Change

Stephan Hürlemann is a Swiss architect and designer with his own studio in Zurich. For decades, his work has followed a simple principle: things should last. Quality, formal clarity and the ability to create identity have always shaped his work. As ecological crises intensify, it has become clear that this alone is no longer enough.

In recent years, this shift in perspective has also transformed the work of the studio. Circularity has become a central part of our design process. Today, we rethink how materials, products and spaces can remain in use for as long as possible — and how they can be repaired, reused or transformed instead of becoming waste, without sacrificing emotional or economic value.

Origin

Born in 1972 in the Canton of Appenzell, Hürlemann later studied architecture at ETH Zurich. He then spent several years devoted to music. Starting in 2002, he spent six years working with designer Hannes Wettstein, who introduced him to the world of product and furniture design. After Wettstein’s passing in 2008, Hürlemann became the creative head of the studio, which he reinvented together with Managing Director Britta Herold and brand strategist Barbara Hutter.

Since 2008, more than 100 designs by Stephan Hürlemann have been realized – including the new headquarters Implenia Connect; the installation Giants with Dwarf for Horgenglarus; and Dancing Wall, one of Vitra’s most successful products of recent years.

In 2023, Hürlemann and his partners reduced the size of the company to focus more strongly on projects that promote the circular economy. In addition, Barbara Hutter and Stephan Hürlemann became co-founders of World of Pi.

People

Owner Studio Hürlemann AG: Stephan Hürlemann, Britta Herold and Barbara Hutter
Owner Stephan Hürlemann Design GmbH: Stephan Hürlemann
Design Assistant: Elisa Böll
Management Assistant: Martha Korda
Storytelling: Barbara Hutter