(M+A STUDIO)
Meet the designers:the first wave of our Design in Residency just ended
This spring, we opened the doors of M+A Studio to five remarkable designers as part of our first-ever Design in Residency. What followed was three months of shared space, creative exchange, and quiet transformation. For the designers, for us, and for everyone who visited the studio. Rooted in the idea that every design has a story, the residency brought together emerging talent and offered them a platform to be seen, supported, and surrounded by a likeminded creative community. Today, we're spotlighting the five creatives who shaped this first chapter. scrol to read the full story
Niels Raoul Boone
Niels designs with an eye for imperfection and a love for materials that carry weight - literally and figuratively. His sculptural objects are grounded in architectural tension, always dancing between form and function. His work added depth and grounding to the studio space, inviting touch and reflection. Niels brought a quiet but powerful presence to the residency, encouraging us all to slow down and feel the work.
Hanne Cornette
Delicate and grounded, playful yet precise - Hanne's pieces bring a softness to the hard edges of design.Her intuitive way of working created small moments of stillness across the studio. Her use of glaze and form explored contrast and harmony, reminding us of the importance of tactility in a digital world.
Oscar De Roover
Oscar redefined what it means to create conversation pieces — quite literally.His work didn’t just sit in the room; it spoke. As he described it: “You can really feel how the design pieces engage in a dialogue with each other and with the space. It’s inspiring to see how others respond to the items; their reactions offer new perspectives you wouldn’t encounter in your own studio.” His installations invited unexpected interactions, sparking new ways of seeing.
Bent Fierens
Known for his bold, minimal stools, Bent's design language is instantly recognisable. His pieces introduced color and shape that felt at once graphic and architectural. The residency gave him a new stage — and new audiences. “I was positively surprised by how many people shared the stools on social media after seeing them in the studio,” Bent said. “It was great to see how well the designs worked in the industrial setting — it brought out something new in them.”
Mirthe Tibos
Mirthe’s pieces blend design, art, and storytelling into functional objects with soul. Her work felt like quiet poetry - thoughtful in detail, emotional in tone. She brought a sensitivity to the studio that was both grounding and inspiring. Her contribution underscored the idea that design isn’t just what you see, but what you feel.
Thank you to these five talents for trusting us, sharing their stories, and helping us shape what Design in Residency can be. This was just the beginning - and we can’t wait to welcome the next wave. Inquiries: nel@marnixandally.com
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