Hometown: Mexico City
Based in: Mexico City
Mexican designer Joel Escalona was born in Mexico City in 1986, and holds an Industrial Design degree from UAM-A. In 2014 he founded his own design studio in Mexico City, which he still runs.
Pragmatic, humorous and poetic, are words that best describe Joel’s work. He believes in ideas that engage meaningfully, that push the limits of contemporary design, that have the ability of pulling people into the stories they shelter. From everyday products like faucets and pans, to extravagant limited-edition pieces and creative direction projects, Joel generates tangible value for each of his clients through his execution and narrative mastery.
Joel’s work has been exhibited in the mayor design events around the world like Maison & Objet Paris, Salone Internazionale del Mobile Di Milano, Design Miami/Basel, ZⓢONAMACO in Mexico City, among others. Throughout the years his work has also been featured in the most prestigious design publications and books, generating editorial value for his clients, projects and collaborators.
In addition to running his own design studio, Joel is the creative director of two internationally known contemporary furniture companies: nono and BREUER. He’s also founding member of Cooperativa Panorámica, a group of Mexican designers exploring new design territories. All of this while also teaching at CENTRO and ITESM, two of the most important design universities in Mexico, and is a frequent guest lecturer at different universities and events.
What inspires you?
Joel finds inspiration in the present. His work is a clear reflection of the events and culture surrounding him: his furniture is designed with contemporary spaces and people in mind, and his personal editions project is an intimate reflection of how his mind works.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Pragmatic, humorous and poetic.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Everywhere. Joel finds inspiration in the present, and his work reflects his understanding of it.
Awards
Annual Original Furniture Design Award | Original Furniture
2010
Premio Iconos del Diseño 2016 | Best Furniture Design
2016
MExican9th Biennal of Design | First place
2017
Delta Awards | Indoors products
2018
AHEC Design Awards | Trajectory Award
2019
Awards
Annual Original Furniture Design Award | Original Furniture
2010
Premio Iconos del Diseño 2016 | Best Furniture Design
2016
MExican9th Biennal of Design | First place
2017
Delta Awards | Indoors products
2018
AHEC Design Awards | Trajectory Award
2019