Sema Topaloğlu | Designer
- Onur Çoban
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Photo: Federico Floriani
In Sema Topaloğlu's designs, each material tells its own story. Glass carries its fluidity, metal its weight, marble its traces from nature and turns into objects. In her Istanbul-based studio, Sema combines her productions with craftsmanship and creates a sculptural language as well as functional.
Her versatile practice ranging from interior architecture to furniture and objects is shaped by simplicity, tactility and mastery. We talked to Sema, who attracted attention with The Nonconformist Garden series from Milan to Miami, about her design approach, her view on materials and her next projects.
Interview: Onur Çoban
Who is Sema Topaloğlu? Can you briefly tell us about yourself?
I am a Turkish interior architect and designer based in Istanbul. My studio bridges disciplines such as interiors, architecture, and furniture design, with a practice deeply rooted in the craft heritage of the city while also being forward-looking and experimental. Over the years, I’ve collaborated closely with master artisans, working with materials like glass, metal, marble, and wood to create design projects that are both functional and artistic. My approach is intuitive and tactile, and I view design as a complete work of art—merging aesthetics, materials, and craftsmanship.
Photos: Federico Floriani
How would you define your design philosophy?
My design philosophy centers on the interplay of materiality, geometry, and craftsmanship. I’m fascinated by the tactile and visual dynamics of surfaces, exploring simplicity while emphasizing the unique characteristics of each material. My goal is to create pieces that feel alive—where the rawness of the material is celebrated and transformed through the hands of skilled artisans. I see design as a way to tell stories through objects and spaces, creating experiences that are both immersive and personal.
What factors do you consider when researching or choosing materials for new projects? Can you tell us a little bit about the material choices in your works?
Material choice is a deeply intuitive process for me. Each material has its own rhythm and soul, and I work to reveal its potential through design. For example, I love the duality of metal—its rigidity and softness—while marble offers a natural, organic counterpoint with its textures and veins. Glass, on the other hand, allows me to explore transparency and fluidity, mimicking organic forms like plants, flowers, and creatures.
Alcova Milano 2025, Photos: Sema Topaloğlu
"My collaborations with artisans are key; their expertise brings out the hidden beauty of these materials. This dialogue between material and craft informs every piece I create."
Which of your works has excited you the most in terms of the design process and the final product?
Every project I work on holds a special place for me, but The Nonconformist Garden really stands out. It’s a project that started in Milan with the 2024 Design Week exhibition, then made its way to Alcova Miami recently, and is now gearing up for a new chapter in Mexico in 2025. It’s been an incredible opportunity to push boundaries—both conceptually and materially. The process involved blending organic shapes inspired by nature with the vibrant energy of glass, along with bold textures like metal and marble. Watching the project grow from an idea into an installation that connects so deeply with people at every stage has been amazing. The positive feedback from those who experienced it has been incredibly inspiring.
Can you tell us a little bit about the story of your work The Nonconformist Tropical Garden at Alcova Miami?
The Nonconformist Tropical Garden is an exploration of organic and functional forms, inspired by nature’s unpredictability and beauty. The installation features glass sculptures that mimic plants and living creatures, juxtaposed with functional objects reimagined through a surreal lens. It’s playful yet grounded, with bold textures and colors that invite interaction. For me, it was about creating a space where nature, craft, and imagination could converge. Alcova Miami provided the perfect platform to bring this vision to a broader global audience, building on its initial success in Milan.
Alcova Miami 2024, Photos: Federico Floriani
Can you tell us a little bit about the sources of inspiration behind your work? Who are the names you follow with curiosity in this field or in different disciplines?
I draw inspiration from nature, the tactile qualities of materials, and the energy of the cities I work in. Istanbul, with its blend of Eastern and Western influences, constantly inspires me. I’m also deeply influenced by fashion, jewelry, and art—disciplines that share my fascination with detail and craftsmanship. As for people I admire, I’m curious about creatives who push boundaries, whether they are architects, artists, or designers. It’s this spirit of exploration and experimentation that drives my own work.
Are you excited for the future? What are your plans?
Absolutely. The future is filled with exciting opportunities. I’m looking forward to presenting The Nonconformist Tropical Garden at Unique Design x Mexico City, which will expand on the themes I’ve been exploring. I also plan to develop new furniture collections that integrate my work with glass, marble, and metals. While Istanbul will always be my home, I envision establishing a dual base—likely adding Milan as a second creative hub. Beyond that, I’m excited to venture into fashion and explore new multidisciplinary projects that celebrate craft, materiality, and playful creativity.
