Unveiled in Paris last month as part of Maison & Objet, Arcus by Hadyn von Werp is a three-piece furniture collection seamlessly bridging the gap between function and form
Courtesy of Haydn von Werp, The American designer presented his new collection Arcus at Maison & Objet in January in the Librairie Michel Bouvier
Words by Roddy Clarke
Referencing the charm and beauty of ancient architectural ruins, Hadyn von Werp’s latest collection, Arcus, exudes a sculptural elegance that symbolises a quiet strength, mirroring his intentional and considered approach to design. ‘I see design as an act of translation,’ he explains. ‘Architectural principles interpreted through craft, and craft expressed through contemporary form. When an object can endure physically and emotionally, it gains relevance beyond its immediate context.’
Courtesy of Haydn von Werp, The Milan-based designer states his inspirations for Arcus come from the charm and beauty of ancient architectural ruins
Based in Milan, the American designer has a background in photography and visual composition which he states gave him an early understanding of proportion, light and spatial balance. And, having lived and studied between New York and Paris before moving to Italy, he says his path into design has been shaped by observation and travel. ‘New York introduced scale and ambition, Paris refined my relationship to culture and restraint, and Italy anchored my practice in material, craft, and process.’ Now working under the studio name of Haydn, von Werp’s creativity emanates an elegance, with detailed geometry, sculptural silhouettes and refined materiality combining in pieces that feel timeless, reflecting his design ethos: where true craftsmanship outlasts time.
Courtesy of Hadyn von Werp, The Arcus Bar Cart seamlessly blends practicality with elegance as stone surfaces sit atop wooden arches that frame the structure
For this specific collection, forms borrowed from stripped architectural facades allude to Art Deco influences but with a modern, almost futuristic, twist. ‘I hope the pieces convey a sense of quiet presence, architecturally familiar, sculptural yet usable,’ he says. ‘They are designed to feel stable, considered, and most importantly, intentional.’ Consisting of a daybed, bar cart and bench, the collection pairs wood with stone, materials that can be considered modest but, in this instance, feel elevated through artisanal construction and sophisticated detailing. ‘Rather than immediate impact, the work is meant to reveal itself over time,’ von Werp continues. ‘Subtle details, material transitions, and the way light interacts with form become more apparent through use. Ideally, the object becomes part of its environment and daily rhythm, developing a relationship with the user rather than demanding attention.’
Courtesy of Haydn von Werp, The Arcus Daybed references classical architecture while the fitted upholstery softens the horizontal stone slabs beneath
To create his pieces, the designer collaborates with local artisans and small ateliers across Italy. ‘They are fundamental to my work,’ he comments while explaining how the development of each is often through an ongoing dialogue rather than a fixed outcome. ‘We listen to each other and readjust. That’s how we build durable designs. My role is to bring architectural clarity, design innovation and intent, while the artisan contributes material intelligence and technique. The final object is the result of that exchange.’
The launch of Arcus follows Tresse, a dining table he showcased at Edit Napoli in October 2025. With a third collection in the works, von Werp reveals that he will also be launching his own tableware line to complement his existing designs. Speaking of diversifying across categories, the designer says he approaches every object through the same principles. ‘Whether it’s furniture or tableware, the thinking remains architectural,’ he states. ‘Tableware allows the same language to enter a more intimate, everyday context. It’s not a shift in direction but an extension of the same universe, translating spatial ideas into objects that engage directly with human rituals.’
Courtesy of Hadyn von Werp, The Arcus Bench is the foundational piece to the collection, being the first design from which the wider series emerged
With the aim of developing his studio into a cohesive design universe that brings together furniture, objects, tableware and interiors, von Werp says it is a shared architectural language that is the connection point. ‘While in the short term my focus is on deepening relationships with artisans, private clients and collectors, longer term my aim is to build a design house rooted in craftsmanship, with an international outlook and a commitment to precision, material integrity, and longevity,’ he concludes. In witnessing the designer’s trajectory so far, we look forward to this exciting evolution taking shape.
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