Our Story
Founded in 2024 by artist, designer, and architect Tobi Onafeko, RIA Design Studio embodies an Afro-modernist vision that merges the structural elegance of modernism with the rich narratives of African heritage. Born in the United States and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Onafeko's diverse background informs his unique design approach, further refined through his MA in Architecture from the University of Edinburgh. Now based in New York, he introduces RIA’s work to a global audience, crafting pieces that transform spaces into personal heritage and contemporary luxury statements.
RIA’s hand-crafted furniture pays homage to African vernacular forms while embodying the clarity of modernist principles. Guided by form follows function and truth to materials, each piece reinterprets these tenets through an African lens, turning functionality into storytelling. These sculptural creations capture narratives of memory, culture, and place, resulting in furniture rooted in tradition and transformative in presence. RIA Design Studio harmonises modernity and tradition, with Onafeko infusing each creation with architectural precision and a deep love for African artistry. Every model is crafted to resonate beyond mere utility, appealing to those who seek meaningful connections in living spaces.
Exhibitions
Design Philadelphia -Shape Shifters: Furniture Redesigned for the future.
