MMM STORIES: FOH STUDIO

FOH Studio is the creation of Anamarija Ludvik and Luka Kravanja, experienced graphic designers who, since 2018, have fused their passion for contemporary design and unique craftsmanship with their zeal for creative solutions tailored for top-tier chefs and their restaurants. Bridging the realms of graphic and ceramic design, they introduced a new element to clay artistry: the client. Through a relationship built on careful and heartfelt communication, they discover – within their own aesthetic – creative solutions for the practical challenges faced in their artistic and professional pursuits. They assist chefs in crafting even more exquisite culinary experiences, while guiding their clients through the entire process with as much attentiveness as a host offers to their most cherished guests. 

They understand that dreams, inspiration, passion, and creativity alone do not suffice to reach for the stars; therefore, in their craft, they temper the dreamy rhythm of ceramic artistry with the steady, predictable beat of professional reliability. Through years of successful collaboration with chefs, restaurants, hotels, and hospitality experts, they have come to intimately know the world of haute cuisine and bespoke experiences. For many, FOH Studio has become an inseparable, irreplaceable chapter in the unfolding story of success – a story that grows richer, more thoughtful, and more imaginative with every new menu. 

Since their beginnings, countless stories of success have flourished, many written alongside restaurants boasting prestigious Michelin stars and other distinguished culinary honours. With Ana Roš of Hiša Franko, they designed a collection of ceramics, and from their plates patrons have dined — or soon will — at Restavracija Strelec, Restavracija Altrokè, Restavracija Pino Alpino, and Špacapanova Hiša. They both confess that more than any award, recognition, or mention in a prestigious magazine, what truly matters to them is the longevity and quality of the relationships they build with their partners. They are undoubtedly most proud of their collaboration with the Kranjska Gora-based restaurant Milka and the invaluable partnership with Chef David Žefran. They have worked together since the very beginning, when the restaurant in Kranjska Gora was still but a dream – a dream that has today blossomed into a two-Michelin-starred jewel. Even during our visit, the studio was crafting new pieces to complement the experience of Milka’s autumn tasting menus.

Due to the nature of their work, which requires constant dialogue, most of their early clients were from Slovenia. With a steadily deepening understanding of their own process, they are now gradually and carefully expanding beyond borders – currently collaborating with several Croatian gastronomic houses and reaching as far as Germany and Austria.

Their minimalist, handcrafted ceramics are not simply taken off the shelf and carried to the cash register, where they might place them in a bag and issue a receipt. More than two months

can pass from the first exchange of ideas to a ceramic collection made from exceptionally durable high-temperature clay known as stoneware, crafted so precisely that it is nearly impossible to notice that every piece is hand-shaped, thrown, glazed, and polished. There is no place for rushing, shortcuts, or skipping steps at FOH Studio, where attention, patience, and precision reside in a spacious workspace bathed in abundant natural light. 

The plates, cups, and other carriers of culinary experiences that travel from FOH to the tables of restaurants crowned by the greatest connoisseurs of the gastronomic scene begin their existence when Anamarija and Luka meet people who share their values and vision. People who understand that the best and most beautiful things in life take time and energy to create.

They say they are fortunate to have the best clients, but those clients are just as fortunate to work with the two of them as well. For when planets and values align, that magical stardust appears – what the less romantic among us might call sincere communication.

They listen to ideas and desires and respond with shapes and textures. They hear needs and limitations and explain solutions and challenges. Together with their client, they seek a compromise between practicality and beauty – a balance that belongs to them as much as to the client, and which, like Anamarija and Luka themselves, never overshadows the purpose for which it was created, yet becomes firmly woven into the story it helps co-create.

While Luka gives form to ideas in the workshop, Anamarija works in the office to ensure that the relationship with the client remains in perfect shape. Before Luka begins the meticulous and patient task of handcrafting the agreed number of unique yet nearly identical pieces, Anamarija invites the client once more as a guest to experience the form by touch, weight, and sight – perhaps even taking it to their soon-to-be home, where it can be seen and felt in its truest light.

And when the stardust has done its work and everything is in perfect harmony, it is time for FOH’s creations to fulfil their purpose and become one of those countless details that are no triviality, helping to craft the flawless culinary experience so characteristic of those restaurants that understand the best and most beautiful things in life take time and energy to create.

Yet the story is only just beginning, for FOH, like those for and with whom they create, never runs out of stardust. Anamarija and Luka have no intention of dramatically increasing production; rather, they aim to elevate quality gradually and thoughtfully. Therefore, do not expect to find their ceramics on every designer shop shelf anytime soon, if ever. Still, you can adorn your table with FOH pieces – they supply the shelves at the reception of Hotel Milka, occasionally participate in sales exhibitions, and at least once a year host a sale at their studio for pieces that, for one reason or another, have not found a home with clients. Recently, they have also begun offering their ceramics for rent, perfect for celebrations, weddings, photo shoots, pop-up events, and other special occasions.