The esteemed 10 recognises influential voices in the multidisciplinary design community in 2025. Criterion is based on approach, notable achievements and completed and anticipated projects.
This piece originally appeared in est magazine issue 55: ‘Faces of Design’.
Garcè & Dimofski
Co-founders Olivier Garcé & Clio Dimofski
Lisbon, Portugal
My design work is best summed up as:
Crafting spaces that evoke emotion, embody purpose and celebrate craftspeople.
What aspect of your work are people most curious about?
The integration of historical influences, particularly ceramics and Portuguese cultural heritage, into modern design concepts.
What has recently challenged the way you think about design?
Exploring Lucie Rie’s work has reshaped our perspective on the interplay between materiality and resilience, inspiring a deeper connection between craft and heritage.
What person, building, product or art piece has had a lasting impact on your work?
The timeless art and design elements found in the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum have profoundly influenced our approach to creating forward-looking spaces rooted in history.
The three words I would most like people to attribute to my work are:
Simplicity, thoughtful, materiality.
What is the one piece of advice you would share with an emerging designer?
Embrace the stories behind every craftsperson and tool; they are the bridge between what is essential and emotional resonance.
Where do you go to appreciate exceptional design?
Museums like the Machado de Castro in Portugal and intimate galleries showcasing ceramics and architectural heritage, as well as the streets of Lisbon for its seamless blending of old and new.
Something you want to see more of in 2025? And less of?
More: Designs that emphasise sustainability and cultural authenticity.
Less: Disposable trends and surface-level aesthetics lacking depth or meaning.
Photography by Inês Silva Sá, shot at the Invisible Collection showroom, New York City, for Garcé & Dimofski’s new collection as Jacques Doucet art directors.
