The art of imperfection: sculptural designs enhanced by materials’ uniqueness

Yet Design Studio, based in both Istanbul and London, has been making a significant impact in the design world since its inception in 2019. Founded by award-winning interior designer Yağmur Köylü and international business strategist Lokman Köylü, the studio is dedicated to creating timeless and functional environments.

Their work spans a wide range of disciplines, including interior architecture, product and furniture design, graphic design, and consultancy. At the heart of their approach is a commitment to simplicity and elegance, combining minimalistic, sculptural forms with traditional craftsmanship to produce designs that are not only visually striking but also emotionally meaningful. They embrace the concept of the unfinished, viewing each design as a continuous journey that evolves over time.

In this interview with the two founders, we aimed to understand what defines the past and present of the studio, while also exploring their future projects.

How did Yet Design Studio come about? What is your background and journey in the world of design?

Yet Design Studio:

“YET. is an Istanbul – London based interdisciplinary design studio that was established in 2019 to design and create timeless and functional environments. Believing that the creation process is a whole, our vision extends to interior architecture, product and furniture design, graphic design, and consultancy.

In 2019, as two professionals from different disciplines we came together to establish an interdisciplinary design studio. Yağmur Köylü, an award-winning interior designer with extensive experience across multiple design firms, partners with Lokman Köylü, whose background lies in international business management and strategy. While Yağmur Köylü is a true expert in design, Lokman Köylü primarily drives the innovative strategy of establishing an efficient, vertically integrated company.

This strategy involves in-house product design, collaborations with meticulously chosen manufacturing facilities, and global market sales. We believe that great design should be both beautiful and functional, while being inspired from different disciplines to create products and spaces that push boundaries.”

What is the purpose you or your firm wants to convey through your works?

Yet Design Studio:

“At the core of our philosophy lies an honest aesthetic that showcases power and beauty in simple geometric shapes with a playful approach. We aim to create timeless designs by combining the minimalism based sculptural forms in our products with the inherent perfect imperfections of the materials we choose, blending them with traditional craftsmanship exclusively for each piece.

In this direction, we aspire to create not only aesthetically pleasing but also emotionally satisfying products and spaces by merging our personal passion and design discipline.  We aim to establish an emotional bond with the user of our products rather than just a commodity.”

On your website, you state that you believe in the beauty of the unfinished. Can you explain what it means?

Yet Design Studio:

“At YET., we embrace the concept of incompleteness as a fundamental aspect of our design philosophy. The beauty of the unfinished refers to our belief that every design is an ongoing journey rather than a final destination. This perspective allows us to continually refine and enhance our creations over time, inspired by new experiences and insights.

It also reflects our commitment to creating products and spaces that evolve and adapt, encouraging a dynamic interaction between the user and the design. By celebrating the unfinished, we honor the process of creation and the endless possibilities it holds, allowing for innovation and growth.”

Is your investigation as a designer driven mostly by written text or by visuals? What information is most useful to carry out your creative process?

Yet Design Studio:

“Our research is carried out by conveying both written texts and visuals However, I can say that visual research proves to be more beneficial.

Written sources provide a conceptual framework that guides our creative process and helps express the emotional context behind our designs. Visual research, on the other hand, allows us to explore form, color, texture, and spatial relationships. The more visual research we do, the more possibilities we accumulate, making it easier to materialize abstract concepts.

In short, the most useful information for our creative process is a blend of theoretical insights and practical explorations. This combination enables us to create designs that are both aesthetic and functional.”

Considering that we can buy your products on your website, what is the most effective marketing technique that you have experienced so far to effectively promote your brand and drive sales?

Yet Design Studio:

“We believe that visibility is crucial for connecting with our target audience effectively. To enhance our presence, we are actively participating in both domestic and international events, including exhibitions and design shows. While our products are accessible through our website, we are also leveraging international online platforms, such as DesignWanted, to further amplify our reach. By engaging in these high-profile platforms and events, we aim to maximize our visibility and attract a broader audience.”

What is the next step for Yet Design Studio?

Yet Design Studio:

“At Yet Design Studio, our vision for the next step is to elevate our global presence become globally known brand. We are strategically focusing on several key areas to achieve this. We are aiming to strengthen our brand’s global footprint through strategic partnerships and collaborations with other leading design firms in the industry. This will help us gain visibility and credibility on an international scale.”