We are Helena & Giannis — a married couple, creative partners and the founders of studio tōru. In September 2025, we decided to bring together our ideas, aesthetics and shared vision to create a space that truly represents who we are.

 

Studio tōru is not just a ceramics studio. It is a multidisciplinary creative space where art, design and human connection come together. Through collaborations with local businesses and creators, we host themed workshops and experiences, aiming to offer something meaningful and unique to our city while actively supporting the local community.

 

Helena has a background in design, holding an integrated master in architectural engineering, with a specialization in Japanese design and her aesthetic is deeply influenced by wabi-sabi philosophy and Scandinavian minimalism combined with mid-century details that give life to a space.

 

Giannis studied international and European economic studies, but his path naturally led him into the world of art, where he worked for many years as a tattoo artist. Alongside that, he has explored different creative fields, including icon painting, Japanese-style drawing and digital design.

 

Different yet complementary, we create together with a shared focus on aesthetics, detail and emotion. The secret ingredient behind studio tōru is our love — for what we create and for each other.

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interior design

Our approach to interior design is rooted in simplicity, functionality, and sustainability. We design spaces where materials, light, and form are in balance, creating environments that feel calm, authentic, and timeless.

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the meaning of tōru

The name tōru comes from the Japanese word “tooru,” which carries multiple meanings such as transparency, clarity, and passing through. It can also symbolize a new beginning — a journey of moving through something and emerging on the other side.

 

All these layered meanings resonate deeply with us and reflect the philosophy behind our studio, which is why we chose it as our name.