At ARK Architects, we understand architecture as a deeply crafted process. Designing a villa isn’t just about creating a structure — it’s about shaping something unique, where every material, every joint, and every gesture matters. That same philosophy is what inspired our co-founder and creative director, Manuel Ruiz Moriche, to design a limited series of knives in collaboration with IVO that embody the very essence of how we approach our work.
“Our way of understanding architecture is that of an artisan,” says Manuel. “We think about how things are built, about detail and precision — and that’s exactly how we approached this piece.”
A knife may seem like a simple kitchen tool. But in this case, it becomes something much more — a crafted object that expresses the same core values that define our architecture: pure form, material honesty, functionality, and timeless beauty.
Designed using two essential materials — forged steel and natural stone — the knife reflects the same principles we apply when building our homes: a respect for materials, a dialogue between tradition and innovation, and execution with near-surgical precision. To achieve this, we collaborated with master metalworkers and stone artisans, merging both disciplines into a single object where stone and steel fit together seamlessly.
“We wanted the materials — the same stone and steel we use in our villas — to speak the same architectural language. The knife isn’t just an object; it tells the story of the house, its environment, and the people who live in it.”
Each knife is entirely bespoke, designed to accompany certain homes we create. It’s not an accessory or decoration — it’s an extension of the villa, its kitchen, and its spirit. In some cases, we even select the exact stone for the handle based on the materials used in the house itself, creating a direct and tangible connection between architecture and object.
“Gastronomy, like architecture, is creation. It’s culture, it’s pleasure, it’s experience. That’s why we didn’t just want these knives to be a gift — we wanted them to represent what it means to live in an ARK home.”
Through this knife series, ARK brings its design vision to a smaller, more intimate scale — but with the same depth, rigor, and soul that defines each of our projects. Because when you work from a place of craftsmanship, no object is too small. Only objects that carry meaning.
