Life companions: the emotional philosophy behind timeless design

Tomaya Design Studio, founded by the dynamic duo Tom Man and Maya Peled, is more than just a design firm—it’s a manifestation of a shared creative journey and a deep connection to the objects that shape our everyday lives. From their early days as students, the founders realized their unique synergy in challenging each other’s ideas to create innovative designs. This collaborative spirit laid the foundation for their studio, which they envisioned even before graduating.

Their design philosophy emphasizes the emotional connection between people and the objects they use, viewing these creations not just as functional items but as enduring companions in daily life. With a commitment to using timeless materials and a creative process that balances spontaneity with thoughtful refinement, Tomaya Design Studio crafts products that resonate deeply with human experience, ultimately aiming to integrate seamlessly into the lives of those who use them and become cherished parts of their memories.

What is your background? How did the design journey of Tomaya Design Studio begin?

Tomaya Studio:

“Our design journey began during our industrial design studies, where we collaborated on several projects and quickly realized we shared a common language and creative synergy. We found that by challenging each other’s ideas, we could arrive at more interesting and unique concepts. Even during our studies, we dreamed of establishing a mutual studio, and once we graduated, alongside our commitment to share our lives, we immediately set out to make that dream a reality, founding Tomaya Design Studio to embody our relationship and ideas in objects.”

What is your design philosophy? What message do you want to convey through your work?

Tomaya Studio:

“Our design philosophy views design as an emotional platform to express ideas and fulfill needs. Our approach aligns with the philosophy of everyday life beauty, which asserts that the objects surrounding us are our life companions. Therefore, we believe they should be built to last and treated with affection. Through our work, we aim to convey that the items we create are not just functional, but enduring elements of our daily lives, deserving of care and appreciation.”

You emphasize the importance of creating products that resonate with human experience. What does that mean for you? How do these two aspects come together?

Tomaya Studio:

“At our studio, we believe in the deep connection between people and the objects they use, and we strive to reflect this bond in our designs. For us, it’s about the intrinsic relationship between humans, objects, and the genuine emotions they evoke. This simple yet profound philosophy guides everything we do, transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary experiences. Each design we create embodies a story and offers a new way to interact with the familiar.”

Which materials do you favor in your designs, and why?

Tomaya Studio:

“We prefer to work with materials like metals, wood, glass, and ceramics in our designs. These durable and timeless elements not only embody high quality but also possess the unique ability to age gracefully alongside us. We choose them for their strength, beauty, and the sense of permanence they bring to our creations, ensuring that each piece can be cherished for generations.”

How does your creative process unfold? Where does it start, and what are the key steps to reach the final product?

Tomaya Studio:

“Our creative process often begins with either a customer’s brief or a strong personal desire. While each project may require a different approach, we typically start with open discussions where we brainstorm a variety of ideas. Each team member then delves into their preferred methods of exploration, whether it’s sketching, modeling, or other forms of creative expression. We also find that stepping out—perhaps for a coffee—allows our minds to wander and ideas to percolate.

These moments of pause and reflection outside the typical workspace often spark innovative thoughts and fresh approaches. Once we have that breakthrough, we collaboratively refine and develop the idea in the studio, ensuring it meets our standards of quality and aligns with our design philosophy before it becomes the final product.”

On what criteria do you define the success of a product? What elements, from your perspective, meet your expectations once the product reaches the market?

Tomaya Studio:

“For us, the success of a product is defined by its seamless integration into the daily lives of those who choose it. When a product sparks conversations, invites a rethinking of everyday actions—whether in how a glass is held or how it rests on a coaster—and becomes a ‘companion’ in the home, we know we’ve achieved our goal. Success, however, goes beyond mere aesthetics; it’s about embodying a preconceived meaning and acting as a communication tool.

Objects, as mute entities, require designers to infuse them with thoughtful concepts and emotional elements. This not only enhances their functionality but also deepens their connection with users, making them truly impactful in people’s lives and ensuring they become cherished parts of their experiences and memories for generations to come.”