Hilea Design was founded by Debora Laruccia in 2002, as an outgrowth of her efforts to find and develop sustainable raw materials. She began her journey in the Amazon in 1998 and continues to this day to be involved in social-environmental projects, design consultations and the training of craftsmen in forest communities. Hilea’s objective is to improve the quality of life of the peoples Hilea works with through education and economic development, always respecting the peoples’ ways of life, their knowledge and the fragile ecosystem that provides them with their livelihood.

In the work process, designed by Debora Laruccia, her team and partners interact and share expertise with local community craftsmen In this process contemporary design, traditional crafts, and the diversity of materials of the forest meet; the resulting objects preserve the cultural and natural heritage of the participating communities.

Over the years, as Hilea has offered both governmental and nongovernmental organizations and companies advice on sustainability issues, the scope of Hilea’s actions has broadened. Now Hilea’s work includes conceiving environmentally respectful projects that will provide value generation for forest communities, publicizing the products through exhibitions, developing new products, and offering training workshops in forest communities.

Hilea Design has participated in exhibits in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Milan, Rome and Paris

Debora Laruccia has been the curator of “Amazonia Design, Fashion and Sustainable Economy”, since 2002. In partnership with the Health and Happiness Project, she participated in the conception of the “Amazonia Brasil Project” and the website “Mercado Amazonia”.