atelier CRAFT

A studio that sets the tone and is unafraid to challenge conventions. Founded ten years ago, atelier CRAFT has established itself as a key reference in multidisciplinary creativity, demonstrating with every new project that eco-conscious values and aesthetics are far from incompatible—provided intelligence and emotion are embedded in the design process. A portrait of a creative studio unlike any other.

AHEAD OF ITS TIME
Like many great stories, that of atelier CRAFT’S begins with encounters. First, the meeting between Minh Ta and Roman Szymczak, who began collaborating on scenography projects in 2014. Later, Lucas Abtey joined the studio in 2021. The practice grew from shared values and ambitions, far removed from the still-dominant model that rigidly separated creative disciplines.

“We realized that we shared a genuine affinity in our creative language. Our early collaborations made us want to establish our own studio, combining scenography, spatial design, micro-architecture, and object design. The adventure began in a squat ten years ago”, recalls Minh Ta during our conversation.

A HOLISTIC CREATIVE VISION
From sketching to fabrication, installation and dismantling, the studio chooses to think about the creative process as a whole. Ten years ago, this approach was unusual, yet it quickly resonated with clients—particularly in the events industry. This innovative mindset is accompanied by a value that was still rare in the design industry and event production at the time: desirability as a tool against waste. While the event world remains heavily accustomed to disposable installations, atelier CRAFT chose instead to produce scenographic elements designed to endure.

“We all share a strong appreciation for things that are well made. From the beginning, it was essential for us to design and produce beautiful pieces—objects desirable enough that throwing them away would simply be unthinkable. Another inherent feature is that they can be assembled and disassembled, making them reusable. It worked: today, many of our clients keep our scenographic elements, and when they no longer need them they often return them so we can reuse them in other projects”, explains Minh Ta.

TEN YEARS LATER
What was once a rare practice has taken on an entirely new resonance a decade later, in a transformed economic and social context—positioning atelier CRAFT as a pioneer. In 2026, brands are more than ever seeking sustainable solutions, and the studio has become a recognized reference in this field. The team also shares this vision with students and emerging designers, dedicating increasing time to organizing workshops aimed at transmitting their approach—one that transcends the theoretical boundaries of the creative disciplines.

When asked what they have learned about their practice over the past ten years, the answer is simple: “We realized that it was important to theorize our method and to articulate a clear discourse while continuing to experiment and explore the act of making. If our work can serve as an example, we are very proud of that.” •

photos: New Balance Citadium Caumartin, atelier CRAFT • © Alexandra Mocanu • Team, atelier CRAFT • © Arnaud Wolff • Ambactos for the Mobilier national, atelier CRAFT• © Alexandra Mocanu • L’Atelier Birkenstock, atelier CRAFT • © Adrien Ozouf