Checks rug
The Checks Rug is a high-quality wool rug, crafted using a distinctive shaving technique that combines high-pile and low-pile textures to form a classic checks pattern. It is available in a single solid color, which highlights the subtle relief of the pattern, as well as in a brown-beige color combination for a more traditional checked look.
Designed and Developed, FEST Amsterdam
2023
Blob bowls
These ceramic bowls are designed for both functional and decorative use. They work beautifully as fruit bowls, snack platters, or simply as eye-catching statement pieces on their own. The bowls are available in two sizes and come in two color options.
Designed and Developed, FEST Amsterdam
2023
Murray glass bowl
This bowl is a renewed glass version of the previous Murray ceramic bowl, originally designed by Martin Hirth. The glass edition offers a refined, mature aesthetic. It makes a beautiful statement piece on its own but is also perfectly functional as a fruit bowl, for example filled with lemons or other fresh fruit.
Developed, FEST Amsterdam
2022
Stepping Back: From Junior Developer to Graduate Work
After highlighting my experience at FEST, let's step back in time to explore my graduation projects. Here, you'll see how my journey in digital design and production began...
Parametric Digital Design
A graduation project for the University of Applied Sciences Amsterdam focused on the design and development of a digitally produced stool for the main areas of the university building. Using Rhino and Grasshopper, a parametric design was created from upcycled cardboard—waste packaging material that would otherwise be sent to a recycling company. Instead, the material was processed internally within the university’s digital production lab.
Turning Cardboard Waste into Value
Every day, many packages are delivered to the university building, with the cardboard waste typically sent off to recycling companies. But why not upcycle this material internally? By processing the cardboard on-site, the CO₂ footprint from transport and the energy required for recycling can be significantly reduced. This project explored a system within the university where students and staff could return cardboard packaging to the Robot Lab studio in exchange for a stool made from that same material.
Digital production
The stool is a parametrically designed product, adaptable to the user’s needs. This method aligns well with digital production —CNC milling using a robotic arm—allowing each stool to be custom-made on demand, without requiring pre-manufacturing or stockpiling materials.
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Cardboard waste is transformed into a precisely milled, functional stool through this seamless process. The project demonstrated the potential of local, circular production, although only experimental prototypes were completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From the Archives: Early Projects & Concepts
A collection of projects focused on materials, techniques, and creative development...
Design Intern at Normann Copenhagen
During my internship at Normann Copenhagen, I worked on a variety of design concepts, shapes, and ideas. I had the opportunity to create several small prototypes through 3D printing as part of the development process. Due to intellectual property rights held by the company, I’m only able to share a limited, close-up view of the work.
Internship period sep. 2019 - feb. 2020
Ligna Lumo
Digitally produced and sustainably designed wooden pendant lamp. Ligna Lumo is laser-cut from MDF with 90% material efficiency to minimize waste. The lamp is flat-packed for eco-friendly logistics and can be easily assembled by the customer. Once installed, it creates a warm and atmospheric light.
Designed and Developed, University Project in collab with Cre8, 2016
Greenteaching Education with Elho
Greenteaching is a classroom concept that teaches children how to grow plants and crops through hands-on learning. The modular system holds 24 pots across three layers, with each student responsible for their own pot. Each pot includes a small compartment for storing tools, promoting independence and environmental awareness.The concept was selected by Elho during the final presentation of a university project but was not pursued further.
Concept Design, University project in collab with Elho, 2019
Erva Yüksek Balasar
About
I am a product designer with a degree in Engineering Product Design from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (graduated in 2020). My work focuses on sustainable, functional, and well-crafted design, developing products and collections from concept through to production.In recent years, I have worked on a wide range of projects within the furniture and interior design industry, including at FEST Amsterdam and Normann Copenhagen. This has given me solid experience in product development, collaborating with external designers, and coordinating production processes with international manufacturers.My skill set includes:- 3D modeling (SolidWorks, Rhino)
- Rendering and visualization (KeyShot)
- Prototyping and digital fabrication (such as robotic arms and circular production systems)
- Development of commercial product collections
- Production coordination and material researchI aim to combine functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability in every project, creating products that deliver lasting value for both companies and users.Feel free to contact me!