Form Follows Imagination
In contemporary design, the debate over the primacy of form or function is becoming a thing of the past. Today, we return to redefined values: craftsmanship, the power of color, and the sensory qualities of objects. Form does not follow the function, but the material and the imagination of the people who shape it.
Agata Kiedrowicz talks with Karolina Amissah-Pszczółkowska, founder of the Steel Wave brand.
I was intrigued by the objects you create. They operate at the intersection of design, sculpture, and art, defying categorization. How do you define what you create under the Steel Wave label?
At Steel Wave, we focus on steel as a material that inspires our design visions. Thanks to solid craftsmanship foundations, we create objects that combine functionality and aesthetics in a unique way. Our projects, particularly the “Mirror” collection, reflect the durability of steel. The geometric forms are both robust and elegant, giving each object a distinctive yet subtle character. This balance between strength and delicacy defines our approach to design — one that is not only practical but also visually memorable.
A key role in the creation of the brand and products was played by family heritage and craftsmanship tradition.
Yes, that’s true. My father, Ryszard, has been running a craft workshop producing high-precision steel components for over thirty years. The plant, located in northern Greater Poland, employs more than fifty specialists and works for demanding partners across Europe. I always knew my brother’s role would be to take over from my father. As for me, I trained as a lawyer, but I was always drawn to design and photography. While living in Stockholm, I observed the local design scene and was captivated by its simplicity, functionality, and minimalism. I also developed my interests by studying at Central Saint Martins in London, where I delved into the broader principles of aesthetics and photography. It was an amazing experience that shaped a completely new perspective on art for me. I never imagined I would be able to turn these interests into a career and combine them with the family business.
Who is behind the Steel Wave brand?
My brother Piotr and I, complementing each other’s skills. The division is simple: I come up with ideas for products or entire collections, direct the brand, and manage sales. My brother is responsible for production and ensures my ideas are always well executed. We both care deeply about delivering a product of the highest quality. The idea for our collaboration came a little over a year ago. We wanted to use the resources and knowledge we already had and create something beautiful out of steel. That’s how Steel Wave was born. It was then that I realized I could indeed find my place in the “steel” world.
You’ve experienced good aesthetics while living and working in Stockholm and London. Did those experiences help you define your direction, and identify gaps you wanted to fill — in the Polish market, perhaps even globally?
I came to understand that less is more. I fell in love with minimalism and with objects that are beautiful in their simplicity. The Polish market lacks furniture that is restrained in form and informed by a deep knowledge of the material. This is the gap we want to fill; our “Mirror” collection is designed precisely in the spirit of minimalism. The coffee and side tables resemble geometric figures and come in various colors: from natural steel, through cobalt, to elegant black. They are made from the highest quality stainless steel, polished to a high gloss by experienced craftsmen. The objects we create are handmade, not mass-produced; every element is prepared by hand in our workshop. The tables enchant with their simplicity, yet are striking. They “dress” the space they inhabit. The mirror-like surface of the furniture beautifully reflects light — I love watching that play, which echoes my passion for photography. In the near future, we plan to introduce more products to our range — not just tables, but also metal wall decorations, cabinets, mirrors, and dining tables. I would like to present furniture not only in a polished finish but also showing the beautiful brushed texture of steel, and to bring spaces to life with colors. We are only just beginning to work on a larger scale, and the number of ideas and the scope of opportunities — both in the Polish and foreign markets — is immense. That gives us great energy to keep going.
If you could define the proportions that make up the Steel Wave brand, how much is design, and how much is craftsmanship and know-how?
In Steel Wave, design and craftsmanship are inseparably linked, forming the foundation of our brand. Let’s say that each of these areas accounts for about 45% of importance in our creative process. The remaining 10% is determination, passion, and the constant pursuit of perfection, which motivate us to work. In our team, there is no room for creating projects without a deep understanding of craftsmanship and production capabilities. All aspects are closely connected, forming a coherent whole. Design doesn’t exist in a vacuum — it must be grounded in practical knowledge of how to materialize our visions. This combination of expertise and creativity allows us to design and create exceptional objects, made with the utmost care and precision.
What does your work process look like?
The process starts with me preparing a moodboard for the collection or product. Then I sketch the individual products in rough form, and we discuss them with Piotr and our team. Together, we consider how to realize the design in terms of construction. We prepare a 3D model, a technical drawing, and then begin work on the prototype. Steel Wave is a team effort.
The market reality, as well as lifestyle and consumer choices, have changed a lot today. What role does design play now?
Design is not just a matter of a moment, a trend, or fashion. For us, durability and high quality are key. At Steel Wave, we focus on timelessness, which is a conscious expression of opposition to the prevailing consumerist culture. This approach not only emphasizes our commitment to aesthetics but also to creating objects that will serve their users for many years.
What nourishes your senses on a daily basis — where do you look for inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere. I draw from the everyday surroundings, architecture, art, travel, and emerging trends. I am particularly fascinated by the way light and shadow affect the perception of form and material. This is reflected in the design of furniture that reflects and diffuses light, creating dynamic effects in a space. Perhaps in the future we will manage to realize a project in line with this idea. I have many such ideas.
Objects to think about, or objects to feel?
Susan Sontag said that thinking is a form of feeling, and feeling is a form of thinking. In art or design, when you reflect on what the artist wanted to convey through their work, the process naturally evokes emotions. It’s hard to disagree that these processes blend seamlessly.
Steel Wave objects are available on the platform www.onarte.pl as part of the exhibition “OBJECTS TO THINK ABOUT. A CURATED SELECTION OF ART BY ONARTE AND WHITEMAD”
More: https://onarte.pl/art-drop/obiekty-do-myslenia-kuratorska-selekcja-sztuki-on-arte-x-whitemad
Photography: Błażej Pszczółkowski (portraits), others (product session): Karolina Amissah-Pszczółkowska
Link to the article:
They create objects out of steel. How did the Steel Wave brand come about? [INTERVIEW]
