The Studio

Founded in 2021 (before being formally registered in 2023) Atelier Giorgio’s core mission is to create spaces where people feel genuinely comfortable and welcome, whether in a residential or hospitality setting. The studio believes that interior design should serve a purpose beyond aesthetics – it should foster a sense of belonging and wellbeing for all who enter. This philosophy translates into warm, inviting environments that balance sophistication with approachability, ensuring no one ever feels out of place.

At the heart of Atelier Giorgio’s design approach is a fusion of global inspiration and local context. Founder Giorgio Tatsakis infuses his Mediterranean heritage and international travel experiences into each project, taking references he’s seen whilst abroad and using them as inspiration in the South African context. This blend of international elegance with local character gives the studio’s work a unique narrative depth and cultural resonance. As a mature, purpose-driven practice, Atelier Giorgio also emphasises sustainability and community impact, choosing high-quality, timeless materials and often partnering with local artisans to bring its visions to life. The result is a portfolio of spaces that not only look stunning, but also offer a form of escapism without intimidation, transporting people while still making them feel at ease. Atelier Giorgio’s mission is to enrich lives through design: crafting immersive, culturally-inspired interiors that welcome people in, tell a story, and positively impact the community.

Giorgio Tatsakis, at just 25 years old,  has quickly emerged as a leading young voice in interior design. Born and raised in Johannesburg with formative years spent in Greece, he gained a deep appreciation for Mediterranean art and architecture early on. Giorgio completed his BA in Interior Design at Greenside Design Centre, all the while already working on high-end projects such as Ethos, an upscale Johannesburg restaurant, and other hospitality ventures. In his early twenties he officially founded Atelier Giorgio, driven by a vision to deliver inclusive yet world-class design.

From the outset, his work has been defined by a rich cultural narrative,  blending the elegance of European design with South African sensibilities, and a commitment to making people feel comfortable and welcome in every space. This personal design ethos is rooted in Giorgio’s own inspirations, he often cites his family’s passion for hospitality and his yearly travels abroad as key influences that continue to inspire his work. By the time he graduated, Giorgio had not only founded his studio but also co-founded a ceramics and woodware company (Clay by MG – claybymg.com) with his sister, demonstrating entrepreneurial drive and an early contribution to local design crafts.

One of Giorgio’s breakthrough projects was Ethos Restaurant in Rosebank, which captures the unique and timeless features of the Mediterranean in a distinctly contemporary South African context. The design, both visually spectacular and warmly inviting, embodies Atelier Giorgio’s mission of crafting spaces that combine sophistication and approachability. The restaurant quickly achieved international acclaim, earning the prestigious title of International Restaurant of the Year in 2022, with its interior design shortlisted among the top four globally at the 2022 International Hotel & Property Awards held in Capri, Italy. These notable achievements at a young age led to further industry recognition, including Giorgio being honoured as one of Scape Magazine’s “Faces of the Future” in 2022, spotlighting him as a leading talent shaping the future of interior design. Giorgio remains deeply committed to collaboration and community involvement; in developing Ethos Rosebank, he partnered exclusively with local designers, artisans, and architects, ensuring the project celebrated South African craftsmanship while maintaining a sophisticated European influence.

Giorgio’s influence extends beyond individual projects and into the broader design community. As mentioned, he is the co-owner of Clay by MG, an artisan ceramics and woodware brand, through which he supports local craft and sustainable production.

In 2024, he launched Société by Giorgio (shopsociete.co), a curated homeware and furniture collection that makes his design ethos accessible to the public. Société exemplifies Giorgio’s industry contribution and vision, it offers a meticulously curated shopping experience focused on fostering community, presenting bespoke home items that blend local South African craftsmanship with international elegance. Each piece reflects his passion for quality and design, further bridging the gap between high design and everyday living. Through these entrepreneurial ventures, Giorgio has demonstrated leadership in the industry, promoting handcrafted quality, sustainability, and a design-forward lifestyle to a wider audience. Giorgio Tatsakis’s career history is defined by innovative design and impactful contributions at a remarkably young age. His work consistently showcases an expression of expertise far beyond his years – from the award-winning Mediterranean interiors of Ethos to the bespoke details of luxury residences.

He has made significant industry contributions by elevating South African interior design onto international platforms and by launching brands that nurture design appreciation. Equally important, he shows genuine community involvement: engaging local artisans in projects, championing local production through Clay by MG, and crafting experiences that bring people together. His personal narrative, a blend of Mediterranean roots and Johannesburg upbringing, gives a unique character to his designs, and he communicates this story through spaces that resonate emotionally with people.

The impact of Giorgio’s work is evident in both tangible accolades and the intangible atmospheres he creates: his interiors have won awards and media praise, but also, as patrons and clients attest, they make people feel something special. Little wonder Atelier Giorgio has been featured in leading publications like Sunday Times, House & Leisure, VISI, EatOut and the Daily Maverick, among others. As a candidate for Scape’s Emerging Firm of the Year, Atelier Giorgio stands out for its strong foundation in purpose-driven design and a trajectory of excellence, a young studio with a clear mission, a compelling story, and a growing legacy of design innovation and community impact.