Sayar & Garibeh
A biography
Based in Beirut and Paris, Stephanie Sayar and Charbel Garibeh, known as Sayar & Garibeh, are recognized for their experimental designs that blend traditional craft techniques with contemporary innovation and wit.
Sayar & Garibeh formed their namesake studio in Beirut in 2015, just three years after completing their degrees in interior architecture at Lebanese University. Their playful works, ranging in material from terracotta and marble to resin and raffia, teeter between the functional, decorative and sculptural. Sayar & Garibeh are most often inspired by Lebanese life and culture, which translates through color, form, and/or material.
“Lebanon, and Lebanese life, have always been a profound source of inspiration in our creative journey. We never attempt to represent Lebanon in a straightforward or conventional manner; rather, our aim is to reveal what remains unseen in this captivating country. Our vision encompasses the richness, diversity, and contrasts that are abundant here, with a special focus on the actions and experiences of everyday life.” — Sayar & Garibeh
Most recently, the duo debuted their first solo exhibition with R & Company, titled Broomlithic. The works presented transform white blocks of Lebanese stone into tables, benches, and chairs with curving forms and textured surfaces, accented with fiber components that reference broom bristles. They seamlessly integrate centuries-old stone carving techniques with new, experimental perspectives developed through their collaborative approach.
Sayar & Garibeh have received the Architectural Digest Middle East 2020 Emerging Talent Prize, Milan Design Week’s Best in Show in 2015 and 2016, and was highlighted as Best of at Maison&Objet Paris in 2015. In 2023, they collaborated with Dolce & Gabbana for the D&G Casa collection and have been featured in multiple media outlets, including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Wallpaper*, Galerie, and Surface, to name a few.
“Being both designers and makers, we perceive the immense potential within each material we encounter. We are constantly seeking ways to transform and manipulate, breathing new life into them and presenting them in unique and unconventional ways. Ultimately, we relish the opportunity to rebel against traditional materials and techniques, embracing the chance to challenge norms and bring forth innovative expressions of creativity.” — Sayar & Garibeh