CRU ATELIER
Cru is a design studio devoted to the creation of bespoke interior pieces and collectible objects, shaped through the use of organic and geo-sourced materials. Their work brings together craftsmanship, quality, creativity, sustainability, and a deep sensitivity to materials.
Founded in 2023 by Sarah El Yousefy (left) and Nina Ouchinsky (right), both graduates of the Faculty of Architecture at UCL-LOCI Brussels (2015), the studio is rooted in a shared sensibility for natural matter and a commitment to responsible design.
Over time, they have immersed themselves in a range of ecological techniques, including raw earth, lime and hemp, straw, and natural finishes. This dedication has led them to rediscover rare and ancestral savoir-faire, preserving gestures and knowledge that are gradually disappearing.
Drawn to the textures, nuances, and infinite possibilities of these materials, they approach design as a field of experimentation and expression. Cru atelier was born from the desire to unite their skills, their friendship, and their shared vision.
Founded in 2023 by Sarah El Yousefy (left) and Nina Ouchinsky (right), both graduates of the Faculty of Architecture at UCL-LOCI Brussels (2015), the studio is rooted in a shared sensibility for natural matter and a commitment to responsible design.
Over time, they have immersed themselves in a range of ecological techniques, including raw earth, lime and hemp, straw, and natural finishes. This dedication has led them to rediscover rare and ancestral savoir-faire, preserving gestures and knowledge that are gradually disappearing.
Drawn to the textures, nuances, and infinite possibilities of these materials, they approach design as a field of experimentation and expression. Cru atelier was born from the desire to unite their skills, their friendship, and their shared vision.
TEAM
Nina is a multidisciplinary architect and craftswoman. She worked as an architect at Pierre Blondel Architectes, co-founded a wood and metal workshop, and has experience as a scenographer and set designer. She also served as a teaching assistant at the Faculty of Architecture of ULiège.
Sarah is an architect and craftwoman specializing in sustainable construction.
She previously worked at ICI Architects and later as a materials expert consultant at CERAA. She also teaches eco-construction in the Master’s program in Social Ecology at HELB (Brussels).
She previously worked at ICI Architects and later as a materials expert consultant at CERAA. She also teaches eco-construction in the Master’s program in Social Ecology at HELB (Brussels).
Cabinetmaker and designer, currently studying at the École Boulle (Paris) and intern at Cru.
Aïona Garel, Sacha Druet, Lola De Mesmaeker, Audrey Dulon, Lucie Fabry, Aude Cliquennois, Anaëlle Pouliquen
PRESS
BX1 - 12 March 2026
BX1 Chronique Radio - Les invités du Brunch : Nina Ouchinsky et Audrey Werthle par Aline Walsdorff
L’ÉVENTAIL - March 2026
ARCHI, DÉCO & IMMO p. 107 «Brute et Expérimental» par Agnès Zamboni
MAD BRUSSELS - March 2026
Interview : "Nous voulons repousser les limites des matériaux dans le design et explorer les possibilités qu’ils offrent." par MAD Brussels
PODCAST - March 2026
J’aime quand vous souriez - Episode 23 : Sarah&Nina Cru atelier “Nous fabriquons nos pièces à partir de matériaux crus” par Izaline Nicol
BX1 Chronique Radio - Les invités du Brunch : Nina Ouchinsky et Audrey Werthle par Aline Walsdorff
L’ÉVENTAIL - March 2026
ARCHI, DÉCO & IMMO p. 107 «Brute et Expérimental» par Agnès Zamboni
MAD BRUSSELS - March 2026
Interview : "Nous voulons repousser les limites des matériaux dans le design et explorer les possibilités qu’ils offrent." par MAD Brussels
PODCAST - March 2026
J’aime quand vous souriez - Episode 23 : Sarah&Nina Cru atelier “Nous fabriquons nos pièces à partir de matériaux crus” par Izaline Nicol
AMC n°336 - Nov 2025
DESIGN p. 98-101 «Huit artisanes àl’établi» par Laure Carsalade
SESSUN - Aug 2025
Sessùn Craft Prize 2025 : Rencontres avec Cru atelier
SOSOIR - 08 March 2025
DESIGN p. 24-27 “Collectif au féminin” par Agnès Zamboni
IDEAT (be) - 16 Nov 2024
DESIGN IDEE - «Ecomatériaux : les 10 nouveautés qui vont tout changer» par Agnès Zamboni
DESIGN p. 98-101 «Huit artisanes àl’établi» par Laure Carsalade
SESSUN - Aug 2025
Sessùn Craft Prize 2025 : Rencontres avec Cru atelier
SOSOIR - 08 March 2025
DESIGN p. 24-27 “Collectif au féminin” par Agnès Zamboni
IDEAT (be) - 16 Nov 2024
DESIGN IDEE - «Ecomatériaux : les 10 nouveautés qui vont tout changer» par Agnès Zamboni