10 TALENTS: Design Duos Mastering Friction & Fusion

In the vibrant heart of Rio de Janeiro, Victor Xavier and Søren Hallberg Søndergaard’s partnership embodies a compelling synthesis of cultural perspectives. Their work, which masterfully blends Brazilian vitality with Scandinavian minimalism, was born in the crucible of pandemic isolation—a period that transformed their small apartment into an experimental laboratory for creative exploration.

Their innovative approach to terrazzo, incorporating construction and demolition waste alongside unconventional materials like plastics, ceramics, and oyster shells, speaks to a broader dialogue between tradition and innovation, sustainability and artistic expression. What sets ASSIMPLY apart is their embrace of creative tension as a generative force. Their process involves a constant push-pull between Søren’s rapid-fire creativity and Victor’s methodical precision, creating a dynamic that challenges conventional notions of collaborative harmony.

This productive friction has led to significant innovations in their practice, particularly evident in their NU collection, which garnered both national and international recognition. Their work demonstrates how limitations—whether in materials or creative consensus—can serve as catalysts for innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable design.

“The biggest force in our partnership is that we never agree and constantly clash… This contributes to a very dynamic and sometimes dramatic working process with many productive discussions. However, we also believe that this is important for ASSIMPLY and the creation of unique furniture.”

Munich-based Magdalena Shterianova and Johannes von Schoenebeck exemplify how personal and professional synergies can create extraordinary design outcomes. Their partnership, which began with shared dreams over early dates, has evolved into a sophisticated practice that bridges art history, photography, and contemporary design, creating works deeply rooted in themes of heritage and emotional resonance.

Their collaborative process reflects a unique temporal fluidity, where creative discussions weave seamlessly through daily life. This integration of life and work manifests in designs that carry strong narrative elements and emotional depth, drawing from both personal heritage and collective memory.

Their work, particularly evident in projects like the TETRIS candleholders, demonstrates how theoretical understanding can enhance practical design outcomes. Magdalena’s academic perspective in art history combines with Johannes’s hands-on design expertise to create objects that are both intellectually engaging and beautifully crafted. This marriage of theory and practice results in pieces that transcend mere functionality to become carriers of cultural narrative.

“There is one critical thing we try to adapt in terms of decision-making. That is trust. No one knows it all, and the trust on the others’ expertise and knowledge gives us a mutual relief. Because we find that some decisions are easier done when shared”

Marzia Cerio and Marwann Frikach’s practice offers a masterclass in how design can serve as both cultural preservation and innovation. Their methodology begins with a journey—both literal and metaphorical—capturing inspiration through analog photography before diving deep into historical and cultural research. This approach transforms each project into an archaeological expedition of sorts, unearthing stories and traditions that inform their contemporary designs.

Working with local artisans and materials, they create pieces are functional objects as well as carriers of cultural memory. Their practice demonstrates a profound understanding of how objects can serve as bridges between past and present, tradition and innovation, particularly evident in their commitment to sourcing local materials and collaborating with traditional craftspeople.

Their first collaborative piece, The Mirror of Simple Souls, exemplifies their ability to weave historical narratives into contemporary design, drawing inspiration from medieval Beguines while creating thoroughly modern objects. Their work with artisans highlights how traditional craftsmanship can be preserved and elevated through contemporary design thinking, creating a dialogue between historical techniques and modern aesthetics.

“The most rewarding part is creating something that reflects our shared vision and our “why” … we view each collection as part of our legacy for our daughter, which gives our work even more meaning.”

Brooklyn-based Erica Sellers and Jeremy Silberberg’s partnership represents a bold reimagining of design’s emotional and cultural possibilities. Their work deliberately challenges conventional aesthetics, incorporating elements of kink, futurism, and queerness to create spaces and objects that are distinctly cinematic and provocatively thought-provoking. This approach not only pushes the boundaries of design but also opens up new dialogues about identity, desire, and cultural expression in contemporary design practice.

Their creative process exemplifies the power of complementary talents, with their skills forming what they describe as a perfect “Venn diagram” of abilities. This harmonious division of labor—from initial concept to final documentation—allows them to push boundaries while maintaining technical excellence. Their approach to materials is equally boundless, embracing an “anything goes” philosophy that enables them to realize their most ambitious visions.

Their landmark project, House of S II, demonstrates their holistic approach to design, where every element from architectural blueprints to furnishings embodies their unique aesthetic vision. The project serves not just as a showcase but as a living laboratory for their design philosophy, incorporating references from religious iconography to elemental materials in nature.

“One of the first things nearly 15 years ago that we bonded about was this idea of beauty in something that’s really unsettling or might seem disturbing to other people… This sort of phenomenon of experiencing that and wanting to put it out into the world.”

Turkish co-founders Defne Arıkoğlu and Yasmin Karamolla’s collaboration emerged from a shared frustration with the limited availability of distinctive decorative pieces. Their work, particularly in mouth-blown glass and furniture, demonstrates how technical precision and creative vision can combine to create objects of lasting beauty and significance. Their practice has evolved from its origins in glasswork to encompass a broader vision of how design can transform living spaces.

Their practice is distinguished by a masterful balance between Yasmin’s imaginative approach and Defne’s technical precision, creating pieces that are both visually striking and functionally refined. This duality is evident in their production process, where traditional craft techniques meet contemporary design sensibilities, resulting in pieces that feel both timeless and innovative.

Their successful management of a 200-piece collaboration project highlights how their complementary strengths enable them to handle complex challenges while maintaining their high standards of quality and creativity. This project demonstrated not just their technical capabilities but their ability to scale their vision while maintaining the integrity of their design philosophy.

“The most rewarding part of working as a design duo is definitely having someone by your side who is just as excited and happy as you are throughout the process. When things go wrong or get difficult, it’s comforting to have someone who supports you 100%, making the challenges easier to navigate together.”

Alyson and Matt Beaton’s partnership represents a unique intersection of architectural thinking and product design. Based in Austin, Texas, their work draws inspiration from the urban environment, transforming the details and detritus of city life into sophisticated design objects. Their approach to color is particularly noteworthy, drawing from the vibrancy of urban signage and natural elements that punctuate the city’s grey palette.

Their collaborative process benefits from their distinct professional perspectives—Matt’s architectural expertise and Alyson’s interior and product design background create a dynamic interplay that enriches their work. This interdisciplinary approach allows them to work across scales, from detailed product design to comprehensive architectural solutions.

Their home renovation project, transforming a modest bungalow into a multifunctional space incorporating studio and income-producing property, exemplifies their ability to merge practical considerations with creative vision. This project serves as a testament to their ability to navigate both the practical and aesthetic challenges of design while maintaining their distinctive creative voice.

“It’s like any relationship, we do a dance to see who has the stronger vision for the project. We try to stay in our own lanes and give feedback to the pieces and parts that will allow the other person to still have control of the vision of the project.”

Stockholm-based Johan and Ashley Wilén-Jong’s partnership represents a thoughtful challenge to traditional Scandinavian design aesthetics. Their work is characterized by what they call “quietly sophisticated, with a loud obsession with nuanced layers of details,” creating pieces that honor craft traditions while embracing innovative manufacturing techniques. This approach has allowed them to carve out a unique position within the contemporary Scandinavian design landscape.

Their partnership benefits from their distinct professional backgrounds—Johan’s expertise in traditional craft and Ashley’s background in brand design and communications. This combination allows them to create work that is both technically accomplished and culturally resonant, bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design language.

Their experience balancing studio development with major life changes, including exhibitions in Milan, Stockholm, and Miami while expecting their first child, demonstrates how personal and professional lives can productively intertwine in creative partnerships. This integration of life and work has become a defining characteristic of their practice, informing both their process and their output.

“It’s funny because where I see challenges, Ashley tends to see opportunities, and vice versa. That dynamic keeps us balanced and, honestly, keeps the work exciting.”

Operating between Venice and Copenhagen, D’ARK Atelier embodies the sophisticated fusion of Italian craftsmanship with Scandinavian minimalism. Their practice focuses on working with marble and stone, materials that carry both historical weight and contemporary relevance. This geographical and cultural duality infuses their work with a unique perspective on material and form, creating pieces that serve as bridges between Southern European opulence and Nordic restraint.

Their journey from Italy to Denmark mirrors their design evolution, where the ornate architectural heritage of one city meets the streamlined functionality of another. This transition has proven transformative, allowing them to develop a distinctive aesthetic that honors both cultural contexts while creating something entirely new. The rich architectural traditions of Venice, with its centuries of stone craftsmanship, provide a foundation that’s been thoughtfully reimagined through the lens of Scandinavian design principles.

Their commitment to material integrity is reflected in their exclusive use of Italian-sourced marble and stones, worked by skilled artisans using both traditional methods and modern innovations. Each piece they create serves as a testament to the enduring beauty of natural stone while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with these traditional materials, demonstrating how ancient materials can be reinterpreted for contemporary contexts without losing their essential character.

“If differences arise, we analyze the merits of each approach and work toward a solution that blends the best of both visions. Often, this process leads to outcomes that are richer and more innovative than either of us could achieve alone.”

Based in Brazil, Julia Rovigo and Gabriel Pesca’s partnership illuminates how different professional backgrounds—architecture and naval carpentry—can create extraordinary design perspectives. Their approach to furniture design is deeply rooted in material exploration and emotional resonance, creating pieces that serve as vessels for cultural memory while pushing the boundaries of conventional form.

Their creative process embraces what they call “agonism”—a productive form of creative conflict that drives innovation. This approach, combined with their commitment to experimental forms and techniques, results in pieces that challenge conventional furniture design while maintaining a deep connection to craftsmanship and material understanding.

Their Yara chair project exemplifies their experimental approach, emerging from a series of “mistakes” in steam-bending techniques to create an innovative design that pushes the boundaries of both form and function. This project demonstrates how embracing uncertainty and technical challenges can lead to breakthrough innovations in design.

“Agonism is our main form of creation and we are very good at it… We have the basic premises that no idea is fundamentally wrong, we have a big drive in childlike behaviour, in a sense that we respect naïve ideas and playful creativity.”

Dana Seachuga and Octave Vandeweghe’s collaboration in Belgium represents a fascinating revival and reimagining of traditional stone-cutting crafts. Their work connects to the city’s rich diamond-cutting heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary stone working techniques. Based in a city historically known for its diamond industry, Studio DO approaches stone cutting with both reverence for tradition and a drive for innovation.

Their practice investigates how traditional crafts can be adapted for contemporary markets while maintaining their essential character. This exploration involves both technical innovation and cultural preservation, as they work to make historical craft techniques viable in contemporary contexts.

Their approach to modernizing traditional craft techniques offers valuable insights into how historical practices can be preserved and evolved for contemporary contexts. Through their work, they demonstrate how ancient crafts can remain relevant and vital in the modern design landscape.

“Let your passion be boundless, but your work-time harmless. Professionalize yourself in a manner that assists your shared doings & communication to be conducted by 2 parallel guidelines, logical clarity and emotional understanding.”