusiasts and tech aficionados.
5. Pablo Rochat
operates as a one-man creative powerhouse, disrupting the norms of digital media with his sharp wit and unconventional ideas. Known for his viral concepts and playful experiments across social platforms, Rochat transforms everyday objects and experiences into quirky, shareable moments. His work doesn’t conform to any single medium—it dances between art, design, advertising, and pure mischief, often leaving audiences both surprised and inspired.
What makes Rochat’s creative vision remarkable is his ability to find brilliance in simplicity. Whether it’s a clever guerrilla-style marketing campaign or an offbeat digital artwork, his creations exude a raw energy that challenges the status quo. By consistently pushing boundaries and finding humor in the mundane, Rochat proves that creativity isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about making people stop, think, and smile.
6. Lautaro Lucero
is an industrial designer based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, whose work exemplifies a harmonious blend of form and function. His portfolio showcases a diverse range of products, each reflecting a commitment to minimalist aesthetics and practical utility. Notable projects include the “Curvo Stool,” a sleek seating solution that combines metal and wood elements for a modern yet timeless appeal, and the “Wooden Desk Clock,” a minimalist timepiece crafted from solid walnut, cherry, or maple wood, emphasizing clean lines and natural materials.
Lucero’s design philosophy extends to sustainability, as seen in his “Wabo” handboards, which repurpose old 3D printing prototypes into functional surf accessories, demonstrating an innovative approach to recycling materials. His collaboration on the “Sense Glass Collection” for OREA highlights his ability to create sensory-enhancing products, with hand-blown borosilicate glassware designed to elevate the experience of enjoying specialty coffee. Through these endeavors, Lucero establishes himself as a designer who not only values aesthetic simplicity but also prioritizes environmental consciousness and user experience.
7. Hassan Ragab
stands at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into architectural design, pioneering a new visual language that fuses technology with artistic expression. With a background in architecture and computational design, Ragab employs AI tools like Midjourney, DALL·E 2, and Stable Diffusion to generate conceptual art that challenges traditional design paradigms. His work delves into the symbiotic relationship between art, architecture, and technology, producing intricate designs that transcend conventional boundaries.
Ragab’s AI-generated creations have garnered international recognition, leading to exhibitions and collaborations across major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Paris. His approach emphasizes the harmonious integration of technology with cultural and humanistic elements, aiming to raise awareness of their synergy. By exploring the potential of AI in design, Ragab not only expands the horizons of architectural aesthetics but also invites a broader conversation about the future role of artificial intelligence in creative disciplines.
8. Raw-Edges Design Studio
, founded by duo Yael Mer and Shay Alkalay, thrives on transforming everyday objects into playful, tactile experiences. Their approach is defined by a curious exploration of materials and techniques, resulting in designs that surprise and delight with their vibrant colors, unexpected forms, and interactive qualities. From furniture to installations, their work often carries an element of movement or modularity, inviting users to engage and adapt the pieces to their needs.
What makes Raw-Edges truly unique is their knack for storytelling through design. Whether it’s a cabinet that unravels like a ribbon or a series of gradient-dyed wooden pieces, their creations feel like living entities that evolve with the spaces they inhabit. By merging functionality with a sense of wonder, Raw-Edges consistently challenges conventions, creating designs that are as emotionally resonant as they are visually striking.
9. Thilina Liyanage
is a visionary designer renowned for his imaginative architectural concepts that seamlessly blend natural forms with built environments. His work often draws inspiration from flora and fauna, resulting in structures that mimic the elegance of lotus flowers, orchids, and various animals. By employing materials like interwoven bamboo, Liyanage creates designs that not only pay homage to nature but also promote sustainability and harmony with the surroundings.
What makes Liyanage’s style remarkable is his ability to challenge conventional architectural norms, pushing the boundaries of what buildings can and should look like. His animal-shaped structures, such as the elephant-shaped safari observation deck, serve as functional spaces while simultaneously acting as monumental art pieces. These designs encourage a reimagining of architecture as a medium that can embody the beauty and intricacy of the natural world, fostering a deeper connection between occupants and their environment.
10. Eslam Mohamed
is an international, high-end art director and 3D digital creator whose work masterfully blends classical artistry with modern technology. His portfolio showcases a range of projects, including collaborations with brands like Zotac and MSI Gaming, where he has developed compelling 3D digital campaigns. Notably, Mohamed has gained attention for his conceptual designs that infuse Baroque aesthetics into contemporary tech accessories. For instance, his Baroque wireless mouse concept transforms a standard peripheral into an ornate piece of art, featuring intricate floral carvings and an oxidized silver finish.
Beyond his Baroque-inspired designs, Mohamed’s personal projects demonstrate his innovative approach to design. In “House of Numbers,” he reimagines numerical figures as tangible 3D objects, transforming them into modern interior elements that play with light and shadow. His “Brands Mug” project further exemplifies his creativity, where he designs unique mugs that encapsulate the essence of various brands through distinct materials and colors. Mohamed’s interpretation of aesthetics in modern design is definitely worth watching out for. He isn’t afraid of some good old maximalism and intricacy, and letting his creativity stop at nothing.
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