Atelier Fomenta is a Montreal-based design studio formed by the collective practice of Julia Arvelo, Florence Barnabé and Muriel Bentolila. Together they explore the field of design by creating objects and spaces that last, are uniquely crafted, and evoke a sense of familiarity.
All Fomenta projects are made hand in hand with local artisans.
Florence — We usually kick things off with a reference — maybe a detail from a painting, a movie scene with interesting lighting...
Julia — Yeah, even a random shot of a street light buried in the camera roll can be inspiring! We like to push boundaries, creating objects and situations that lie somewhere between functional and ironic, useful and sculptural.
Muriel — Our work tends to blur the line between industrial design and craft, landing in that sweet spot where both worlds meet.
Upcoming
June 2025 playinghouse, Group exhibition, New York (US)
July 2025 Enssssemble, Group exhibition, Montreal (CA)
Exhibitions and fairs
April 2025 Complètement Design, Montreal (CA)
March-April 2025 Lyle Gallery x Erria, New York (US)
January 2025 DesignTO, Ensssemble, Group exhibition at The Plumb, Toronto (CA)
October 2024 Double Entendre, Group exhibition, Montreal (CA)
September 2024 Collectible Fair, Bespoke, New York (US)
March 2024 Collectible Fair, Curated, Brussels (BE)
January 2024 DesignTO, Casting Shadows, SHEEEP Gallery, Toronto (CA)
January 2024 DesignTO, Lucid Ideas, Umbra Store, Toronto (CA)
January 2024 Interior Design Show, Prototype, Toronto (CA)
Press
Dezeen, Designs from up-and-coming Canadians, Read
Suko Magazine, Volume 3: Frontiers, Read
SHEEEP Radio, Encounters, Listen
Dwell Magazine, Dwell’s Creative Director at Collectible New York, Read
Whether it’s a house, a gallery, a restaurant or a theater, each of these spaces has its own essence and characteristics. We like working with what’s already there and elevating it, with lighting, custom objects, and the mix of different materials like metal, wood and textile; creating spaces of opportunities.
We’re open to everything: a bookshelf covering an entire wall? a dreamy birdhouse? a room for thoughts? You name it, just write to us.
Some of our past projects
2024 Set and object design for video artist Joyce Joumaa’s solo show Thresholds of Insight
2024 Aluminum bookshelves
2024 Steel platforms
