I work on projects in a variety of design disciplines with an focus on context and conceptual thinking.
My approach to design is based on conceptual and creative exploration, particularly within a cultural or social context. My work aims to open up new perspectives and discover new potential by rethinking familiar concepts and developing new possibilities. Depending on the context, I use different media, formats, methods and tools, ranging from product and object design to furniture design, installations, curatorial and educational work. Sensitive research and a clear and compelling concept are as important to me as a tangible and aesthetic outcome.

Together with my partner Maximilian Schmid I run the design studio Stephan & Schmid. The centre of our work is the natural material wood. We design products and furniture for everyday use and realise various interior design projects in cooperation with the carpentry Schmid.
Our work is characterised by a clear design language and simple functionality. We combine the best of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create products of the highest quality and durability.

Besides my design practice, I am interested in design education. I want to give young people a playful and enduring approach to design. Design is not only part of our everyday culture, but should also be understood as an opportunity to shape one's own environment and a positive future. My focus is on the development and design of innovative educational concepts and materials dealing with different aspects of design. I work at the intersection of school, university, museum and design practice. Current project: wedesign - Design x Schule.

Based in Munich, I work on self-initiated and commissioned projects.



CONTACT
hallo@annastephan.de
0176-69686431

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESS (SELECTION)
/ Publication: »wedesign Design x Schule«, a project of Stiftung art 131 in cooperation with the
Bünemann Stiftung and Die Neuen Sammlung - The Design Museum, 2022/2023
/ kurier.at: »Object of the week« presenting the project »Valet Stools«, 03/2018
/ AD-Magazin: »special edition kitchen«, presenting »Ani-Boards« from Stephan & Schmid, 05/2018
/ AD-Magazin: »Munich oriental«, presenting the carpet »Izze«, 10/2015
/ Art calendar 2015 of Lfa Förderbank Bayern, presenting the chair »not«, 2015
/ Trade magazin »Licht«, presenting the installation »Licht sticken«, 10/2014, S.100
/ on-light.de: presenting the installation »Licht sticken«, 2014

ACTIVITIES
/ Project lead »wedesign – Design x Schule«, a project of Stiftung art131 in cooperation with the Bünemann Stiftung and Die Neuen Sammlung – The Design Museum, 2022/2023
/ Interim art teacher at Camerloher Gymnasium Freising, 2020 - 2022
/ Artistic assistant at the chair of product design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, Germany, 2022
/ External partner for a design seminar for an 11th class at Gymnasium, 2018
/ Co-Founder and Designer of design studio Stephan & Schmid, 2018

EXHIBITIONS
/ »Malerei, Skulptur, Möbel«, Group exhibition, Stephan & Schmid together with the artist Manfred Stephan, Altes Gefängnis Freising, 2023
/ »No Wood No Fun«, Stephan & Schmid at the MCBW Munich, 2019
/ Furniture exhibition with Stephan & Schmid at the Biennale Interieur Kortrijk, Belgium, 2017
/ Installation »Licht Sticken« for Osram at the Osram Headquarter in Munich, 2014
/ Installation »windfield« at Kunstatelier Wasserturm 39, Aubing, 2012

NOMIATIONS AND AWARDS
/ Scholarship Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wissenschaft und Kunst, support programme »Junge Kunst und neue Wege«, 2022
/ Scholarship Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes, 2016
/ Winner of the design competition organised by the magazin AD Architectural Digest and JAB Anstoetz. Awarded with carpet design »Izze«, 2015
/ Winner of the LIO Osram Light Award 2013. Awarded for the Installation »Licht Sticken«, 2013