Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 46
Occupation: Designer, architect, and founder of Bina Baitel Studio.
Instagram: @binabaitel
Hometown: Jerusalem.
Studio location: Paris.
Describe what you make: I create art in the form of design. Each piece tells a story that materializes through a dedicated plastic expression and generates new typologies of objects. My work is characterized by an invitation to contemplative and interactive experiences. I like to question our relationships and interactions with the objects surrounding us. I explore their shared codes to create concepts with poetic and bold inspirations in which uses and allegories collide.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The Pull Over Lamp is a significant milestone for me as it marked my first step in the design field and led me to receive my first award. It subsequently opened doors for me, including an opportunity to showcase my work in a gallery. It represents a pivotal moment where my passion for design, innovation, and craftsmanship converged to create something both aesthetically and functionally innovative.
The Pull Over Lamp is a reversible floor lamp that integrates the principle of luminosity variation through the manipulation of its form, providing users with an interactive lighting experience. Made of silicone and interwoven optical fibers, users can modulate the light’s intensity by pulling the cone rim down and inside out, adapting it to their needs.
Describe the problem your work solves: My work is dedicated to forging distinctive connections between users and the objects they interact with. Through playful and hybrid designs, I strive to create a sense of lightness, upliftment, and warmth in people’s lives. These designs serve as more than just functional pieces; they become facilitators of special and one-of-a-kind moments by adding a touch of enchantment to everyday life.
Describe the project you are working on now: I have been working on my 2023–2024 collection, which originated from my work for the decoration of the Tremblay Castle in Normandy. This decoration project led to the creation of my personal collection titled Unusual Objects, which launched in September during Paris Design Week.
The collection is a selection of collectible pieces on the edge of art and design. Each piece narrates a story materialized through a subtle balance between innovative design and traditional savoir-faire. In this collection, materials and patterns transition from the floor to volumes while maintaining an unwavering expression of creative freedom. My collection encapsulates 30 pieces of various furniture typologies, including sofas, benches, ottomans, coffee tables, and side tables, crafted from fine materials such as marble, travertine, and exclusive fabrics.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I have an exciting collaboration with a luxury brand and we’re set to launch a new collection in January. While I can’t reveal the company’s name just yet, it’s a project that brings together my design vision with their renowned style and craftsmanship.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: My 3D printer and a coffee machine. 3D printing has truly become part of my creative process. It’s such an efficient tool for me to quickly capture the essence of my designs and have a feel of how they will turn out. 3D printing also makes it much easier for craftsmen to understand the organic shapes of my pieces. And my coffee keeps me going!
What you do when you’re not working: Does it exist? I’m just kidding… I’ve always wanted to start gardening, but I haven’t taken the plunge yet. Now that my collection has been launched, I’ll have more time to finally give it a shot.
Sources of creative envy: One enduring source of creative envy for me, both in terms of its artistic impact and personal nostalgia, is The Monster by Niki de Saint Phalle in Jerusalem. I vividly recall my childhood memories of playing within this extraordinary artwork and slides. What truly captivates me is its multifaceted nature—not merely a sculpture, but a functional and interactive one.
This sculpture embodies vibrant colors, asymmetry, playfulness, and a generous dose of humor. It defies the conventional boundaries of art by inviting people to enter, explore, and engage with it. This sculpture continues to be a cherished source of inspiration, reminding me of the boundless possibilities that art and design can offer in terms of creativity, interactivity, and emotional connection.
The distraction you want to eliminate: None in particular, but I can easily get sidetracked by outdoor noise. It’s a double-edged sword—I love the energy and inspiration the outside world brings, but sometimes it makes it hard to concentrate. Nevertheless, I’ve come to appreciate the spontaneity it can introduce into my creative process, often leading to unexpected and exciting design ideas.
Concrete or marble? Marble.
High-rise or townhouse? Penthouse.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.
Dark or light? Light.
