Designer Behind Utopia & Utility / Pia Wüstenberg’s Journey in Craftsmanship
A fusion of function and beauty through European artisan collaboration
Pia Wüstenberg, the creative force behind Utopia & Utility, grew up between Finland and Germany. This multicultural upbringing shaped her sensitivity to material, form, and sustainability. Her design philosophy centers around storytelling through craft—a vision that merges traditional making techniques with contemporary design.
After earning her BA in Furniture Design and Craftsmanship from the University of Bucks, Pia went on to study at the Royal College of Art in London for her MA. There, her passion for the handmade and her collaborative spirit flourished, ultimately leading her to establish Utopia & Utility in 2012.
“I love the story each material tells,” says Pia. “Combining them allows something new and poetic to happen.”
Pia at the hotshop in Bohemia, Czechia
Today the studio still works with a variety of artisans from back in 2012, and the range of collections at Utopia & utility is based on the skills of people that Pia has met over the past ten years or so. “Over many years I have grown a network of artisans in Europe who make pieces for us. First I made the designs and found someone to make the pieces, today I work the other way around and often design pieces with a specific maker and skill in my mind”
A Philosophy Rooted in Craft and Collaboration
At the heart of Utopia & Utility lies a belief that function and aesthetics can—and should—coexist. The brand’s iconic Stacking Vessels exemplify this, blending hand-blown glass, turned wood, and ceramic into a unified, sculptural form.
Pia collaborates closely with artisans across Europe, from glassblowers in Bohemia to woodturners in Finland and ceramists in Britain. Each piece is a celebration of craftsmanship, tradition, and material integrity.
Sketch for new collection
Global Recognition and Evolving Design
Utopia & Utility’s work has been exhibited internationally—from Maison&Objet in Paris to 10 Downing Street in London—and is part of numerous private collections. Pia’s commitment to sustainability, storytelling, and collaborative craft continues to be the driving force of the company.
“Each object tells a journey—not only mine, but also the makers’, the place, and the process.”
Utopia summer studio on a deserted island in North Karelia, Finland. Built by Pia
Utopia means to be at peace and
fully in love with things you do, what and who you are surrounded by.
"I believe that hard work brings its own quiet rewards, and that surrounding ourselves with beauty can elevate even the simplest moments. My hope is to inspire moments of joy and wonder—through a deep appreciation for skill, craftsmanship, and the sheer beauty that exists all around us."
– Pia Wüstenberg, 2023