10 Non-Binary & Women Designers Trailblazing in the Contemporary Design World

In the vibrant city of São Paulo, Brazil, Daniele Quiarella and Debora Baptista are at the helm of DONÓ design, a studio that is redefining furniture design. Expressive narratives and innovative conceptual designs infuse vitality into their works, connecting their physical and virtual worlds. DONÓ’s creations draw inspiration from art, music, fashion, and architecture, embracing a whimsical and freeing point of view.

Delve into the distinctive world of DONÓ design, where minimalism connects with creative innovation to redefine the limits of furniture design. The women behind DONÓ design do not follow current trends; they create their own, solidifying themselves as a studio to watch in a constantly changing industry.

Guided by designer and director Maika Palazuelos, Panorammma Atelier stands as a cutting-edge force exploring the complexities of the contemporary world. Combatting the sense of isolation, Maika’s dynamic designs not only encourage but necessitate personal interaction—sitting, eating, drinking.

Panorammma’s creations transcend practicality, crafting a space where imagination blurs with the real world, an alternate storytelling setting. Born during confinement, Panorammma is a truly eclectic entity, crafting a variety of works that seamlessly oscillate between radical and brutalist or lean towards minimalist and surrealist styles. Regardless of the aesthetic, the designs are steadfastly anchored in conceptualism.

Located in the kaleidoscopic arts community of Brooklyn and lead by designer Grace Whiteside, Sticky Glass stands out as a distinctive and intriguing presence in the world of glass design. This studio focuses on crafting hand-blown, multi-functional pieces and fostering collaborative artistry. The name “Sticky” alludes to the transformative nature of molten glass, as it becomes both viscous and adhesive, allowing for limitless creative exploration.

Whiteside’s creative direction elevates Sticky Glass to new heights, merging functionality with the whimsical qualities of fluidity, softness, and stickiness found in the material. Each creation becomes a celebration of the radical exploration of molten glass, pushing the boundaries of conventional design and infusing everyday objects with a sense of joy and wonder.

Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of her craft, Mariller emerges as a luminary in the contemporary design and art scene. Her conceptual works, primarily crafted from wood and metal, not only reflect boundless creativity but also embody the infinite possibilities found at the crossroads of function and artistry. Through her unique lens, she continues to inspire and reshape the artistic landscape.

Mariller describes her work as a fusion of contemporary art and design, where sculptures coexist in both decorative and functional dimensions. Invoking elements that traverse the spectrum — Mariller’s creations resonate in truly eclectic settings both real and imaginary, past and present. A dystopian ruin in the distant future, a cozy living room in 2024, or a space station on Mars. Mariller’s artistry knows no limits, reflecting the richness and diversity of the human experience.

Rest Studio, founded by Dominika Gacka and Julia Piekarska, weaves together traditional craftsmanship and modern design. Specializing in handwoven, eco-friendly textiles, their pursuit of beauty extends into an immersive tactile experience. Their thoughtful craftsmanship often results in pieces that emanate a calming coastal and rustic energy, reflecting the studio’s dedication not only to design but also the ambiance and emotion their creations evoke.

At Rest Studio, sustainability isn’t just a commitment; it’s woven into the very fabric of their ethos. The Restki project, repurposing yarn waste, stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility, showcasing their innovative approach to eco-friendly design. Their creative journey is marked by serendipity, unexpected discoveries, and moments of inspiration.

Architect and artist Buşra Tunç dazzles with her talent for crafting immersive living experiences through the ingenious repurposing of abandoned industrial materials. Breaking free from conventional uses and settings, she breathes new life into remnants from forgotten factories and abandoned industrial sites.

With a focus on radical, experimental light installations, Tunç’s work pushes boundaries, presenting distinctive, cutting-edge lighting that seamlessly integrates into both gallery spaces and homes. These captivating installations not only illuminate spaces but also act as guides through immersive narratives, inviting you on an experiential journey.

Operating at the juncture of art and design, Teresa Fernández-Pello intricately weaves together conceptual exploration and practical experimentation. Steeped in disciplines of literature, anthropology and history, her work becomes an eclectic manifestation of curiosity, melding diverse influences into each creation. Her designs easily move between futuristic aesthetics and maximalist vibrancy, giving each of her works a distinct personality and demonstrating her broad artistic approach.

In the contemporary landscape of rapid change, Fernández-Pello’s art delves into the nuanced interplay between spiritual and technological progress. Through the fusion of modern technology and timeless spiritual knowledge, Teresa Fernández-Pello endeavors to create a space where the old and the new harmoniously coexist.

“Maker of space and light” Dace Sūna brings forth a distinctive fusion of artistry, elemental inspiration, and innovative craftsmanship. Grounded in an intimate communion with the primal forces of gas, fire, water, earth, and plasma, her sculptural designs exude a vibrant liveliness, bearing the distinctive signature of her style. A true trailblazer, Dace Sūna’s radical creations not only awaken spaces but also infuse them with an energy that sets her apart.

Primarily working with plaster, wood, clay, metal, and glass, her creations evolve into kinetic sculptures that move in harmony with nature. Each piece embraces a quality of motion, captivating observers with its innovative and dynamic presence.

Carol Gay’s design philosophy is rooted in an intricate exploration of everyday materials and the interplay between individual and collective affective memory. Her minimalist approach involves transforming materials from mundane to extraordinary.

Informed by childhood memories and observations, she breathes new life into banal elements, accentuating their significance. Through innovative experiments with marble, crystals, and blown glass, her designs embody a delicate balance of weight, lightness, transparency, brightness, and color, showcasing her keen sensitivity to the inherent qualities of each material.

Sam Klemick, the creative force behind Studio Sam Klemick, approaches furniture design with a witty ingenuity and a commitment to circular methods. Her distinctive approach involves breathing new life into salvaged materials and incorporating vintage textiles, challenging conventional norms.

Klemick’s background in knitwear and textiles design became the catalyst for the studio’s inception, driven by a critical observation of the wasteful practices prevalent in the fast-paced fashion industry.

Determined to reshape the narrative, Sam Klemick Studio is on a mission to reimagine and transform existing materials into functional art, presenting an eclectic array of objects that range from radical and maximalist aesthetics to a boho-chic vibe. Each creation becomes a testament to the studio’s commitment to sustainability, breathing fresh energy into the world of furniture design.