Yep, some of your favorite architects didn’t just shape skylines: they also crafted some pretty awesome furniture. One need only look at the designers behind Cassina‘s most famous products and find a list of names that an architecture enthusiast is familiar with. And honestly, getting your entire home designed by Zaha Hadid or Renzo Piano might be a bit out of reach for most of us. But hey, why not bring a little piece of their genius into your space with a piece of furniture instead?
1. Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid is synonymous with futuristic, flowing forms that seem to defy gravity. Her architectural projects are famous for their organic, almost fluid lines. When it comes to furniture, she brought that same vibe to the 131 Zh One armchair for Cassina. It’s bold, curvy, and undeniably Hadid: a statement piece that screams innovation. Perfect if you’re into a space that feels both modern and dynamic, with a futuristic-minimalism style vibe.
2. Renzo Piano
Renzo Piano is all about blending functionality with elegance. Known for iconic buildings like The Shard, his attention to detail is unparalleled. The Voltri chair for Riva 1920 reflects his architectural philosophy: simplicity combined with craftsmanship. Made from solid wood, it’s minimalist yet warm, just the kind of understated cool you’d expect from Piano. It’s the type of piece you should choose if you love that Scandinavian/Japandi style.
3. Gae Aulenti
Gae Aulenti didn’t just design iconic museums, she also had a knack for playful yet sophisticated interiors. One of her standout furniture pieces is the Stringa sofa for Poltronova. It’s modular, comfy, and practical: just what you’d expect from someone who valued both aesthetic and usability. The Stringa perfectly balances a casual look with structured comfort. The perfect home for this iconic seating? Definitely a house in an eclectic style.
4. Ettore Sottsass
If you’ve ever seen the colorful, geometric pieces of the Memphis Group, you know Ettore Sottsass. His Palm Springs table for Memphis is no exception: loud, vibrant, and totally unconventional. It’s a table that doesn’t just sit in your space; it demands attention. Sottsass had a way of making everyday objects feel like art. It’s one of those pieces that makes a statement without taking itself too seriously, perfect for injecting some personality into a minimalist room, or for someone who embraces bold postmodernism and brutalism.
5. Kazuyo Sejima
Sejima’s work is all about lightness and simplicity. The Picapica coffee table for Driade is a sleek, minimalist piece that embodies her delicate aesthetic. It’s a perfect balance of form and function: understated but beautifully crafted. Great for those who appreciate a clean, airy feel in their space. Ideal if your style leans towards subtle elegance with a modern twist.
Integrating architect-designed furniture into your living space is like weaving a narrative of creativity and innovation into the fabric of your home. These pieces don’t merely serve a functional purpose: they stand as sculptural statements, encapsulating the design philosophy of their creators. Owning such furniture means engaging in a dialogue between architecture and daily life, where form, materiality, and spatial concepts converge in tangible, usable art. Whether it’s the dynamic tension of a Hadid chair or the warm minimalism of a Piano piece, these objects invite us to experience space through the lens of visionary minds. In a way, they challenge us to rethink our surroundings, transforming ordinary rooms into curated environments that celebrate the intersection of architecture and interior design.
