How this design studio crafts the best sustainable modular furniture of the year
Discover Imagine Design Studio’s sustainable modular furniture, merging upcycled materials and circular design to create innovative interiors
Editor’s note: At the intersection of sustainability and contemporary style, Imagine Design Studio emerges as a pioneering force in modular furniture and circular design. Founded by three product designers who graduated from Istituto Marangoni in Milan, the studio transforms upcycled materials into high-end, multifunctional objects for eco-conscious interiors. From its signature mirror-finish 45/90 Collection to a successful Kickstarter debut, Imagine Design Studio is redefining the future of sustainable furniture, where timeless aesthetics meet zero-waste innovation. This is the origin story of an emerging design studio making a lasting impact on modern interior architecture, as shared by one of its three founders, Saul Mena.
The Origin Story of a Sustainable Design Brand
How Imagine Design Studio Was Born at Istituto Marangoni
It all began in the heart of Milan, at Istituto Marangoni, where Alberto Lago, Giacomo Piffaretti and I (Saul Mena) first met. As students in the Product Design course, we quickly bonded over our shared interests in sustainability, bold aesthetics, and timeless design.
During our summer break in 2024, Alberto turned his curiosity into a simple yet profound idea. In the quiet of his parents’ garage, he decided to cut a piece of stainless steel—something that looked insignificant, just a leftover scrap. But for him, it was the beginning of something big. It was the spark that led to Imagine Design Studio.
When the three of us reunited in Milan that autumn, our vision began to take shape. We revisited our sketches, refined our concepts, and experimented with materials. Before long, we had a modular collection—a series of mirror-finish steel objects that could easily change from wall sculptures to table centrepieces to planters with just a simple twist of 45° or 90°. That’s how our 45/90 Collection was born. What started as a summer project had grown into something that would completely change our careers and set us up to make a lasting impact in the design world.
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How Circular Design Powers Innovative Furniture
How Upcycling Shapes Our Modular Stainless Steel Collection
The true magic of the 45/90 Collection lies in its philosophy: upcycling industrial scrap into high-quality, desirable products. By repurposing leftover materials, Imagine Design Studio ensures that these valuable resources are not discarded, but are instead transformed into something beautiful and functional. Our approach combines sustainability with high-end design, using materials such as stainless steel offcuts from a roll-forming plant and dead-stock fabrics from textile mills.
The process behind the 45/90 Collection was not just about creating a product; it aimed to craft something with purpose. We used the resources at Istituto Marangoni’s FabLab, benefiting from invaluable insights during late-night critique sessions with our mentor, Prof. Lorenzo Bustillos. We connected with local metalworkers who helped us cut, fold, and assemble factory scrap into precise panels. The result was a line of objects that shipped flat, could be assembled without tools, and could be endlessly recombined, making the products both versatile and functional.
Modular Design Principles Behind Our Furniture
Why 45/90? The Role of Angles in Eco-Friendly Design
At the core of Imagine Design Studio’s collection lies a deceptively simple design philosophy: two bends, 45° and 90°. These simple angles allowed us to craft a modular system that is visually striking while remaining efficient to manufacture. The collection’s minimalist design stems from a commitment to efficiency: it makes the most of materials, minimises waste, and allows each piece to be easily reconfigured into various setups. This approach not only minimises scrap but also makes it incredibly easy for customers to arrange the modules in ways that best suit their spaces.
This is more than just functional design; it invites users to become part of the creative process. With a few simple twists, the collection adapts to its owner’s needs, turning from one object into another, offering both beauty and versatility.
Mirror-Finish Stainless Steel for Eco-Conscious Interior Design
A Statement on Minimalism, Reflection and Responsible Aesthetics
Each piece in the 45/90 Collection is crafted from bright-annealed stainless steel, resulting in a pure, high-gloss finish. There’s no extra coating or secondary processes—just the raw elegance of the material itself. The natural mirror finish of the steel reflects light and colour, adding sophisticated vibrancy to any space. Whether it’s placed in a sleek Milanese loft or a contemporary gallery in Bergen, these pieces command attention, using nothing but their own reflective surfaces to brighten up the space.
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This attention to detail, the pursuit of excellence in both design and production, is what sets Imagine Design Studio apart. Every curve, angle, and reflection is a result of the team’s dedication to creating objects that aren’t just beautiful but also sustainable and meaningful.
From Kickstarter to Sustainable Design Brand
Crowdfunding Success & the Debut of the 45/90 Collection
The 45/90 Collection was launched on Kickstarter and was an instant success. The campaign achieved full funding in just 30 days with €3,000 raised, proving that sustainable design could be both beautiful and commercially viable. It was the validation we needed to take our vision to the next level. Imagine Design Studio was no longer just a student project; it had evolved into a brand with a dedicated following, ready to share our design philosophy with the world.
Social media played a crucial role in spreading the word. Fast-paced Instagram ads, featuring dynamic 15-second reels, grabbed the attention of backers by showing how flat steel sheets could be transformed into fully functional planters. These quick and engaging videos became the perfect tool for generating excitement around the project and driving people to the Kickstarter page. It wasn’t just about selling a product. It was about telling a story—about how everyday materials can be transformed into something extraordinary.
Since the success of our Kickstarter campaign, Alberto, Giacomo and I have continued to refine our craft, now working at the renowned design studio Lissoni & Partners. Our experience there is enhancing our design sensibilities and allowing us to blend our upcycling ethos with the sophistication of high-end design. As we move forward, our work at Lissoni serves as a powerful testament to the fact that sustainable design can be both visually compelling and commercially successful.
Future-Proof Product Launches from Imagine Design Studio
What’s Next: Anodised Editions & Milan Design Week 2026
With the first 50 sets of the 45/90 Collection shipped in June 2025, Imagine Design Studio is ready to make an even greater impact. The collection is already available for direct purchase on our website, and we plan to release colour-anodised editions in September 2025. But this is just the beginning. An expanded lighting kit, designed to integrate seamlessly with the 45/90 Collection, will debut during Milan Design Week 2026, bringing new ways to elevate spaces with timeless elegance.
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The journey from a summer sketch to a thriving design studio has been one of growth, experimentation, and dedication. What Alberto, Giacomo and I have created isn’t just a collection of products. It’s a movement toward design that challenges the status quo. It’s about taking something discarded and transforming it into something valuable, focusing on designing for the future with sustainability at its core.
Collaborate with Imagine on Sustainable Design and Upcycled Furniture
Let’s Build Something Enduring Through Circular Design Principles
At Imagine Design Studio, our belief is simple: great design should last. Whether your company has surplus materials or you’re looking for bespoke furniture that will stand the test of time, Imagine is ready to collaborate. Reach out, and let’s create something meaningful together. At Imagine, the future isn’t just designed. It’s upcycled, reimagined, and built to last.
