The Belgian design scene is vast and diverse. Belgian institutions are always at the forefront of supporting the people, new projects and products that make our country dynamic and unique.
paulineplusluis awarded Designer of the Year 2024!
Based in Brussels, Pauline and Luis have garnered international recognition since their studies at La Cambre, thanks to their distinctive approach to industrial design. Their work is characterized by the reinterpretation of images that resonate in our collective memory and of ordinary materials through simple objects imbued with a narrative dimension. Their studio has collaborated with renowned brands including Deknudt Mirrors, Serax, XLBoom, and Hayche, and is celebrated for its innovative approach to object design, reinterpreting simple materials in a near-poetic fashion.
“With the annual Designer of the Year award, Knack Weekend and Le Vif Weekend aim to spotlight not only established names but also emerging design talent. Over the past few years, Pauline Capdo and Luis Bellenger have become worthy ambassadors for Belgium’s rich product design scene, thanks in part to their exceptional lighting designs, surprising in their simplicity. The time was right to offer their studio, paulineplusluis, the professional boost that comes with this title,” said Amélie Rombauts, Design / Interior & Architecture editor at Knack Weekend and Le Vif Weekend.
From studies to studio: the journey of paulineplusluis
With roots in France, paulineplusluis has become a fixture in the Belgian design world. Pauline, hailing from the Landes region in southwest France, and Luis, from Normandy, met while studying at Saint-Luc in Tournai. After completing their education, they continued their studies at La Cambre in Brussels, where they eventually settled and founded their design studio. During their school years, they began participating in exhibitions and competitions such as the MAD Surprize and SaloneSatellite in Milan, paving the way for important collaborations with brands like Deknudt Mirrors, Serax, and XLBoom.
Their design process is built on close collaboration, with each project developed together from concept to completion. Working without a strict division of roles, both designers are equally involved in every aspect of the creative process. Inspiration comes from everyday materials and situations, as they explore and utilise the hidden qualities of objects. Their approach is intuitive and hands-on, with ideas often arising outside the office—during travel or through object manipulation. This experimental practice results in unique designs that transcend ordinary functionality.
