Design in motion: exploring Studio Attila Veress
Constant movement, material exploration, and strategic collaborations define the work of Attila Veress. In this episode of Behind, we step into his dynamic practice to uncover how mobility and hands-on experience with industry experts shape his design approach.
Design is often perceived as a practice bound to a studio space, but for Attila Veress, the creative process is inherently mobile. Born in Transylvania and trained in Italy, he established the studio in Milan, where he has developed a method that intertwines product design, strategic consultancy, and artistic direction for brands of varying scales, along with hands-on collaboration with artisans, and continuous exploration of materials.
Rather than being confined to a single location, Attila’s work unfolds across multiple contexts. He moves fluidly between brands, factories, and workshops, maintaining an independent perspective while embedding himself within the companies he collaborates with, bridging strategic vision with creative direction.
His perspective on mobility extends beyond logistics—it’s a core philosophy that shapes his creative process. By immersing himself in different production landscapes, he gains insights that wouldn’t be accessible from a distance. This approach fosters deeper collaboration, enabling an organic exchange of knowledge between designers and craftspeople.
Working with companies of varying scales—some with extensive heritage, others emerging as startups—he adapts his approach to each context. His process involves assessing a brand’s existing identity and strategically determining how much reinvention it can sustain. For historic brands, inspiration often comes from archival research, reinterpreting past designs in a contemporary way. With newer brands, the challenge lies in establishing an identity from the ground up, as seen in his collaboration with Luce di Carrara, where he crafted a fresh vision by blending different material values.
Another defining aspect of Attila’s practice is his engagement with raw materials. Italy’s rich manufacturing landscape provides access to a diverse range of materials—glass, plastic, metal, and marble. His collaborations with industry leaders offer opportunities to experiment, redefining traditional craftsmanship through new interpretations.
His hands-on approach is evident in his work with brands like Artemide, Luce di Carrara, and Cassina. For Artemide, he co-developed a lighting collection with chef Davide Oldani, integrating blown glass elements to enhance both table illumination and food presentation. For Luce di Carrara, he designed News, an object that combines solid wood and marble, featuring a sliding lid that serves as a message board. Meanwhile, for Cassina, his Torrecotta project explores modularity in ceramics, creating stackable elements that allow for varied functional compositions. Each of these projects showcases his ability to merge material properties with functional and aesthetic storytelling.
Attila Veress represents a new generation of designers who see their work as fluid and adaptive rather than fixed to a singular location or identity. His practice demonstrates that design is not just about objects—it is about movement, relationships, and the continuous dialogue between tradition and innovation.