Axel Chay

A | Profile:

Key points:

• Founded Nova Obiecta in 2013 with Marouane Sadki

• Founded his own studio in 2020 under the name Axel Chay

• Draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, kinetic art, and the Memphis movement

• Collaborates with brands and galleries (Monoprix, Pradier-Jeauneau, etc.)

• Bestsellers: "Modulation" lamp, "Coquillage" wall lights, and "Septem" stool

Nationality: French designer

Axel Chay works with his wife Melissa and his brother Aimeric in a family studio based in Marseille

Style: Colorful, pop, and radical aesthetics

Contemporary and sculptural

Influenced by the Mediterranean, kinetic art, and Memphis.

B | Overview:

Studio Background : Founded in 2020

Axel Chay is a self-taught designer originally from the Côte Bleue near Marseille. After graduating from a business school in Lyon and completing an MBA in international business in London, he co-founded Nova Obiecta in 2013 with Marouane Sadki. In 2020, he launched his own studio under his name, working alongside his wife Melissa, who manages communication and brand image, and his brother Aimeric, who produces the pieces. The studio is based in Marseille and focuses on designing and producing bold, sculptural furniture and lighting pieces distributed globally.

Founder : Axel Chay

Current team: Axel Chay, Melissa Chay, Aimeric Chay

Approach, design philosophy: “I refuse to define my identity”

"I try to draw things that I like and that are not trivial." (Source : The Socialite Family).

"I refuse to define my identity. I reject the notion of classification; everyone sees a certain style, but we're digesting everything that has already been done." (Source : Businews)

Style: Colorful, contemporary, sculptural

His pieces are colorful, contemporary, sculptural, and infused with graphic curves and joyful energy. They stand out with strong presence and visual impact, challenging conventional design with a radical aesthetic.

Main inspirations: The Mediterranean

"The Mediterranean inspires me with evocative colors, graphic waves, and sensual curves—an ode to the solar sensuality and free spirit of women." (Source : Made in Design). "I’ve always admired Genevieve Claisse, Tom Wesselmann, Donald Judd, and kinetic artists like Julio Le Parc, François Morellet, Horacio Garcia-Rossi, Francisco Sobrino, and Yvaral." (Source: The Socialite Family)

Identity and aesthetics: Pop, and colorful creations

The identity and aesthetics of Axel Chay are characterized by sculptural, pop, and colorful creations. His work blends industrial materials with radical lines and Mediterranean warmth. Each object is a statement piece with a strong spatial presence, reflecting a playful yet precise artistic approach.

Values: Freedom, family collaboration, and independence

The studio values creative freedom, family collaboration, and independence through self-publishing. Axel Chay distances himself from mainstream market logic to pursue original, impactful design that resonates on an emotional level.

Creative process

"I don’t really have a defined creative process. I think about it constantly, and most of the time, I only draw when I feel like it or when inspiration strikes." (Source: The Socialite Family). "I go down to the workshop and say, ‘let’s try this,’ starting with materials and parts on hand. It’s very spontaneous and empirical." (Source : Podcast Décodeur)

Production and materials

Materials used include steel, aluminum, cork, wood, expanded foam, plaster, and occasionally onyx, agate, marble, and selenite.

"I naturally gravitate toward steel and aluminum because of my background and because of the possibilities these materials offer thanks to my brother Aimeric, who produces almost all the pieces." (Source: The Socialite Family)

Production methods

Pieces are produced in the family workshop in Marseille, with a hands-on approach involving prototyping and empirical experimentation. Many creations are handcrafted and not industrializable, requiring labor-intensive processes like welding and grinding.

Main categories

• Lighting

• Furniture

• Art objects

• Custom interior pieces

Notable collections

• Folies (Monoprix, 2024)

• Calade (Pradier-Jeauneau, 2024)

• Précieuse (Galerie Liberté, 2025)

Major projects

• “Folies” collection for Monoprix (February 2024, France)

• “Calade” collection with Pradier-Jeauneau (PAD Paris 2024)

• “Précieuse” exhibition (Galerie Liberté, Luxembourg, Feb-Apr 2025)

• First solo installation with Anne Carpentier (Arles, 2020)

Recognition

The designer’s talent was recognized during his first solo show in Arles in 2020 and through international distribution of his bestsellers and major collaborations with Monoprix and Pradier-Jeauneau.

Press/media quotes

• https://www.milkdecoration.com/exposition-axel-chay-devoile-de-nouvelles-pieces-uniques-au-luxembourg/

• https://www.milkdecoration.com/calade-la-divine-collection-du-designer-axel-chay/

• https://www.businews.fr/Axel-Chay-studio-de-design-en-expansion_a4592.html

• https://www.yne-studio.com/les-tendances/notre-coup-de-coeur-du-moment-axel-chay-designer-autodidacte

• https://www.thesocialitefamily.com/fr-fr/media/article/chez-le-designer-marseillais-axel-chay-et-sa-femme-melissa

Exhibitions

• Galerie Liberté, Luxembourg – “Précieuse” (Feb–Apr 2025)

• PAD Paris (2024)

Headquarters and website

• 3 boulevard Henri Michel, 13016 Marseille, France

• https://www.axelchay.com