Passion for materials

Our team of designers share a passion for materials. We firmly believe in adopting a holistic approach that seamlessly merges materials and design to craft extraordinary products. By embracing the synergy between these two elements, we unlock endless possibilities for innovation and creativity.

Chris Lefteri

Chris Lefteri, FOUNDER

Recognized throughout the world as a leading authority on materials and their application in design, Chris Lefteri is one of the most important materials experts working in his field.

For over a decade his studio work and publications have been pivotal in changing the way designers and the materials industry consider materials.

In 2001 he published the first of eight books on materials and their application in design, which have been translated into six languages. These books have led the change in the way designers view and use materials.

Subsequently his studio, Chris Lefteri Design, has worked with bluechip corporations and major design studios across Europe, the US and Asia implementing a broad range of strategies for effective materials integration in the design process.

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At SYMBIOSIS—the CMF Trends Lab exhibition at @ciffguangzhou 2025—we’re showcasing materials that rethink the way we interact with nature through design. One highlight: a bioplastic made from tea industry by-products, developed for
Join us this Friday at CIFF 2025 for a hands-on workshop led by Chris Lefteri Design at the CMF Trends Lab. As part of the "Symbiosis: Inspired by Nature" exhibition, this workshop will explore how CMF thinking can drive more sustainibilit
Balena Science is one of the materials you can discover at the Symbiosis Exhibition at CIFF CMF Lab — a curated showcase of materials and design practices that embrace circularity, regeneration, and responsible innovation. @balena.science is p
Symbiosis by Chris Lefteri Studio at CIFF Discover a new vision of CMF design where materials and making exist in perfect harmony. At Symbiosis, Chris Lefteri Studio redefines our relationship with materials — not as passive elements, but as
Today at SYMBIOSIS, we’re showcasing two innovative designs that redefine sustainability in CMF design! Lakki Lamp & Vine Tile by @caracaracollective — a fusion of nature and design! >>Lakki Lamp, created by Caracara, is made f
🍊 Turning Waste into Innovation! 🍊 We’re inspired by Alkesh Parmar @studioarp, who transforms orange peel waste into sustainable materials! By combining traditional craftsmanship with low-tech processes, citrus peel is reborn as leather-like
Symbiosis explores the future of sustainability through the interconnected relationships between nature, materials, humanity, and innovation. At the exhibition at China International Furniture Fair 2025, waste itself becomes a raw material—tra
At CMF Trends Lab curated by @jamy_yang_design and @yangdesign_sh at @ciff_furniture, the SYMBIOSIS exhibition dives deep into the future of CMF design, exploring how craftsmanship, cultural aesthetics, lifestyle shifts, and user behavior all shape t

  • “Chris Lefteri pushed Corning to think about its materials in totally new ways. Through his impressive network and ability to engage with the right people he has saved us months of work and fast-tracked us into new global businesses which helped us realise new and compelling marketing stories about our materials.“

    Martin J. Curran, Executive Vice President Corning Innovation Officer

  • "‘The most exciting consulting engagements I have been a part of"

    Dan Reilly Senior Director, Design + Innovation Staples

  • "With every visit to the studio, Chris Lefteri inspires us"

    Luke Miles, Head of Design LG Electronics, Europe

  • "Chris Lefteri has brought a few clear messages to the design team at BMW — every material has a story to tell beyond its look and feel. New material development is not the work of magic, rather the talent to combine scientific insights with creative thinking"

    Verana Kloos, Head of Design and Advanced Development, BMW Group

  • "‘Chris Lefteri’s findings are inspirational, he delivered exactly what I was expecting and more — and he is a pleasure to work with’"

    Chris Houghton, Associate Design Director, Seymour Powell

  • "Chris Lefteri exceeded our expectations"

    Sungwoo Cho, Design Manager, Hyundai

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