VISIONARY DESIGNER VICTORIA YAKUSHA TRANSFORMS THE NOTION OF MODERN MINIMALISM BY ANIMATING HER WORK WITH A SENSE OF SOUL AND SPIRIT.
BY JEAN NAYAR
Every room, piece of furniture, and decorative object designed by Victoria Yakusha shares a common thread: they seem to pulse with a life force of their own. This is because everything the visionary Ukrainian-born architect creates is animated by “live minimalism,” a design philosophy merging ancestral heritage with a sharp, modern edge.
The epiphany arrived a dozen years ago, following Russia’s occupation and annexation of Crimea. The crisis prompted Yakusha to look deeply at her cultural identity, placing it at the heart of her practice. “My approach is defined by two core elements: living—which involves traditions, materials, and energy—and minimalism, which emphasizes clarity and sustainability,” Yakusha explains. “Living design infuses spaces with authentic energy, while minimalism prevents outdated aesthetics.”
To achieve this, Yakusha looks to natural materials, traditional crafts, and the mythical lore of her homeland—forest spirits and water nymphs—as a means to express her ideas. “Silence, magic, and mysticism reflect the essence of something crafted with intention,” she says of the quiet energy suffusing her work. These cultural touchpoints influence her eponymous studio, with offices in Kyiv and Antwerp, as well as her award-winning brand, Faina. The collection includes seating, lighting, and objects crafted from clay, recycled paper, and natural fibers by artisans throughout Ukraine—from the Lviv region to the Carpathian Mountains.
Among the recent standouts are the mythical sculptures presented at the 20th anniversary of Design Miami in an exhibition titled Land of Light II. Crafted from her proprietary sustainable material, Ztista, each sculpture was paired with a Ukrainian luminary—including fashion designer Lilia Litkovska and scientist Maksym Kovalenko—who, in Yakusha’s view, illuminate the world through their craft. The project inspired her to explore light as a vital force, both literally and figuratively.
South Florida design enthusiasts familiar with Yakusha’s work will be pleased to know the creator is now casting her spell throughout the Magic City. Last month, she launched a Yakusha gallery in the Design District, celebrating the opening with a conversation with Miami-based cultural commentator Salomé Gómez-Upegui. Drawn to the city’s vibrant energy, Yakusha plans to offer her design services while showcasing the work of other emerging artists.
“We want the space to evolve into a hub for creative dialogue,” explains the designer. “Miami is a different region, a different mindset. I love blending seemingly incompatible elements—like past and future, clay and metal. The challenge here is merging European depth with Miami’s joyful spirit.”
As a deeper sense of substance and comfort continues to redefine luxury interiors, Yakusha’s soulful brand of design is sure to resonate. By honoring the “spirit of the place” while looking firmly toward the future, she has created a visual language that feels both ancient and entirely new—a perfect fit for a city currently reinventing its own cultural landscape.
