Welcome to GESTU
A New York design studio co-founded by Filipe Ramos and Hannelore Freer, as a creative partnership integrating their art, architecture, interior- and furniture-design backgrounds. These disciplines inspire their ethos, reverberating with the belief that materials hold boundless potential.
For GESTU, the story behind the creation of an object defines its essence and purpose. Their work embodies a dedication to meticulous craftsmanship, with a devotion to every minute detail, surface, and form—with designs focusing on materials that age gracefully, such as wood, metals, ceramics, and textiles.
Embark on a journey as GESTU redefines design, breathing life into environments and objects to elevate and enrich your every day.
ABOUT FILIPE & HANNELORE
FILIPE RAMOS
Filipe Ramos is one of the prominent names in the original scene of Brazilian designers who have emerged on the world stage in the last decade, echoing authenticity and talent.
Challenging conventional design with intelligence, logic, and unexpected gestures, his creative process involves understanding the actual expectations of everyday life, where desire and dreams blend into designs that are not only multifunctional but also sentimental.
Trained as an architect, his furniture pieces are strongly influenced by Brazil's modernist tradition and international minimalism, but with the perspective of someone who recognizes the plurality of styles in national contemporary art as a significant reference.
His original creations, such as the iconic ELO armchair launched in 2019 at the London Design Fair, can be seen in 1950s residences like the conceptual Wolff House, designed by architect John Lautner, in Hollywood Hills, or featured in full-page spreads in the spring catalog of Le Bon Marché department store in Paris.
In New York he worked on various interior design projects, continued to develop original creations which were presented at Wanted Design Manhattan 2018 and again in the 2021 edition in a design collaboration with designer Hannelore Freer, besides the editions of Casa Brasil NY.
In Brazil, he has participated in collective projects, such as the Microarchitecture series, in collaboration with the Decameron Design team, which offers creative solutions for the new routines and families of the 21st century. His works have been showcased in national exhibitions like Paralela Design and Novo Mobiliário Brasileiro at the European Institute of Design - IED and Design Weekend.
Currently he is dedicated to architecture and furniture design, and together with designer Hannelore Freer co-founded studio Gestu launched during the London Design Fair 2023.
HANNELORE FREER
Hannelore Freer is known for creating warm and inviting atmospheres through meticulous research and innovative design techniques, with a strong portfolio that includes collaborations with renowned global brands such as Gap Inc., WeWork, and Starbucks. Hannelore excels in developing localized experiences that align with her client's brand ethos.
As a creative professional, she emphasizes the fusion of expertise and empathy to foster collaboration and solve problems effectively. Hannelore's passion for art shines through her unique and expressive furniture creations, which combine functionality with aesthetic richness. She was recognized as one of the 2021 Launch Pad Participants at WantedDesign Manhattan alongside Gestu’s co-founder Filipe Ramos.
Hannelore holds a Master's Degree in Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, a Bachelor's in Painting and Graphic Arts from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, a Certificate in Exhibition Design from Pratt Institute, and studies in ceramic arts from the prestigious Greenwich House Pottery. She makes her ceramics at the Philadelphia Mission in Arts pottery studio. Her professional achievements include being an NCIDQ Certificate Holder and an American Society of Interior Designers member. Hannelore is fluent in English and Spanish and brings a diverse perspective to all her design projects.