Our Origin & Philosophy

Toqapu Studio was founded on a simple belief: traditional and indigenous knowledge is not our past. It is the foundation from which we grow into the future.

We work at the intersection of cultural heritage, strategic communication and sustainable design. Our projects bring together artisan communities, institutions and markets in a relationship built on equal dialogue, mutual respect and shared authorship.

We operate as a collective. A core team of specialists converges around each project, ensuring the right expertise is always in the room.

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Isabel Apaéstegui M.

Founder, Cultural Strategist & Consultant

Born in Lima, based in Zurich since 16. Isabel works at the intersection of brand positioning, intercultural communication and cultural heritage. She founded Toqapu Studio to create a platform where traditional knowledge and contemporary design meet on equal terms. Currently completing a CAS at ETH Zurich (NADEL).

Core Network & Experts

Patrick Bucher

Award-Winning Creative Director & Copywriter (Zurich) Patrick is an award-winning creative director and copywriter (with over 40 awards). He crafts compelling brand narratives and engaging content strategies. Based in Zurich, his expertise ensures that the studio's projects and communications are clearly articulated and conceptually strong.

Esteban Ibarra

Visual Identity & Graphic Design Expert Esteban specializes in visual, editorial, and digital identity projects, grounded in conceptual design rigor since 2006. His internationally recognized work includes features in the prestigious Gestalten Los Logos series. He teaches visual communication at Universidad National de Lanus (AR)

The Visuals,
Taisia Karpova

3D Fashion, CGI Artist & Founder of The Visuals With over 10 years as an international fashion designer, Taisia pivoted to digital fashion, founding The Visuals. Her expertise integrates 3D visualization and CGI art, notably supporting the 3D design work on the NI People project in Zurich during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Conceptual Devices, Antonio Scarponi, PhD.

Architect, Designer, and Educator Antonio brings expertise in transformative design practices, applying architectural and design thinking to shift and evolve industries, focusing on concept and education.

SciVisLab, Anncharlott Berglar, PhD.

Scientific Visualization & Communication Through SciVisLab, Anncharlott specializes in making complex scientific topics visually accessible and clear, ensuring high-impact communication for both scientific and public audiences.

Affiliations & Commitments

Logo of Impact Hub Zürich with a black square border, containing the words 'IMPACT HUB' in bold, and 'Zürich' outside the square.

Impact Hub Zurich: A community and co-working space focused on fostering collaboration for a more sustainable world.

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Made in Zurich: An association promoting local commerce, craftsmanship, and innovative businesses within the city.

Black and white geometric logo of the Swiss Future Association with the letters S and N.

Maison Shift: A platform committed to sustainable practices and education within the fashion industry.

Common Objective: A global business network dedicated to making sustainability the future of fashion.

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Swiss Future: An association of experts researching and promoting future trends and innovations.

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Key Collaborators & Partner Institutions

Our network is a truly global ecosystem, built on mutual respect for craft, innovation, and social responsibility. We partner with organizations across continents to ensure diverse perspectives and maximum impact.

  • “Asociacion Artesanas Panon Tacabambino” (Tacabamba, Peru)

  • Asociacion de Artistas de Cantagallo "Shinan Noabo" (Cantagallo, Peru)

  • Asociacion de Mujeres Emprendedoras y creativas “ASAMCEI” (Incahuasi, Peru)

  • "Tenun Ikat Sikka" (Sikka, Indonesia)

  • "Nani House" (Sikka, Indonesia)

  • "Tenun Ikat Lepolorum" (Sikka, Indonesia)

  • Conceiba Peru (Peru)

  • Instituto Monte Lupone (Peru)

  • Kino Houdini (Zurich, Switzerland)

  • Koltiva (Indonesia/Switzerland)

  • NaturText Peru (Peru)

  • Sahabat Cipta Foundation (Indonesia)