From design mediation to furoshiki: Miki Martinek and her visions for tomorrow

Miki Martinek is a designer who is passionate about her creative journey. Her work is not just a play with shapes and materials, but above all an exchange - with people, with nature and with the world around her. Whether in her inspiring workshops, in the development of sustainable design products or in teaching design mediation - Martinek invites us to experience the creative process together and to discover new perspectives in the process.

 

The beginning of a timeless (design) journey

What began in 1989 with a degree in interior design led Miki Martinek on an exciting journey through the world of design. In 1990, she ventured into self-employment as an interior architect and designer and made her mark on the Edition Tirol project for the Wetscher furniture store. Her designs, which impress with their simple beauty, resource-conserving production and craftsmanship, reflect the values that she deeply internalized during her studies at the University of Applied Arts Vienna. She was particularly influenced by her time in Japan, where she experienced the combination of tradition and modernity in architecture and integrates it into her designs today.

In addition to interior architecture and design, Martinek also has her own brand design.mikimartinek continued this philosophy. A particular highlight was being awarded the Adolf Loos State Prize for Design in 2007 for her "Blue Gold" water carafe and glasses. The "Wiener Achtel" wine glass, which she designed with J&L Lobmeyr, is also a true classic that can be found in many of our homes.

She has been teaching at the Institute of Art and Design Education at the University of Applied Arts Vienna since 2003 and passes on her knowledge and passion to young designers. She has also been bringing a breath of fresh air to the design world at the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK since 2010 and focuses on sustainable and creative ideas. She finds her inspiration in nature, in everyday life and in the simple beauty that makes her designs a timeless experience.

 

Resonance as a source of inspiration

For Miki Martinek, the exchange with her clients is just as important as the design itself. Only together can ideas be created that grow from needs and technical knowledge. Martinek loves to work in an open dialog in which everyone involved can ask questions and get involved. In this way, design becomes an experience that enriches the creative process for everyone. "For me, design is always a dialog between people, the environment and the materials," explains Martinek.

Her philosophy is characterized by the idea that design is more than just the creation of beautiful things. It is an experience that enriches people's everyday lives and sharpens their perception.

 

The combination of tradition and modernity: FUROSHIKI

Since last year, Miki Martinek has been intensively studying Japanese culture and has discovered a deep connection between traditional values and modern design. Her FUROSHIKI projects in particular, textile cloths that are both practical and aesthetic, have attracted a lot of attention in Vienna and beyond. "FUROSHIKI is a great example of sustainable design that can be easily integrated into everyday life," says Martinek.

She brings the traditional Japanese cloths used for wrapping or carrying into her workshops to creatively promote sustainability. In her workshops, she invites participants to rediscover this tradition and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

• FUROSHIKI squared
  May 2025 | Japanese Cultural Center, Schottenring 8
• FUROSHIKI squared
  June 2025 | Angewandte-Festival, Vordere Zollamtstraße 7
• Kokedama & Design
  May 2025 | 1160 Vienna, Raum für Dich - 2-hour workshop
• Fun with Furoshiki
  June 2025 | Atelier design.mikimartinek, 1040 Vienna - 2-hour workshop

 

Miki Martinek's vision of the future: Circular Design

Looking to the future, Martinek has a clear vision: in 2025, she will be working with architect and designer Christian Kroepfl on a forum for circular design during Vienna Design Week and in the Hofburg's Design District. The aim is to break the cycle of production and consumption and encourage visitors to use circular design in their everyday lives. "We are part of the whole," says Martinek, "and it is important that we understand how our decisions as consumers affect the world."

• Vienna Design Week (Sept. 26 - Oct. 5, 2025) - Platform partner
• Design District, Hofburg (Oct. 2-5, 2025) - Circular Design with Christian Kröpfl

 

Design mediation - an interactive and integrative process

For Miki Martinek, design mediation is far more than just aesthetic design - it is an invitation to curiosity and an opportunity to actively shape everyday life. She describes it as an interactive process in which people can actively influence their surroundings. "It's not just about products, but about co-creating the world," she says.

What makes design mediation special for Martinek is the freedom to create something new - in an area that is not yet firmly defined. "It's constantly changing and offers plenty of room for ideas," she explains. She finds it fascinating to always focus on people's needs.

 

Martinek sees design mediation as a forward-looking field that promotes collaboration at eye level and creates everyday objects that make a real difference. Her advice to young designers: "Create a strong (design) foundation to build (design) competence and a deep connection to people." For her, design mediation is an opportunity to make the world more sustainable. Miki Martinek is also offering numerous workshops and events in 2025 where interested parties can learn more about design mediation and play an active role in shaping it. For example, her personal design talks take place every Tuesday.

 

Our conclusion

Miki Martinek shows us how design can become an interactive and sustainable experience. Through her work and her visions, she brings people together, encourages the exploration of new ideas and offers solutions that are both aesthetically and ethically sustainable. We can look forward to seeing how her projects continue to unfold in the coming years and what innovative approaches she has in store for us.