Category: Architecture

Ester Bruzkus has been interested in design for as long as she can remember. When the young aesthete was 12 years old she began collecting Vogue magazine because she wanted to know what was happening in the world of fashion.

She eventually explored other creative realms, and her ninth grade art teacher’s guidance was instrumental. Trips to museums and galleries supplemented her coursework, and the instructor encouraged Bruzkus to participate in programs for talented students. When Bruzkus was 16 she had already decided to become an architect, because she wanted to make more than just objects or paintings – she was determined to create a more beautiful world.

Based in Berlin, Bruzkus founded her eponymous firm, Ester Bruzkus Architekten, in 2002, and partner (in business and life) Peter Greenberg joined her in 2016. The duo focuses on work at different scales, from residences to hotels, often decorated with furniture designed by the team. There were so many requests for those pieces that Bruzkus opened STUDIO COUCOU, an online shop with a curated selection of bespoke furnishings and favorite finds.

All of these endeavors are part of a holistic approach that she discovered before she headed to university. As a German cultural representative at Disney World in Florida, Bruzkus learned about backstage operations, and more importantly, how to enhance the guest experience. It was a role that informs her work today as a designer tasked with shaping spaces. “It turns out that what I know about hospitality projects influences how we plan other projects,” says Bruzkus. “Now we make homes and offices which have some of the special feeling of the greatest hotels you’ve ever been to.”

Bruzkus and Greenberg collect images that resonate, especially when they travel. Greenberg even keeps an open source library on Instagram featuring the architecture the couple sees and talks about. For Bruzkus, who takes pictures of everything from text passages to street signs, photography is one of the most effective means of communication. “I photograph everything I see, and my photo library is my record,” she adds. “Most of the time it takes me just a few minutes to find the perfect image to describe my ideas.

Today, Ester Bruzkus joins us for Friday Five!

A Bigger Splash (1967) by David Hockney, Tate Photo: Courtesy of Tate © David Hockney

1. A David Hockney Pool

Jumping into the cool, still water is the best way for me to clear my mind, like in David Hockney’s “A Bigger Splash” (1967). The picture also inspired me for the work I did on the restaurant L.A. Poke Berlin that recalled the lightness of California.

Photo: Ester Bruzkus

I loved how the light was captured in the silver material used for Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “L’ Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped.” It was an amazing transformation of an iconic monument. I went several times during different weather conditions, and every time I was surprised and touched by the changing appearance of the fabric.

BARCELONA PAVILION INSTALLATION

For the 1929 Pavilion, Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich created a design that emphasized the nature and effects of the materials they used. By using reflective and transparent materials, they made a space where one can simultaneously see oneself in the reflection, see what is behind, and see what is ahead through the glass.

Peter and I had the opportunity to create an installation there, replacing the original opaque black carpet with a plane of thin reflective plexiglass panels on the floor. We also inserted three additional boxes – two with mirrored surfaces and one, a thin colored outline. We temporarily transformed the Pavilion to reinforce the reading of these doubled surfaces and the perception of expanded spaces, a kind of kaleidoscope or hall of mirrors.

Photo: Ester Bruzkus

By Le Corbusier, this is one of the most magical and beautiful buildings I have visited. With its open facade there is a wonderful breeze flowing through the space. The contrast of the velvety looking concrete with the lush growing plants is unexpected and very unique. The experience of being inside the building is breathtaking.

Photo: Ester Bruzkus

This is a picture I took inside the “Infinity Mirror Room-Phalli’s Field” at the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the Gropius Bau in Berlin. I love the opulence, the repetition, and when colors happen to match perfectly. Like here in the picture, my shoes and my dress create a perfect moment of patterns and colors.

Work by Ester Bruzkus:

REMI Restaurant Berlin Ester Bruzkus Architekten approached the design of the new Berlin-Mitte restaurant REMI for chefs Lode van Zuylen and Stijn Remi by using architectural materials that are high in quality, carefully sourced and crafted, with rigorous attention to detail. This is the very approach to ingredients that the chefs bring to crafting a meal, so the success of the project results from a synergy between the architects and the chefs. The design is intended to emphasize simplicity and quality – and to enhance a dining experience that is authentic, straightforward and fun.

Photo: Jens Bösenberg

Ester’s & Peter’s Apartment Berlin The move from one apartment to another in the same building provided the ideal opportunity for Ester Bruzkus to revisit the identical design problem with fresh ideas (please click on “ester’s apartment” to see what she did there) . The new design – Ester’s Apartment 2.0 – is an expression of both restraint and opulence through its efficient planning, its playful use of color, its exceptional lighting, its custom-designed furniture, and its carefully detailed material volumes. The apartment feels bright and spacious like an airy open loft because its space extends from east facade to the west and sunlight enters from sunrise to sunset. It is intricately planned to offer a rich variety of spaces – and to make the most of hidden storage despite its small actual size – just 80 square meters inside.

Photo: NOSHE

PSD Bank Berlin-Brandenburg eG Community Space & Offices, Berlin A Bank as a Community Living Room. Located inside a historic Post Office in Berlin- Friedenau, the design transforms the bank into a generous and welcoming neighborhood center. In addition to traditional banking services like ATMs, consulting rooms, and help desks, there are also unexpected spaces for a bank: a café, a colorful community living room, an interior garden, exhibition spaces, and public meeting rooms. While most banks are closing their brick and mortar locations, the PSD Bank has opened as a neighborhood center to welcome everyone in the community.

Photo: PION Studio

Beefclub “Fire+Salt” Restaurantin Wolfsburg Beef Club “Fire + Salt” is a radical refresh of an existing eatery in Autostadt, the automotive theme park at the headquarters of Volkswagen Group in Wolfsburg. At the center of the space is the theatrical preparation of food on a grill – and an open brick fireplace is positioned where everyone can see it, recalling an archaic fire at the center of a shared dining experience. Building materials emphasize the fire and salt of the menu – the grill is made from fired bricks; wood dining tables have been treated with salt to introduce unique colors, patterns, and textures.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

A recent residential renovation project in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Catalonia, Spain, has transformed a 915-square-foot space into a serene coastal retreat, showcasing a unique blend of Nordic and Mediterranean influences. The project, led by Eva González Estudio, focuses on creating a harmonious, adaptable living environment with an emphasis on custom furniture design and thoughtful material selection.

The renovation revolves around the strategic use of light, soft hues, and natural wood elements, creating a calming and cohesive aesthetic. The main goal was to maximize functionality while maintaining an uncluttered appearance. This approach by Eva González Estudio is evident in the custom-built furniture by Disseny9evo, which combines open and closed modules to provide versatile storage solutions. These custom pieces help in optimizing the space, ensuring every corner is both useful and stylish.

The common areas, including the living and dining spaces, serve as the central hub of the home. The living room is designed to be bright and open, featuring a spacious sofa from Atemporal that anchors the room and invites relaxation and family time. Integrated shelving and storage further enhance the room’s functionality while maintaining a clean, modern look.

The dining room, furnished with simple, elegant pieces from the Ethnicraft brand, adheres to the minimalist theme. The decor is complemented by the adjustable Ambit Rail lamp from Muuto, which adds a warm, earthy ambiance perfect for mealtime or having friends over.

The children’s room is crafted with creativity in mind, offering a playful yet organized space for its young occupants. Combining classic wainscoting with retro-inspired wallpaper from the Swedish brand Sandberg, the room balances fun with sophistication, ensuring the design remains appealing as the children grow.

The primary bedroom focuses on simplicity and natural textures to create an environment of calm and relaxation. Minimalist furniture and decor, coupled with elements like hanging plants and floral arrangements, introduce a sense of nature and tranquility. An adjacent dressing area, equipped with mirrors strategically placed to amplify light, adds to the room’s sense of spaciousness. A built-in desk, tailored to match the room’s aesthetic, provides a practical space for remote work.

The renovation emphasizes sustainability, with a focus on durable, easy-to-maintain materials that reduce the need for future updates. The careful curation of furnishings and finishes not only enhances the home’s energy efficiency but also ensures it remains adaptable for years to come. By seamlessly integrating functionality with aesthetic appeal, the renovation in Vilanova i la Geltrú offers a modern, flexible living space tailored to meet the needs of contemporary coastal living.

Left: Before Right: After

For more information or to see more projects by Eva González Estudio, head to evagonzalezestudio.com.

Photography by Juan Serlo.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

Situated in Bangkok, Thailand within the serene enclave of Bang Kachao, The Nest is a riverside residential project that redefines the relationship between architecture and its natural surroundings. Designed by The Collective Studio Co., Ltd., this 4,305-square-foot residence embodies a respect for its environment while offering a playful, curvy living space.

The Nest draws inspiration from the idea of a “nest,” symbolizing a home that is both a refuge and a part of the natural world. This concept is brought to life through a design that seamlessly integrates with the lush landscape of Bang Kachao, often referred to as the “green lung” of Bangkok. Positioned near the Chao Phraya River, the futuristic residence takes full advantage of its verdant surroundings, creating a peaceful retreat that feels both intimate and expansive.

Legal constraints, including a height limit and setback requirements, guided the architectural approach. The building is centrally positioned on its riverside plot, with its form emerging organically from the ground, echoing the natural growth of a tree. This central placement not only respects the site’s natural contours but also allows for a gradual rise from the entrance to the main living areas, enhancing the feeling of being welcomed by the landscape.

The residence is separated into two wings connected by a spacious ground floor hall. The east wing hosts an open plan living space that flows from the indoors to the outdoors, with a dining area that extends onto a balcony overlooking the river. In contrast, the west wing is dedicated to service areas, including the kitchen and bathrooms, ensuring that functional needs are met without compromising the aesthetic integrity of the home.

The garage, with its elevated concrete structure and modern-retro roof design, adds to the project’s architectural narrative. Circular skylights create playful patterns of light and shadow, while the roof, covered in artificial grass, extends the green expanse of the lawn.

The Nest’s design emphasizes both relaxation and entertainment. A wooden deck terrace serves as a hub for social gatherings, complete with a vertical garden that provides natural cooling. The design of the swimming pool, which mirrors the curves of the building, offers privacy while maintaining views of the river, creating a serene oasis for residents.

A striking double-sided spiral staircase, outfitted with aluminum wood-patterned slats, serves as a central element, connecting the various floors while controlling sunlight and maintaining a flow of natural light throughout the interior. This staircase leads to the second floor retreat, where a cylindrical bedroom offers panoramic views, creating a tranquil space that’s visually connected to the outdoors.

The third floor is dedicated to the primary suite that continues the theme of curvilinear forms, with the bedroom offering sweeping views of the river through a curved glass wall. A walk-in closet and a bathroom with a circular skylight add to the sense of privacy and elegance, creating a space that feels luxurious.

Additional bedrooms in the east wing are designed with equal attention to detail, each offering unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape, whether facing the river or the garden. The architectural design makes extensive use of geometric forms, with cylinders and rectangles creating a dynamic interplay of shapes that is both visually striking and functionally efficient.

The landscape design is an integral part of The Nest’s overall concept. Trees and greenery are used not only to frame the building but also to enhance the privacy of its occupants. The riverside area is transformed into a multifunctional space for recreation and relaxation, with polished stone benches that appear to rise naturally from the ground, creating a continuous, flowing connection between the building and its location.

For more information on The Collective Studio Co., Ltd., head to ctstu.com.

Photography by Mr. Kopchai Limpanataywin & Mr. Saharath Sawadatikom.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

Felix Kilbertus was enthralled with cars before he could even speak, easily recognizing many brands and models while struggling to name them. The Citroën DS was particularly magical to the young enthusiast because its unusual shape reminded him of a shark. Every time he watched one on the road it seemed almost alive, with the hydraulic suspension lifting it as if waking and stretching its legs before a long journey.

It’s hardly surprising then that Kilbertus enjoyed a 20-year career in automotive design before shifting to other arenas, yet he’s still inspired by vehicles of every make. “To this day I am fascinated by how cars move in space and how light reflects on their shiny bodies,” he says. “There are millions of big, kinetic sculptures out in the open all around us – a vast collective work of functional art.”

As the chief creative officer at Pininfarina, Kilbertus supervises all of the teams located in Italy, China, and the United States. These groups work on a range of projects, from architecture to experience design. More than an executive, he serves as a creative guide, grateful for the mentors and colleagues along the way that have shaped his thinking.

As part of daily business in the design world, Kilbertus is interested in photography, which he keeps discovering new facets of. When he takes pictures he acts as an editor, spotting a motif and then framing it. He marvels at the high-quality images that any person can produce with the click of a smartphone button.

The COO stays grounded by tending to his eclectic collection of greenery. Watching the vegetation grow and change is his way of connecting with nature, even indoors. “Plants are beautiful, both as biological living things as well as mathematical structures,” Kilbertus adds. “Helping them flourish – fertilizing, trimming, and watering – has a meditative side that allows me to step back and leave the dynamics of a busy work environment.”

Today, Felix Kilbertus joins us for Friday Five!

Photo: 2001: A Space Odyssey

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey

I’m a big fan of cinema, particularly deeply researched and creative movies, as they allow viewers to step into imagined and meticulously designed worlds. If I had to pick one director who mastered that art to the highest level I would choose Stanley Kubrick. He managed to create a series of masterpieces, and from a contemporary design point of view, 2001: A Space Odyssey stands above all.

The technology and its usage were so well thought through, designed, and visualized that it still feels slightly futuristic today. Certain elements have simply turned out to be spot-on predictions, such as astronauts eating dinner while watching the latest video news on devices that look astonishingly like Apple products. Interestingly, the representation of HAL 9000 is an eerily prescient study of AI, maybe even more relevant today than when the film was first released in 1968 – the year before the moon landing.

Photo: Roberto Conte

2. Villa Gontero

This is a wonderful place that I have been privileged to visit many times. Located near Turin, this unique building has deep connections to Italian Modernism and Brutalism, and is a space that inspires me with its unusual propositions and setting. It was bought a few years ago by good friends of mine, and I was lucky to witness how they brought it back to life and re-imagined it for today.

Photo: San Remo Experience

This extraordinary collection of plants is located on the Italian Riviera, very close to the border between France and Italy. This region has a very particular microclimate that allows for the cultivation of unusually diverse specimens.

Its geographical beauty as well as the taste and significant investment by 19th-century industrialist Sir Thomas Hanbury remain striking to this day, and are worth visiting year-round. In winter and early spring the plants surprise me the most, with warm light and briny sea air enhancing the experience. The smells, shapes, and busy humming of insects pollinating add to the charm of this remarkable place.

The Journey, performance in the Mediterranean Sea, May, 20-23, 2021, as part of the
Kunstenfestivaldesarts, Brussels by Rossella Biscotti Photo: Alexandra Pace

4. Modern Art Museums and Installations

Contemporary art has a special place in my heart. I feel that this is a way to explore the big questions of humanity. Artists somehow manage to ask important questions first, long before we as a society have answers for them. Beyond the more famous global institutions that have rightly become beacons and attractions, other museums and installations like Castello di Rivoli, Roden Crater, and Benesse Art Site Naoshima particularly inspire me.

Photo: Delfino Sisto Legnani

5. Exceptional Events in Italy

Milan Design Week and the Venice Biennale are the top events I try to visit every year, simply to stay up to date and be inspired by the best of contemporary creativity. I’m very lucky that both events are easily reached by high speed train links from Turin.

Works by Felix Kilbertus:

Midsummer by Morgan Motors and Pininfarina is a limited edition barchetta that celebrates its classic European design and modern coachbuilding. Limited to just 50 pieces, Midsummer features a six-cylinder turbocharged engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Midsummer showcases a blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge engineering, particularly visible in its hand-formed aluminum body panels that took over 250 hours to produce. The design of Midsummer epitomizes the timeless elegance and innovative spirits of both design houses. Photo: Morgan Motor

Pininfarina joined forces with Vidde to create an innovative snowmobile, designed to reduce its carbon and environmental footprint to record-breakingly low levels. The creation of Vidde snowmobiles came out of the mission to create a highly attractive and sustainable alternative to traditional snowmobiles. The strategic partnership, which involved the Research Institutes of Sweden, aims to create an attractive, purposeful, and long-lasting electric snowmobile that dramatically reduces harmful environmental impacts. Photo: Vidde

The Rolls Royce Spectre is the world’s first ultra-luxury electric super couple that marks the brand’s bold transition to an all-electric future. Spectre highlights the brand’s dedication to legendary luxury, comfort and performance, enhanced by its unique architecture and engineering. The model is the fourth in its series to be built on the Architecture of Luxury platform and features an all-electric drivetrain and innovative technology through the bespoke Decentralised Intelligence system. Spectre’s design was inspired by haute couture and modern sculpture, including monumental elements such as Starlight Doors and a unique illuminated fascia. No two Spectre are exactly alike, but all share a deep appreciation for fine materials and craftsmanship as an all-electric offering. Photo: Rolls Royce

Rolls Royce reimagined their iconic Spirit of Ecstasy figurine that will sit on the bonnet of the all-electric motor car, Spectre. After over 100 years, the figurine has been remodeled with a lower, more dynamic stance that is more closely aligned with the drawings created by Charles Sykes, the original illustrator and sculptor in the early 20th century. Photo: Rolls Royce

The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé represents the exclusive interpretation of a luxurious BMW Coupé as seen through the eyes of Pininfarina. BMW and Pininfarina worked closely together to create a new automotive persona that emulates passion and luxury into one bespoke design. The contemporary take on classical values combines BMW’s hallmark luxury and dynamics with Pininfarina’s distinctive Italian design to create a four-seater luxury coupé. Photo: BMW

Anna Zappia is a New York City-based writer and editor with a passion for textiles, and she can often be found at a fashion exhibit or shopping for more books. Anna writes the Friday Five column, as well as commercial content.

In the heart of London’s King’s Cross district, the Rufford Mews Apartment is the result of a creative collaboration between partners Mike McMahon and Jewlsy Mathews, of Mike McMahon Studio. Embracing a philosophy of “don’t move, improve,” the duo has turned their own 90-square-meter (approximately 969 square feet) home into a personal design lab, where they experiment with materials and innovative building techniques to meet the evolving needs of their family.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Rufford Mews is the hands-on approach taken by McMahon and Mathews. Every piece of furniture, from dining chairs to storage solutions, was meticulously designed and crafted by the pair for their home. This not only showcases their exceptional craftsmanship but also ensures that every element within the home is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and personalized to their lifestyle.

Birch plywood dominates the interior design, creating a warm, cohesive look throughout the apartment. The dining area, with its cantilevered chairs and bespoke table featuring an integrated fruit bowl, invites gatherings while adding an organic touch to the space. Eight Unfurl Ply dining chairs comprise 26 individual components that are strategically pieced together showcasing the strength of plywood.

Sustainability is at the core of the project. Materials that might have been discarded from nearby construction sites found new life in Rufford Mews. The kitchen, for example, features concrete countertops made from recycled sandblasted Douglas Fir boards, originally sourced from a rooftop garden. The use of FSC-certified timber throughout further demonstrates the commitment to eco-friendly design, as does the focus on durable, long-lasting furniture – a counterpoint to the disposable, flat-pack pieces prevalent in today’s market.

The living room’s centerpiece – a 40mm thick Dinesen Douglas Fir sofa – floats atop concrete pilotti cast in recycled rainwater pipes. Complementing the sofa is a coffee table with wavy cork legs, both of which emphasize McMahon’s ability to blend form and function into artistic, sculptural pieces.

Another custom piece that appears to float is the bed in the main bedroom. The stacked plywood frame cascades inward to a small base that will alleviate stubbed toes in the middle of the night, while eliminating a heavy visual presence that most beds create.

The child’s bedroom is a whimsical retreat, where McMahon’s playful side comes through. Shutters on the bed create a secretive hideaway, sparking the imagination and offering a cozy, private space for games and adventures. Meanwhile, geometric patterns scattered across walls and surfaces add a lively energy to the apartment, reflecting the couple’s fascination with shapes and structures.

Outside, the balconies have been reimagined into lush “junglette” escapes. A thoughtful blend of exotic plants and native species creates a tranquil retreat from urban life. The tree ferns, with their sculptural presence, and climbing vines that weave through the balcony railings, elevate the space into a living extension of the apartment. These green sanctuaries offer moments of calm and connection with nature amid the bustling cityscape.

For more information on Mike McMahon Studio’s architecture, interiors, and furniture projects, visit mikemcmahonstudio.com.

Photography by Peter Molloy.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.