Peter Bubev

Sintio Studio

Leatherworker

©Tsvetelina Deliyska

Leather origami

Peter brings an architectural approach to leather crafting
He combines traditional leatherwork with a unique, colourful style
All his products are based on origami principles

A family holiday trip to Japan marked the beginning of Sintio Studio. At that time Peter Bubev and his wife were working as architects, but they were so impressed by the Japanese origami purses and boxes they saw during their travels that it made them dream of new professional horizons. It took Peter two years to create his first origami wallet. Family and friends were charmed by the leather item, and so the new brand was born. Crafts have always played an important role in Peter’s family. He grew up under the influence of his self-taught woodcarver grandfather and the artistic background of his father. It was only natural that he would go to the famous art school in Kazanlak, initially focusing on fine arts, but later turning to architecture as a profession.

Interview

©Tsvetelina Deliyska

©Tsvetelina Deliyska

What does your working day look like?: I combine my main practice as an architect with my job as a designer and maker of Sintio products. I am entirely responsible for the crafting of the wallets and my wife is in charge of the marketing. All this takes place in our cosy workshop.
What approach do you take to making?: We created our products with the idea of making something different and unique, but with no compromises in functionality. For the moment we aim to do everything using the origami approach, by аssembling and folding. We don’t use seams, glue or any metal elements in the process.
How would you describe a well made leather product?: A good product has to combine functionality with a vision, a good idea realised with only a few means of expression and quality materials. From the beginning we have only used Italian calf leather, in order to make items that are practical and can last forever.
What inspires you, besides your professional activities?: My wife and I love to travel and every year we choose a different place to go to. We like to visit European cities, where we can experience classical and modern architecture and visit interesting galleries and shops with a variety of design products.

Peter Bubev is a rising star: he began his career in 2018 and he started teaching in 2021