Good design is everywhere these days. Great design—the objects, places and ideas that fuse functionality and aesthetics and then push the boundaries a step further to capture the imagination—is more elusive. Take a look at the standouts.

VIRTUOSOS

Evan Snyderman and Zesty Meyers

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Tom Tavee for TIME

Patrizia Morozo

These former glass artists have exhibited American craftsman Wendell Castle's furniture and Verner Panton's lighting at their New York City gallery R 20th Century. But their biggest claim to fame is creating a U.S. market for mid-century Brazilian masters like Sergio Rodrigues. Hugo Franca, a contemporary designer from Brazil, gets his own show next year.

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