How we know Yael
We first met Yael while planning the opening of our store in Vienna. After that, we kept crossing paths, as the Zurich design scene isn't that big. We are delighted to have had Yael as one of our critics for eight years.
What led you to what you do today?
I’ve always been drawn to visual language as a way to communicate beyond words. My background in design and art education allowed me to explore both conceptual and tactile forms of expression. Over time, I became increasingly interested in how materials, gestures, and everyday rituals shape our perception, and how design can create connection, reflection, and interaction. That mix of intuition, analogue techniques, and interdisciplinary thinking naturally led me to the kind of work I do today.
What do you care about in life?
I care deeply about creating meaningful connections, between people, between ideas, and between ourselves and our environments. I value honesty, curiosity, and collaboration, and I’m passionate about fostering creativity in everyday life. Whether through design, teaching, or shared experiences, I’m always looking for ways to bring more awareness, beauty, and intention into the world.
How do you address this in your work?
I'm drawn to the emotional and sensory aspects of everyday life: how we relate to objects, spaces, and each other. In my work, I try to reflect this through tactile processes, intuitive forms, and themes like transformation. Whether it's through collaborative workshops, installations, or design objects, I try to create experiences that invite reflection, exchange, and a sense of presence.
What do you look for in things you buy?
I look for things that are thoughtfully made, objects with a certain emotional or tactile quality, that feel personal and lasting. I’m drawn to materials that age well, designs that are functional but also spark a small sense of joy or curiosity. I value transparency in how and where things are made, and I prefer pieces that carry a story or a sense of care behind them.
