ABOUT
studio mad is a Berlin-based creative studio led by designer and artist Manuel André Dornhege.
The studio specializes in bespoke spatial design, sculptural object design, and art-driven spatial interventions – creating immersive experiences that transform spaces and objects into atmospheric, narrative environments.
From sculptural one-offs to holistic spatial compositions, studio mad delivers design concepts where artistic expression meets functionality and precision.
Each project reveals an inherent dialogue between form, function, and narrative – across space and object.
FOCUS
studio mad creates bespoke spatial environments, sculptural objects, furniture, and site-specific installations — operating within architecture, interior, and furniture design to define
space, form, and experience.
SERVICES
Design Development & Artistic Direction
From Vision to Reality
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From early concepts and visual studies to detailed plans and final design
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From collectible sculptural objects to functional furniture to immersive spatial experiences
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Merging function and artistic vision to create distinctive environments
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Guiding projects from initial idea through design development to execution
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studio mad collection: limited edition sculptural design objects and artistic works
SELECTED PROJECTS BY CATEGORY
Brand, Retail and Event Spaces
• 2022 – 2023 Freelance Designer for aletja plus GmbH:
Projects for Louis Vuitton, KaDeWe, Oberpollinger
• 2023 Jägermeister: KitKatClub Berlin – Dj Area
• 2019–2020 Freelance Designer for aletja plus GmbH:
Projects for KaDeWe, Dell
Hospitality Spaces
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2022 – 2023 Freelance Designer for aletja plus GmbH:
Project for Golden Cut Hamburg and further Bar Projects -
2019 – 2020 Freelance Designer for aletja plus GmbH:
Project for Golden Cut Hamburg
Residential Spaces
• 2024 Mallorca, Artá ,Client: Interior Design
• 2024 Münster, Client: Interior Design
Object Design & Exhibitions
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2025 Collectible Fair Brussels: Exhibitor – studio mad collection
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2023 Collectible Fair Brussels: Exhibitor – studio mad collection
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2016 Strabag Artaward Vienna: Nomination
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2011 Architecture Museum Frankfurt Woerner & Partner:
"Honorable Mention" -
2010 Architecture Prize Düsseldorfer Jonges: "Special Recognition"
Academic & Artistic Engagements
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2025 – TH OWL Detmold – Guest Lecturer (Workshop):
“Geometric Dimensions” with Prof. Tscherch -
2017 – 2018 RWTH Aachen, Architektur:
Scientific Assistant: Visual Design for Architecture -
2015 – 2016 Studio Katharina Grosse, Berlin: Studioassistent
Foto Credits Manuel Puhl
ABOUT
MANUEL ANDRÈ DORNHEGE
Manuel André Dornhege was born in 1986 in Münster and grew up in a family deeply influenced by art and architecture. His interdisciplinary background began with architectural studies at the Peter Behrens School of Architecture in Düsseldorf, followed by a Master’s degree in Architecture, completed in 2015 at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. This was complemented by studies in abstract painting under Erwin Bohatsch and Daniel Richter—forming a foundation that shapes his multifaceted design approach.
Key milestones also include his role as assistant to Katharina Grosse and numerous collaborations with architectural firms.
His work operates at the intersection of fine art, architecture, and design. He understands objects and spaces not merely as functional entities but as carriers of meaning and atmosphere. His focus lies in the interplay of form, function, material, and construction—always with a conscious awareness of history and the potential of contemporary materials such as concrete, wood, and aluminum, which express durability and substance through their form and presence.
The GEOMETRIC DIMENSIONS series exemplifies his fascination with clear structures and forms—here, geometry manifests as a universal language and a central concept of his creative work. His overall approach goes far beyond this: he seeks a dialogue between function and sculpture, between spatial presence and a subtle sensitivity to light, materiality, and tactility.
Monumentality, minimalism, and graphic surface design serve as expressive tools within space.
His design philosophy is rooted in the conviction of geometry’s power as a universal language that transcends style and trends. He draws inspiration from historical architectural masterpieces—the monumental clarity of ancient temples, the reduced formal language of the Bauhaus era, and the sculptural rigor of Brutalism. At the same time, Dornhege embraces a playful freedom reminiscent of the Memphis movement—creating spaces and objects that are simultaneously archaic, contemporary, and vibrant.
In 2016, he founded studio mad, where he combines artistic experimentation with pragmatic implementation through a collaborative working method, particularly with architectural offices. His goal with each project is to forge new synergies between form, function, and narrative depth—as an expression of the artistic dimension of space and object.