by Margherita Bruni
Deeply convinced that design objects can positively shape our perception of space and the way we live, Hanya Leo has conceived a furniture collection, Artefacts, with the intention of turning ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.
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Hanya Leo is an Australian-Swiss architect and designer deeply inspired by the greatest Italian designers of the early 20th century. Her passion for design emerged at a very young age: at just eight years old, fascinated by colors, materials, and shapes, she began to wonder why the spaces that hold and protect us exert such a powerful influence on the way we feel. After operating as an architect specializing in interior design for more than ten years, she launched her first furniture line, the Artefacts Collection. The collection came to life working side by side with local artisans, from whom she had the valuable opportunity to learn even more about the nuances of design.
The collection was presented in her new gallery in Zürich, opened in July 2025, the HANYA LEO Artefacts and Spaces Gallery, an intimate and curated space that preserves and enhances this and future creations by the Swiss designer. Shapes, materials, and styles coexist within a collection of pieces that do not seek to represent a specific era or trend, but rather to evoke the vision of an imaginary collector of artefacts: an ever-evolving series built over time and across the world.
In this interview, Hanya shares the roots of her work, the vision behind the Artefacts Collection, the profound lessons about matter she has learned from working closely with artisans, and what design truly means to her. A conversation in which the essential role of design emerges strongly, not only in organizing the spaces that contain us, but also in influencing the way we interact with them and inhabit them, whether alone or in company. A role that clearly distinguishes between what we define as an object and what we define as design.
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Could you briefly introduce yourself: who are you and where do you come from?
Hanya Leo:
I am an Australian-Swiss interior architect based in Zurich, with over a decade of experience in creating hospitality, commercial, and residential spaces. I grew up in Brisbane, Australia, studied Interior Architecture there, and then moved to Switzerland to be with my grandmother and eventually made Zurich my permanent home.
When in your life did you realize that you wanted to become a designer?
Hanya Leo:
I have known I wanted to be a designer since I was eight years old. From a young age, materials, colours, and forms intrigued me. I now know that I was searching for the reasons why we feel certain ways in spaces. This thought process became the guiding principle for my professional evolution.
Artefacts is your new furniture collection. It consists of different pieces — tables, stools, lamps, and pedestals — which together create a complete environment, an interior space that is dynamic, harmonious, and at the same time strong. How did the collection come to life?
Hanya Leo:
The first Artefacts collection grew from my dual passion for interior spaces and site-specific objects. In my work, I saw a need for furniture that not only reflects Zurich—a city full of artisanal quality and innovative spirit—but also adapts to smaller living environments. After refining dozens of prototypes, I collected bold and delicate forms, combining global inspiration with a local sense of place. My intention was to create furniture for life, pieces that actively shape and enrich their surroundings.
The various elements of Artefacts are actually very different from each other. What distinguishes them are not only the forms — from more subtle silhouettes to more imposing and bold ones — but also the materials: solid ash wood for the table and pedestals, sanded stainless steel for the stools, and ribbed textile for the lamps. Despite this variety of materials and silhouettes, the pieces communicate with great coherence: what is the common thread you wanted to highlight in order to unify them?
Hanya Leo:
Despite the variety of silhouettes and materials, all the pieces share an emphasis on durability, active engagement, and timeless aesthetics. The common thread lies in their ability to create meaningful spaces, their locally sourced sustainable materials, and the way they invite interaction and presence, rather than simply occupying space. I wanted to create a collection that wasn’t particularly tied to a design era, and somehow embodied an eclectic collector’s living space that travelled the world collecting artefacts.
Each piece of the Artefacts was handcrafted by artisans. Can you tell us how this collaboration unfolded?
Hanya Leo:
Each piece in the Artefacts collection was meticulously handcrafted by Swiss artisans—Ernst Wieland AG for wood, Surber Metallbau AG for metalwork, and Lampenatelier Bea for lamps. I think at first they might have been a bit sceptical about embarking on this journey with me. Surber being a larger, industrial workshop or Lampenatelier Bea being a very small mother-daughter collective – but they were interested enough to jump on board and for that I am very thankful. The process was deeply collaborative; rather than simply handing over designs, I worked side by side with these skilled craftspeople, developing prototypes and selecting materials together to ensure every detail met the vision for the collection and, at the same time, was realistic.
In working closely with artisans, what kind of knowledge or sensibility do you feel has been passed on to you?
Hanya Leo:
Working closely with artisans has taught me to appreciate the nuances of each material and the profound difference that technique and human touch make. Their sensitivity to quality and their pride in craftsmanship have influenced me to prioritize longevity, sustainability, and the soul of an object over fleeting trends.
How have the skills you gained working as an interior architect influenced your work as a product designer?
Hanya Leo:
As an interior architect, I am always thinking about how people move through and experience a space—this sensitivity naturally carries over into product design. It has informed my attention to detail, my search for practical yet beautiful solutions, and the drive to make objects that actively contribute to spatial atmosphere and function.
In your opinion, what impact does design have on everyday life? And what impact do you hope the Artefacts collection will have on the lives of those who will welcome them into their homes?
Hanya Leo:
Design profoundly shapes everyday life—well-designed objects and environments can transform routine moments into memorable experiences. With the Artefacts collection – or other collections in the future – I hope to spark engagement, foster a culture of Zürich-made furniture, and offer long-lasting companions that adapt, inspire, and enrich homes or semi/-public spaces for years.