Ambiente 2025 has awarded the prestigious title of this year’s Designer of the Year to Fabian Freytag, a talent who has been redefining the way in which we live and interact with spaces over recent years. An architect and designer born in Hamburg, Freytag founded his studio in Berlin, where he explores an approach which combines an artistic background with cutting-edge technology.
Fabian Freytag: the designer who redefines spaces
As was the case with Elena Salmistraro, last year’s winner, the German designer was asked to design a space within the trade fair. The result is The Lounge – Shades of Space; much more than an installation, it is an invitation to reconsider the concept of hospitality.
Located in Galleria 1, it is a meeting space which combines the intimate dimension of a private lounge with the functionality of a public space. Thanks to the use of artificial intelligence, Freytag has transformed an abstract vision into a concrete design, evoking the image of an “aluminum cave” which hosts plants and stacked materials.
“We all know these public spaces in hotels or airports: a designed meeting space, hybrid and yet fluid, places of transition. When travelling, lounges are places to linger for a short time – people read or work, eat, drink and pass the time in a pleasantly designed environment that goes beyond the functional.” Fabian Freytag
The Lounge: an ode to emotional hospitality
The Lounge – Shades of Space reflects Freytag’s one-of-a-kind approach to design: each element has been designed to stir up emotions and offer a all-encompassing sensory experience. Created to comfort and inspire, this multifunctional space stands out for its balance between aesthetics and practicality.
At the forefront of Freytag’s vision, there is a belief that design must tell stories and create connections. His attention to hospitality and the culture of the table are clear, as he highlights the importance of details like the layout of objects and the general atmosphere of the space.
The result is an environment which is suited to relaxation, work, and socializing, embodying a new philosophy for shared spaces.
A talent with an eye on the future
Freytag is no stranger to international recognition: in 2021 he was listed by Architectural Digest as one of the 100 most brilliant minds in design, and in 2023 he received the “Best of Interior Award.” However, with the title of Designer of the Year 2025, his work has taken on a new dimension, celebrating the potential of design as a tool for transformation.
His ability to integrate technologies like artificial intelligence with a refined and accessible aesthetic makes him a leader for the future of the sector. The Lounge – Shades of Space is not only a creative vision, but a manifesto which inspires designers, architects, and enthusiasts to explore new possibilities.
