Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 36
Occupation: Designer and owner of Ursula Futura.
Instagram: @ursulafutura
Hometown: Mondsee, a small village near Salzburg.
Studio location: Vienna.
Describe what you make: I create mouth-blown glassware with a focus on fluidity and imaginative play.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: My inaugural collection, Phenomena, holds a special place in my heart as it marked the launch of Ursula Futura. Inspired by the ever-changing nature of our alter ego, the collection reflects the movement of glass and draws inspiration from the captivating properties of water. It encapsulates my design philosophy of sparking curiosity and fostering a lighthearted, optimistic, and playful atmosphere.
Describe the problem your work solves: My creations do not aim to solve problems; instead, they convey the message of openness and ignite a sense of childlike enthusiasm for discovery and adventure. This is the essence of what Ursula Futura represents: an invitation to embrace novelty, maintain curiosity, and view the world with a fresh, unassuming perspective.
Personally, I have learned a lot from working with glass:
Patience—it doesn’t always work on the first try.
Letting go—you can’t control everything with glass.
Sensitivity—the glassblowers I work with feel the material, like in a dance. 😊
Describe the project you are working on now: I recently concluded a collaborative project with Vöslauer, an Austrian mineral water company. Together, we crafted a collection of unique carafes and glasses by repurposing their existing glass bottles. I’m currently deeply immersed in the development of an engaging tableware collection centered around the theme of Euphoria. I’m fascinated by these intense moments of energy and happiness and how these fleeting moments can be translated into objects. I’m also working on an exciting lamp collection made from hand-blown glass, with a planned launch in late autumn.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: My newest collection is the Eclipse Vase, which represents a fusion of colors and an exploration of perception. The pieces are meticulously crafted with carefully carved windows that reveal a captivating play of contrasts, as vibrant colors merge. Depending on the viewing angle, these openings reveal glimpses into the opposite color or what may lay behind. This collection offers an immersive experience, showcasing the interplay of light, colors, and the chromatic richness of glass.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Great Daylight. Light always plays a role in design, as every material, surface, and color reflects light in a different way. With glass, this effect is intensified, as glass not only reflects but also refracts light, adding an extra dimension. Light is something I always consider in my designs.
What you do when you’re not working: As my work is my passion, it doesn’t feel like work to me. I guess a part of my brain is constantly engaged in thoughts about design and seeking inspiration.
I love adventures and new experiences, which is one of the reasons why I adore design. It offers constant opportunities for learning and growth. Apart from that, I enjoy sports activities such as hiking, snowboarding, kitesurfing, and traveling. I’m also an avid enthusiast of mathematics and the sciences. Embracing my inner nerd is something I truly cherish.
Sources of creative envy: Not envy but admiration for Rebecca Horn, I love how she challenges conventional boundaries with her symbolic gestures and immersive experiences; Dimore Studio for their amazing scenography skills for drama and involving all senses; Olafur Eliasson, how he uses light in his works always amazes me.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Basically, all the apps on my phone. WhatsApp, Instagram, email.
Concrete or marble? Marble. I love that each piece is unique and has developed over so many years.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens and ghosts. Would love to meet both.
Dark or light? Light, but I need the dark to appreciate the light.
