Background

Francesco Balzano was born and raised in France, but his visual culture has been shaped by the images of Venice, Florence, Rome, and Capri, where he spent his summer holidays. He studied drawing, interior design, and architecture before joining the renowned studio of Joseph Dirand, contributing to prestigious projects. In 2018, he opened his own atelier and began designing custom and limited-edition furniture for art and design galleries worldwide. In 2020, he founded his own interior design studio, After Bach, where he continues to work with private clients. In 2023, following his first solo photography exhibition at Tourrette Gallery – revealing a more intimate side of his work – he co-founded the photographic collective Sogno Studio, an experimental project exploring contemporary photographic dialogues, described as “a poetic Magnum.” In 2024, he launched Sattio Studio, a new collaborative venture where he serves as artistic director, curating unique and resolutely contemporary furniture collections.

Signature Style

Simplicity as the ultimate sophistication. Balzano’s work is defined by a refined blend of noble materials, pure lines, and essential functionality. Each design is conceived as a monolithic, sculptural piece – crafted to withstand the test of time. For Balzano, art is a way of seeing and living the world poetically – a constant homage to the beauty of timeless things. The majority of his creations are produced by artisans d’art in limited editions of 12, each signed and numbered by the designer. All materials are meticulously selected by Balzano and his craftsmen, in line with a commitment to quality, responsibility, and environmental sustainability.

Showstoppers

Balzano’s deliberate choice to work with both authentic and innovative artisans reflects a clear commitment to collectible design. Beyond his limited-edition pieces, which are all considered collectible, he was awarded the 2025 Villa Medici Prize in the Arts category by the French Academy in Rome, in partnership with the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation.