Alu stool, S, green

Muller Van Severen, founded in 2011, is a collaboration of two Belgian designers, Fien Muller and Hannes Van Severen, balancing somewhere between art and design. The two are known for their sculptural and interesting designs that convey their love for carefully selected high-quality materials – which often are the starting point for the duo’s designs.

Although careful research is essential for Muller Van Severen, the duo’s designs are often so minimalistic and simple, naive even, that one could easily think they were sketched up completely intuitively.

Muller Van Severen – colours and sculptural forms

Muller Van Severen is a Belgian design duo made up of artist Fien Muller and architect Hannes Van Severen. Founded in 2011, the studio rose quickly to international prominence with products in which sculpture and everyday object merge into one. Their work moves along the boundary between art and functional design.

An aesthetic of opposites

In their products, Muller Van Severen favour durable, timeless materials such as steel, marble, leather and solid wood. The materials are left as pure as possible, allowing their natural beauty and structure to come through.

The duo’s design language often brings together opposites: introvert and extrovert, light and heavy, feminine and masculine. The balance of these tensions makes their work both recognisable and subtle.

Collaborations and recognition

Muller Van Severen’s own collections are made by hand in small workshops and in collaboration with local artisans. The duo has also designed products for well-known European brands, such as the Danish HAY and the Belgian valerie_objects.

Muller Van Severen’s works belong to several public collections, including the Vitra Design Museum, the Centre Pompidou and Design Museum Gent. Numerous awards and exhibitions have established the duo as one of the most important names in contemporary European design.

Who: Muller Van Severen

• Belgian design duo, founded in 2011.
• Fien Muller (b. 1978) has a background in visual art and Hannes Van Severen (b. 1981) in architecture.
• The couple, who live and work in Ghent, are known for their bold colours and material combinations.
• Awards: Belgian Designer of the Year (2015), Maison&Objet Designer(s) of the Year (2023).
• Notable works: Alu furniture and Hanging Lamps (valerie_objects), Perforated cabinets and the Arcs series (HAY).

Read more in Design Stories

• Muller Van Severen: ”What matters is to focus on what truly interests us” >