Nicci Kavals is the Melbourne-based founder and creative director of Articolo Studios, the internationally recognised design house celebrated for its sculptural lighting and furniture, where sophisticated engineering meets artisanal craftsmanship.
Kavals’ career path as a chef, food stylist, magazine editor and product designer that preceded Articolo were formative in shaping her distinctive design perspective, instilling an appreciation for European sensibility, the art of reduction and the importance of considered detail, alongside a strong understanding of business. It was an evolution that would ultimately lead her from styling and glassware into the world of lighting design.
Under Kavals’ creative direction, Articolo has developed a distinctive design language defined by material interplay, sculptural form and technical precision. Mouth-blown glass, solid metals and nuanced finishes are brought together through the expertise of global artisans, resulting in pieces that balance complexity of engineering with a refined simplicity of expression. Collections such as Fizi embody her fascination with the interplay of light, material and shadow, while more recent designs, including Swivel and the Occhi Rotate wall sconce, reflect the studio’s continued exploration of the relationship between decorative form and functional performance.
In 2024, Kavals extended the Articolo aesthetic into furniture with the debut of its first collection of furniture smalls at Milan’s Fuorisalone. Bringing the studio’s signature materiality, craftsmanship and sculptural sensibility into a new category, the collection marked a natural evolution of the Articolo design language. Whether working across lighting or furniture, Kavals remains guided by a philosophy of timeless design, considered restraint and an enduring respect for the handmade. “There’s no substitute for the handmade,” she told est living.
Portrait photography by Sharyn Cairns.
Explore Nicci Kavals’s designs for Articolo Studios on est living.
Nicci Kavals is the founder and creative director of Articolo Studios in Melbourne. She worked as a chef, food stylist and magazine editor before moving into design.
Nicci Kavals is known for Articolo Studios’ lighting, including the Scandal, Trilogy, Fizi, Cubo, Swivel, Occhi and Rein collections, and for furniture such as the Flare, Cuff, Slip and Saddle collections.
Nicci Kavals balances engineering precision with handcraft. She challenges materials and artisans to refine each piece, so that every design reflects the hands behind it.
est living features 53 designs by Nicci Kavals, from Articolo Studios. Browse them on this page, where each product links to where you can buy it or enquire.
