Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 34
Occupation: Creative director of Sten Studio.
Instagram: @sten.studio
Hometown: Mexico City.
Studio location: Mexico City.
Describe what you make: We are a design lab specializing in the creation of furniture and decorative objects crafted from stones and crystals. Our work delves into the wonders of the natural world, embracing minerals as both our medium and our muse. Each piece we create is inspired by the extraordinary phenomena of nature, and we translate these inspirations into unique, playful aesthetic concepts.
We refer to ourselves as a design lab because our process is one of constant exploration and learning. With an ever-expanding selection of minerals, each with its own distinct properties and challenges, every new material we encounter teaches us something new.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: Selecting a single collection as our most significant is no easy task. Each one has had its own defining moments on the international stage. However, if we had to choose, Cosmic Relics stands out. This collection of totems has been particularly impactful, inspiring a new spin-off series called Cosmic Traces—a collection of side tables that carry forward the same aesthetic and inspiration.
The first three totem designs from Cosmic Relics made their debut in November at Salon Art + Design in New York, where they received exceptional feedback. This success has translated into impressive sales, with pieces now gracing homes in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, the U.K., and Australia.
Describe the problem your work solves: We address two essential aspects with our work. First, our pieces serve as vibrant accents to spaces, bringing life, color, and positive energy to any room. Second, we like to think of our creations as bridges to the natural world, allowing people to reconnect with the essence of nature. Often, our pieces find their way into bustling cities where greenery is scarce. In these environments, our designs offer a moment of tranquility, transporting you back to the peaceful experiences of being surrounded by nature.
Describe the project you’re working on now: We’re putting the finishing touches on our Cosmic Traces collection. So far, we’ve completed the first three designs, but our vision includes 10 distinct pieces, each featuring a unique combination of colored stones, shapes, and textures to evoke different atmospheres. Simultaneously, we’re developing the 2024 collection of Cosmic Relics, which will introduce three new totem designs. We’re also deep into the production of our very first limited-edition console, crafted from green onyx, with a second edition in pink onyx. This piece will embody subtlety, sophistication, and a touch of sensual elegance.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: We’re introducing a new series that will blend stone with a second material, which we cannot yet reveal, in a way that has never been seen before in the design world. This project has been in the works since 2021, and we’re thrilled to be nearing the end of the production process. Our goal is to have it ready for launch in the first quarter of 2025.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Electrolytes—we make sure to stay hydrated at all times. Palo Santo—twice a week, we cleanse the energy of the office. Crystals, of course—little pieces adorn every corner and window, protecting the space. Our studio’s creations are everywhere, but most importantly, there’s an abundance of teamwork, laughter, fun, and good vibes.
What you do when you’re not working: I start my mornings slowly before heading to the lab, with a routine that includes meditation, journaling, coffee, an hour of exercise, followed by a sauna and cold plunge. This four-hour therapy keeps me grounded and focused. I also have a deep love for electronic music, enjoy discovering good restaurants, and cherish time spent with friends, laughing until our abs hurt.
Sources of creative envy: We have great admiration for the work of Atelier APS—it feels like Sten Studio’s artistic uncle. The delicate stone transformations by Aglomeratti could easily be our distant cousin. We’re also captivated by Chris Wolston’s new desk, the iconic creations of Marc Newson, the super fun and cool vases by Eric Roinestad, and, of course, all of Pierre Paulin’s furniture.
The distraction you want to eliminate: I wouldn’t eliminate distractions entirely because they can sometimes be sources of inspiration. However, it’s important to acknowledge how easy it is to get pulled into the endless scroll—like when we go on Instagram to check something on our feed and suddenly find ourselves scrolling for minutes, needing to remind ourselves to return to our own world.
Concrete or marble? Of course, marble.
High-rise or townhouse? High-rise.
Remember or forget? Always remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Ghosts—we speak to them in the lab.
Dark or light? Light.
Portrait photography by Teresa Castillo.
