A Mushroom Bio(do)me

research, prototyping, documentation, video

2025–2026
Mentors: prof. Guido Englich, Julius Abromeit
Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle

A reusable silicone vessel for cultivating mushrooms in small urban spaces. The compact hanging system integrates sterilization, inoculation, incubation, and fruiting in a single object, offering an alternative to single-use plastic grow bags while enabling low-resource domestic food production.

Modular Furniture System for Knof
research, sustainable materials, prototyping, rendering, book binding

Bachelor’s thesis: Development of a Regenerative Product Based on the Principles of Circular Economy
2024
Mentor: prof. Jure Miklavc
Co-mentor: assoc. prof. Barbara Predan
University of Ljubljana Academy of Fine Arts and Design

A bachelor’s thesis exploring regenerative design within the framework of the circular economy. The project develops a modular furniture system in collaboration with the social enterprise Knof, using recycled materials and reversible connections to extend material lifecycles and enable repair, reuse, and local recirculation.

What Remains?
biomaterial formulation, speculative design, exhibition design, animation

2025
In collaboration with Jaka Kordiš, Matic Lesjak
Mentors: prof. Barbara Prinčič, prof. Jure Miklavc, assoc. prof. Barbara Predan, asst. Tamara Lašič Jurković, asst. Tim Prezelj
University of Ljubljana Academy of Fine Arts and Design

The project develops a biodegradable urn made from a composite of blood and human hair, proposing a regenerative alternative that reframes death as a process of material transformation.

Exhibited at the Biodesign Challenge exhibition 2026 at Mala Banka Slovenije and presented as a finalist project at Parsons School of Design and Museum of Modern Art.

Vuvu

prototyping, product development, craft, branding, entrepreneurship, packaging

2022–2025
Co-founded with Luka Bernik
The project involved multiple collaborations with creatives through its development: Zala Reberc, Andrija Mihajlović, Nia Gombač, Aljaž Krajnc, Kristina Klemenčič

Vuvu is a regenerative design project combining product development, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship. Centered around a ceramic self-watering system based on the traditional olla principle, the project expands into branding, packaging, workshops, and direct-to-user distribution. At the time of design, Vuvu was the first olla positioned for indoor use with potted plants.

Presented at Vienna Design Week, Rog Expo, Crafting Futures, and the Slovenian Handicraft Triennial, and awarded the Made in Slovenia label.

Echoes of tomorrow

exhibition design, exhibition text editing

2024
Exhibition co-designer, text author
Mentors: prof. Jure Miklavc, assoc. prof. dr. Barbara Predan, prof. Roman Ražman, prof. Janez Mesarič
Milan Design Week, BASE Milano

A collaborative exhibition presenting the Industrial Design programme at University of Ljubljana Academy of Fine Arts and Design at Milano Design Week 2024. The pavilion design explores water as a spatial and conceptual driver through reflections, sound, and circular layout, while employing modular, low-impact construction for reuse across contexts.

Denton project

visual communications, international group work, exhibition

2024
In collaboration with Nguveren Ahua, Maxime Heta
University of Ljubljana Academy of Fine Arts and Design × HEAD – Genève

A research-driven installation exploring transformation as a continuous state. Through material and spatial interventions, the project challenges fixed social and cultural structures, proposing an interconnected and fluid future. Exhibited at BIO28 and Milan Design Week.

Chromo

visual concept development, product positioning

Coffee Machine Concept
2025
Mentors: Alex Tatic, prof. Jure Miklavc
University of Ljubljana Academy of Fine Arts and Design

A rapid design project developed in four days, focused on designing a coffee machine within a predefined technical framework. Targeting creative professionals, the concept combines intuitive usability with a bold, nostalgic aesthetic inspired by late 20th-century design.

Hisense Bread & Pizza

user research, branding, product positioning, product family development

2025
In collaboration with Matic Lesjak
Mentors: assoc. prof. Rok Kuhar, assist. prof. Nina Mihovec, prof. Jure Miklavc
Hisense Gorenje × University of Ljubljana Academy of Fine Arts and Design

A research-driven semester project exploring innovation in home baking. The project develops a modular toolset that improves usability and thermal performance for pizza and bread preparation, enabling more accessible, near-professional results in domestic ovens.

Seatscape

user research, ergonomy, prototyping

2022
Mentor: prof. Jure Miklavc
University of Ljubljana Academy of Fine Arts and Design × Beneteau (Seascape)

An ergonomic seating solution for small Beneteau First 14, designed to reduce pressure points and prevent injury during dynamic sailing. The foldable cushion combines recycled and biodegradable materials while adapting to both onboard and off-board use.

crt strubelj

a design portfolio