Visitors explore Lisbon's transformative design space, highlighting further ther design space initiatives through conversations and exhibits.

Inside Lisbon’s Transformative Design Space: Innovative Creations by Tomás Fernandes and Natasza Grzeskiewicz

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-10-13

Exploring a Multifaceted Design Hub in Lisbon

The historic thoroughfare of São Bento in Lisbon is not just a street but a portal to creativity, hosting Further Ther—a dynamic space serving as the studio, showroom, and abode of designers Tomás Fernandes and Natasza Grzeskiewicz. This environment allows them to further ther design space, bridging their innovative ideas with the rich local culture.

United by their passion for design at Domaine de Boisbuchet in France, Tomás and Natasza discovered a shared vision that transcended their diverse backgrounds in engineering and fine arts. The inspiring environment at Boisbuchet facilitated their unique partnership, laying the foundation for their future endeavors to further ther design space.

Modern glass and metal structure with sunlight filtering through.
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European Inspirations and a Homecoming to Further Ther Design Space

Following their French sojourn, the pair ventured to Norway, immersing themselves in Scandinavian design sensibilities. In Stavanger, Tomás honed his skills in furniture design while Natasza excelled in ceramics. Their collaboration on a restaurant project underscored their complementary talents, sparking the realization that they could independently create a distinctive atelier, further ther design space within new contexts.

Returning to Portugal, they established Further Ther in Lisbon. The country’s rich resources, including varied stone materials within a 20-kilometer radius, offered new opportunities. “Stone has been used here for many many years,” Tomás notes, emphasizing their deep connection to local craft traditions. Their work strives to further ther design space by blending these traditions with contemporary innovation.

The transformative power of stone in their work is evident. EWE Studio’s unique design materials showcase how ancestral techniques can inspire modern design.

Art installation with geometric metal and wood elements.
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Exhibition room showcasing a large abstract sculpture.
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Minimalist furniture displayed in a brightly lit room.
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Visitor observing a display of colorful printed fabrics.
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Creative Kinship in Portuguese Craftsmanship

Tomás and Natasza draw heavily on their relationships with local artisans, describing them as akin to family. Their stone supplier, affectionately called the “father of stone,” exemplifies this bond. His mentorship and openness to experimentation have been crucial to their projects, allowing them to further ther design space in collaboration with local expertise.

Wide-angle view of an art gallery with white walls.
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Their Lisbon space, completed in 2019, serves as both home and creative showcase. It deliberately blurs the lines between domestic tranquility and design innovation, integral to the lisbon design space. The building’s layout connects the hustle of Rua de São Bento with quiet courtyard views, intertwining family life with creative pursuits, providing yet another avenue to further ther design space.

Sculptural art piece with textured surfaces on a pedestal.
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Gallery visitor examines artwork on display in a modern space.
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Abstract painting displayed on a wall under bright lighting.
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Immersive Design Experiences

Their aim is to demonstrate how their unique pieces integrate into everyday life. Visitors experience a cohesive environment where objects like the Bend Sofa and the basalt-stone kitchen unit invite exploration. The interactive and tactile nature of their furnishings encourages visitors to connect deeply with each item, further expanding the design space they have created.

“The intention was to show people how these pieces will live with them,” Natasza explains, emphasizing the personal experience within their showroom-home environment. This approach further ther design space by engaging directly with the audience.

Contemporary artwork featuring mixed media materials on canvas.
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Glass installation reflecting light in a patterned display.
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An Invitation to Engage with Artful Design

Further Ther’s creations often resist conventional design principles, preferring an encounter over seamless function. Their philosophy—“we are what we explore”—captures the essence of their approach, inviting others to see design as a transformative, interactive experience, further ther design space through meaningful interaction.

Metallic sculpture showcasing intricate design details.
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Close-up of a textured ceramic piece with unique glaze.
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Large light installation casting shadows on the floor.
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Dynamic seating arrangement with modern, colorful furniture.
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The Intersection of Art and Design

Rejecting pure utility, their works expect mindfulness and care, reinforcing the cultural confluence of art and design. Tomás articulates the role of their creations as a form of dialogue, emphasizing that these pieces are meant to change how we view and interact with everyday objects, further ther design space through thought-provoking engagement.

The fusion of art and functional spaces is key to their philosophy. IKEA’s affordable artistry collection highlights how design can elevate home decor.

As Natasza puts it, “You have to be very mindful when you use our objects, and we like that.” This philosophy underpins their expansive creative journey, anchored in rich local craftsmanship and global inspirations. Further ther design space is a continuous journey for them, always integrating new global and local influences.

Interactive digital display with engaging animations.
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Further Ther continues to redefine the boundaries of furniture and collectible design, welcoming engagement and exploration from all who encounter their work, as they further ther design space.

Rhythmic arrangement of wall-mounted art pieces.
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Large open space with visitors viewing art installations.
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Symmetrical display of ceramic art on plinths.
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Visitors interacting with kinetic sculpture in a gallery.
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Intricate table design with organic forms and patterns.
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Gallery section with emphasis on vibrant textile artworks.
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Display of avant-garde lighting fixtures casting unique shadows.
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Detailed view of a sculptural piece with metallic textures.
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Visitors explore Lisbon's transformative design space, highlighting further ther design space initiatives through conversations and exhibits.

Source: ignant.com

Frequently asked questions

Who are the designers behind Further Ther?

The designers behind Further Ther are Tomás Fernandes and Natasza Grzeskiewicz. They share a passion for design and have a unique partnership that blends their backgrounds in engineering and fine arts.

What is the purpose of Further Ther in Lisbon?

Further Ther in Lisbon serves as the studio, showroom, and home of designers Tomás Fernandes and Natasza Grzeskiewicz. It allows them to bridge their innovative ideas with local culture and craft traditions.

How do Tomás and Natasza incorporate local materials into their designs?

Tomás and Natasza incorporate local materials such as stone into their designs, emphasizing a deep connection to Portuguese craft traditions. They source varied stone materials from within a 20-kilometer radius, blending traditions with contemporary innovation.