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Apple’s Designers of Tomorrow Invite Connection Through Staying Present

On view at Design Miami Paris, the partnership’s second edition, led by curator Rodman Primack, showcases the work of four emerging talents who utilize the latest technology to foster connection

By Alexandria Sillo
Exhibition room with various modern design furniture pieces on display, featuring chairs, a desk, and decorative elements.
“Apple’s Designers of Tomorrow: Design for Presence.” Photo: Courtesy of Apple

Back for a second year at Design Miami Paris, Apple’s Designers of Tomorrow program is showcasing the work of four emerging designers who were challenged to use the latest technology while responding to this year’s theme of “Design for Presence.”

Person drawing with stylus on tablet screen, sketching various pen designs in a digital art application.
Yoonjeong Lee, “New Form.” Photo: Courtesy of APple
Mechanical pencil with an extended lead balanced upright on a piece of white paper, casting a small shadow.
Yoonjeong Lee, “New Form.” Photo: Courtesy of Apple
Modern wooden lectern with built-in lights in an ornate room with blue patterned walls and parquet flooring.
Yoonjeong Lee, “New Form.” Photo: Courtesy of Apple

As a result, Seoul artist Yoonjeong Lee was selected for “New Form,” a wooden table with an integrated lamp. “When we make something, we think about the future,” she reflected.

Minimalist paper and wood lamp with a close-up of its textured shade and geometric wooden frame against a neutral background.
Salem S. Charabi “The Eminence of Light.” Photo: Courtesy of Apple
Close-up of a textured corner of a beige stone sculpture, highlighting its detailed surface and geometric lines.
Salem S. Charabi “The Eminence of Light.” Photo: Courtesy of Apple
Minimalist paper lamp on a tall wire stand, placed on a white pedestal against a beige wall with blue trim accents.
Salem S. Charabi “The Eminence of Light.” Photo: Courtesy of Apple

Egyptian-Danish architect Salem S. Charabi, who created a lantern titled “The Eminence of Light,” said the inspiration came from what is gained from remaining present. “I think presence is everything,” he said. “If you truly are present in your surroundings, you will always have the ability to see something that no one else is seeing.”

Person taking a close-up photo with a smartphone camera, focusing on a detailed textured object.
Isabel Rower “The Padded Chair 1860.” Photo: Courtesy of Apple
Elegant black chair with ornate beadwork sits in a vintage room with blue patterned walls and wooden floor.
Isabel Rower “The Padded Chair 1860.” Photo: Courtesy of Apple

Brooklyn designer Isabel Rower presented “The Padded Chair 1860,” which features a beaded ceramic fringe. “Often, the act of sitting brings us into the present, makes us present in the moment, and I felt that the distortion of the ceramic fringe, that it actually creates a kinetic experience for the sitter.”

Two people discussing a 3D model on a tablet device, focusing on architectural design in a creative collaboration.
Parafernalia, “monoAmbiente 1.” Photo: Courtesy of Apple
Elegant room with blue and gold paneling featuring a wooden cabinet, open to reveal a chess set and two matching stools.
Parafernalia, “monoAmbiente 1.” Photo: Courtesy of Apple

For Mexico studio Parafernalia, “monoAmbiente 1” is about fostering connection over a shared experience. “The intention of this piece is to turn the act of having a drink, or any other activity, into a light structure that allows conversation between two people to flourish,” they said.

The foursome was selected by a 10-person jury that includes Apple’s Molly Anderson, Jennifer Dunlop Fletcher, Minjae Kim, Hun Chung Lee, Nifemi Marcus-Bello, Marion Mailaender, Jennifer Roberts, Alexandra Cunningham Cameron, and Fabien Cappello.

All of the objets, created with the assistance of Apple’s latest tools, including the MacBook Pro, Apple Pencil, iPad, and more, are now on view at Hotel de Maisons in Paris in an exhibition led by curator and AGO Projects co-founder Rodman Primack.

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