Today we’d like to introduce you to Adi & Yotam Azar & Shifroni
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
StudioKnob was born from the fusion of our shared life experiences and design passions. The name ‘Knob’ represents the small but significant element that influences the bigger picture—a peephole, a door handle that opens into our world, offering a glimpse into our home and the vision we wish to share with the world.
We are Adi Azar, a graduate of the Shenkar School of Design and Engineering, and Yotam Shifroni, a graduate of the Holon Institute of Technology. Since 2015, under the StudioKnob brand, we have been crafting innovative furniture, lighting, and design objects, as well as creating distinctive window displays that bring our ideas into public spaces.
Our work has earned significant recognition over the years. In 2019, we received the Intelligence Design Award (IDA) honorable mention in the product design category, and were also awarded gold at the A`Design Award for lighting products and projects. In 2018, we were shortlisted as one of 50 young design professionals by Red Dot. Our piece, “Layered,” caught the attention of Quentin Tarantino in 2017, who added it to his collection. That same year, we received awards from The Old Jaffa Development Company, securing a residency and exhibition, and from the Fresh Paint fair and Holon Design Museum, with a “Layered” piece procured for the museum’s collection.
Additionally, some of our creations have crossed over into the world of art, with select pieces being sold to private collectors and featured in hotel art collections, highlighting their versatility and appeal across different domains. We’ve also been fortunate to showcase our work in group and solo exhibitions.
Through these experiences, we continue to expand the horizons of design, crafting pieces that captivate, challenge, and inspire.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Creating and managing StudioKnob as a couple has definitely had its challenges. Balancing our professional and personal lives requires constant communication and compromise, especially when navigating creative differences. Yotam tends to be the dreamer, envisioning bold ideas, while Adi brings a pragmatic approach to execution, ensuring that our designs are both innovative and functional. This dynamic has shaped our process, but it hasn’t always been smooth—working together means every disagreement is amplified because it impacts not only the work but our relationship as well. However, we’ve found that these challenges push us to refine our ideas and create more meaningful, cohesive designs.
Being able to balance our personal relationship while maintaining our creative integrity is one of our greatest achievements, even if it’s been a bumpy road at times.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At StudioKnob, we specialize in creating imaginative and innovative furniture, lighting, and design objects that blend art with functionality. We’re proud to be known for pushing the boundaries of conventional design, bringing a sense of play and storytelling into everything we do. One of our standout projects is the *Ahoy* and *Kaa* rope lighting collection. These knotted rope lamps, inspired by nautical themes, are not only functional but also sculptural pieces that transform spaces with their bold, flowing forms.
What sets us apart is our approach to storytelling through design. We draw inspiration from our personal lives and experiences, infusing our creations with meaning and character. Whether it’s lighting, furniture, or window displays, we aim to surprise and inspire with pieces that are both visually striking and thoughtfully crafted. We take pride in creating work that sparks conversation and invites people to see everyday objects in new, unexpected ways.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What brings us happiness is the synergy of our creative collaboration as a couple. Working together allows us to merge our individual strengths—Yotam’s visionary ideas and Adi’s practical execution—resulting in unique designs that reflect our shared passion. This dynamic not only fuels our creativity but also deepens our connection, making the process itself a source of joy.
We also find fulfillment in the recognition our work receives. Achievements like awards and features in exhibitions validate our efforts and inspire us to continue exploring new ideas. It’s gratifying to see our designs resonate with others, sparking conversations and transforming spaces.
Additionally, the relationships we build through our work contribute to our happiness. Knowing that our creations can inspire and connect with people adds a meaningful layer to what we do.
Finally, striking a balance between our professional lives and personal relationship brings us joy. Navigating the challenges of working together strengthens our bond and enhances our overall happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studioknob.com/en/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio_knob/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studioknob
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxW52DibLOMTfnsdTqTGuHA
Image Credits
Nir Slakman
Tamuz Rachman
Meidan Gil Arush
Ori Akerman
Uri Grun