Women in Design NEWS
Women in Design: A Conversation with Manuela Szewald of KAIA Editions
When Manuela Szewald set out to restore her family’s historic farmhouse, she uncovered more than just its past—she rekindled a deep love for interiors and traditional craftsmanship. Now, as CEO and creative director of KAIA Editions, she weaves together design, craftsmanship and innovation with a sensibility that embodies her love of materiality. With a background in law and finance, she brings a meticulous, considered approach to creativity—ensuring that each design balances structure and artistry. The result yields handcrafted designs that are both timeless and of the moment, and always with an eye toward sustainability.
The lighting brand will debut its first U.S. flagship showroom at 200 Lex (suite 424) on March 12 during Women in Design.
Q: What is your earliest memory of design?
A: My earliest memory is more related to architecture and its beauty. As a child, I visited Venice and the Palladio villas, and that experience left a deep impression on me. For me, Venice is the most beautiful city in the world—like a dream, almost surreal. I fell in love with its beauty, and that love has never faded. I even got married in Venice and visit as often as I can.
During that trip, I also saw Andrea Palladio’s villas and the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza. These remarkable architectural masterpieces ignited my passion for architecture, art history and design.
Q: What woman in design—or in any creative category: fashion, art, architecture—do you admire most?
A: I can’t choose just one person, as I draw inspiration from so many incredible women and men across various creative fields. From design and architecture to fashion and art, there are countless individuals whose work, vision and leadership deeply inspire me.
Beyond the creative industries, I also admire true leaders—people who challenge conventions, push boundaries, and pave the way for innovation. To single out just one person would feel limiting, as there are so many talented individuals whose contributions I respect and appreciate. Each of them, in their own way, has shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for creativity.
Q: What mantra would women benefit from while following their creative path?
A: My daily mantra is: ‘Embrace your passion, inspire, keep going and never give up. Stay committed, work hard and bring your vision to life.’
Q: How have you seen the industry landscape change for women over the years? Where is there still room for improvement?
A: The design industry has changed a lot over the years, and it’s inspiring to see more women launching their own brands and stepping into leadership roles. There’s definitely more opportunity now to work in different areas of design, from product development to architecture and craftsmanship.
That said, challenges remain. Women still have to push harder for visibility, whether to be recognized as industry leaders or included in major conversations. Leadership roles, in particular, are still largely male-dominated, and there’s room for more balance.
That’s why opening KAIA’s flagship during Women in Design is so meaningful to me. It’s a celebration of our progress and a reminder to advocate for greater representation and opportunities for women in design.
Q: Can you share a moment or project that made you feel particularly empowered as a woman in design?
A: When I work on a project or within a team, it’s never just about being a woman or a man or one’s social or professional background. What truly matters is passion, drive, creativity, and the ability to navigate the countless challenges that arise along the way. Process, hard work, problem-solving, and shared determination bring a team together.
When we started KAIA INSTALLATIONS, every installation was driven by an idea and a story. The journey of bringing that vision to life—through persistence, dedication, and collaboration—is where I feel most empowered. But ultimately, it’s never just about one person; it’s always the result of a collective effort by many talented individuals.
However, I deeply appreciate having the freedom to pursue this work—especially as a woman. In today’s world, this kind of creative freedom is not always a given, and I recognize how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to shape my vision and bring it to life.
Q: How do you stay inspired and push the boundaries of your own work?
A: Inspiration comes from all around us—art, nature, the materials themselves—but most of all, from the incredibly talented artisans and designers I collaborate with. Seeing their skill and dedication pushes me to think beyond aesthetics and focus on craftsmanship, sustainability, and storytelling.
I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself, whether experimenting with new materials, refining traditional techniques, or exploring unexpected collaborations. I love it when a design sparks conversation or makes people see something familiar in a new way. That constant curiosity and a deep respect for heritage and craftsmanship keep my work evolving.
Q: What are some of your favorite or newest products available in your showroom at NYDC?
A: One of the standout pieces in our new NYDC showroom is the Nektar Collection, a collaboration with artist Maximilian Prüfer. This collection evolved from our Hive installation, which used 1,099 glass tubes filled with honey to symbolize the fragility of biodiversity. I love how it transforms lighting into a conversation about nature and sustainability.
Another favorite is the Empyrean aluminum furniture series, unveiled at Salone del Mobile in 2024. These sculptural pieces showcase our dedication to remastered craftsmanship—reinterpreting traditional techniques in a contemporary way.
We’re also excited to feature Sebastian Hepting’s award-winning Candlelight luminaire, perfectly capturing KAIA’s balance of innovation and elegance. Each piece in our showroom is designed to go beyond functionality, inviting deeper engagement with craftsmanship, material integrity, and the art of illumination.
