The est Best | Top International Designers

The est Best

The Best of est 2020 series recognises 10 leading architects and designers spanning continent, approach and aesthetic in both Australia and around the globe. Criteria selection is based on design, editorial engagement, insights and analytics.

Proudly supported by Rogerseller WORDS Lidia Boniwell

The Best International

See the full feature on our Top 10 International designers on estliving.com.

CAPRINI & PELLERIN ARCHITECTES

Jerry Pellerin, Kevin Caprini

JUMA ARCHITECTS

Mathieu Luyens, Julie van De Keere

ELIZABETH ROBERTS ARCHITECTS

Elizabeth Roberts

PITSOU KEDEM ARCHITECTS

Pitsou Kedem

FAULKNER ARCHITECTS

Greg Faulkner

K-STUDIO

Dimitris & Konstantinos Karampatakis

ADAM JORDAN ARCHITECTURE

Adam Jordan

RYAN LEIDNER ARCHITECTURE

Ryan Leidner

ANNABELL KUTUCU INTERIOR DESIGN & STYLING

Annabell Kutucu

INTERIOR DESIGN BY NATHALIE DEBOEL

Nathalie Deboel

JUMA Architects

Founders Mathieu Luyens & Julie van De Keere

Project Townhouse DT Design JUMA Architects

Photography Annick Vernimmen

Belgian-based JUMA Architects directors Mathieu Luyens and Julie van De Keere describe natural stone as a material at the heart of their country’s revered design aesthetic. Known for their contemporary take on traditional Belgian architecture, Mathieu and Julie’s work centres around warm minimalism and natural materials – best seen in their home and studio in East Flanders.

This year has made it painfully clear how important a quality home and its surroundings are.

- Mathieu Luyens

Pitsou Kedem

Director Pitsou Kedem

Project Old Jaffa House 4 |Design Pitsou Kedem

Photography Amit Geron

Tel Aviv architect Pitsou Kedem revives traditional Israeli architecture through a Mid-Century lens. Attributing his design principles to the modernist movement, Pitsou Kedem pursues simple rectangular forms and a minimalist aesthetic. The architect’s Old Jaffa House 4, defined by its age-old stone arches, pays respect to the ancient architecture found in the Old City of Jaffa.

People have learnt to appreciate their living environment, apartments and offices more in 2020. The value of natural light, longterm comfort and airflow will become even more dominant this year in design.

- Pitsou Kedem

Annabell Kutucu

Director Annabell Kutucu

Project Tulum Treehouse | Design Annabell Kutucu

Photography Brechenmacher & Baumann Photography

Berlin-based designer Annabell Kutucu is no stranger to the Mediterranean hospitality scene, responsible for some of the most coveted destinations on the Greek Islands. Annabell’s work pays respect to rural Mediterranean design, favouring a consistent palette of rattan, linen and jute. In collaboration with architects, craftsmen and artists, the designer aims to create spaces with “soul and in harmony with nature” best seen in her Tulum Treehouse. Closer to home, she recently designed a Brutalist creative hub in Berlin.

Natural materials, artisanship and handcraft are important elements; the symbiosis of new and old and the beauty in imperfection are what helps to develop places that feel real, human and simply good.

- Annabell Kutucu

Project Brutalist Silence | Design Annabell Kutucu

Photography Ana Santl

Elizabeth Roberts Architects

Founder Elizabeth Roberts

Project Johnson-Miner Townhouse | Design Elizabeth Roberts Architecture

Photography Cassie Floto-Warner

Establishing her firm in 1998, architect Elizabeth Roberts is known for sensitively reincarnating historic New York brownstones and townhouses. The architect has mastered the art of merging old and new through timeless forms and finishes, seeing international praise for her collaboration on the home of design and lifestyle creative Athena Calderone (Eyeswoon).

I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated my job as much as I do now - the alchemy that results from working with and for people is truly satisfying. I feel more privileged than ever to mentor talented designers and create lasting and successful designs for our clients.

- Elizabeth Roberts

Project Cobble Hill Townhouse | Design Elizabeth Roberts Architecture

Photography Gieves Anderson