Team

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Dr. Fabienne Kilchör

Founder and Partner, AD, Graphic Designer

A passionate designer with a penchant for detail, thoughtful conceptualiser, critical thinker and stringent planner. At the  interface between design, research and teaching, Fabienne pursues a holistic approach to knowledge transfer. Layouting printed matter and designing information graphics are her  passion. As a nature-loving  forest owner, and an  archaeologist and a mother with a passion for handicrafts, she likes things to be visual, analogue and tangible, but also sometimes experimentally different.

Since 2015: Director of Continuing Education CAS DataViz and CAS Generative Data Design, HEABSince 2010: Founder and Partner, Emphase Sàrl, graphic design agency2017 – 2019: Researcher, University of Bern, Institute of German Studies2014 – 2017: Scientific Collaborator – PhD Thesis, University of Bern, Institute of Archaeological Sciences, Swiss National Fund (SNF)2010 – 2014: Scientific Collaborator, HEAB (Bern University of the Arts), research focus: Knowledge Visualization2013 – 2017: Adjunct Professor of Infographics and Data Design, HEAD – Geneva2009 – 2012: Assistant in Visual Communication, HEAD – Geneva2009 – 2010: Independent Graphic Designer within the collective "La Fonderie" in Carouge2007 – 2009: Junior Graphic Designer, Avenew Visual Communication SA2004 – 2008: HES Designer in Visual Communication, HEAD – Geneva
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Sébastien Fasel

Founder and Partner, Graphic Designer

Half-Colombian and a former snowboarder, his passion for the mountains and skateboarding deeply influences his graphic approach. A tennis enthusiast, crime novel reader, and dinosaur aficionado, he's also captivated by scientific popularization and keeps a keen eye on current affairs.

2025: Certificate of Advanced Studies BFH in Generative Data Design, HKB (Hochschule der Künste Bern)Since 2015: CFC Graphic Design Expert, ERACOM, LausanneSince 2010: Founder and Partner at Emphase Sàrl, Graphic Design Agency2023: Continuing Education in Artificial Intelligence and Creative Coding at HEAD–Geneva2013 – 2017: Adjunct Professor of Infographics and Data Design, HEAD–Geneva2009 – 2010: Independent Graphic Designer within the collective "La Fonderie" in Carouge2006: ERASMUS Exchange in Barcelona, Escola Massana2005 – 2009: Bachelor of Arts HES-SO in Visual Communication, HEAD – Geneva2003 – 2005: CFC in Graphic Design, ERACOM
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Deborah Steffen

Graphic Designer

Deborah is passionate about visual branding, infographic animation, website design and marketing. Her passion for books, typography, printing techniques, colour concepts and thoughtful design compositions is reflected in her work. Her spirit of experimentation extends to both analogue and digital media, always considering contemporary approaches. Deborah is an art enthusiast with a keen interest in modern and contemporary art. She attends exhibitions, immerses herself in art books from various periods and draws inspiration from artists such as Gabriele Münter, Lee Krasner, Yayoi Kusama and Louise Bourgeois. She also collects limited-edition books with special printing techniques and, when on holiday, explores art book fairs and specialist bookshops to add to her collection.

2025: Certificate of Advanced Studies BFH in Data Visualization, HKBSince 2022: Graphic Designer, Emphase Sàrl, Bern2019 – 2022: Responsible for print marketing, Stämpfli Verlag2019: Internship at Studio VIE (AT)2018: Internship at Büro Zwoi (CH)2017: Internship at Atelier Pol (CH)2014 – 2018: Fachklasse Grafik, Lucerne2013 – 2014: Preparatory Design Course, Langenthal
Alice

Alice Laurent

Graphic Designer

Raised in both a French and English household, Alice would immerse herself in her parents' vinyl collection for hours. The layouts, colors, and compositions always held a fascination for her. Even today, editorial content, illustrations, and music remain her guilty pleasures. An eternal optimist, Alice draws inspiration from the little things in daily life, nature, print, as well as artisanship and crafted objects. She envisions graphic design as a true blend of disciplines where photography, typography, and illustrations all serve emotions and messages.

Since 2022: Graphic Designer at Emphase Sàrl, Lausanne2012 – 2022: Founder of Aka Alice Ltd, independent graphic designer for English publishing houses, London and Lausanne2007 – 2012: Graphic Designer for the publishing house Hodder & Stoughton (Hachette UK), London2005 – 2007: Graphic Designer at Angebault-Portenier and within the independent collective Motiongraphics.ch, Lausanne2003 – 2005: CFC in Graphic Design, ERACOM2001 – 2003: DEUG in Performing Arts (theatre, cinema, dance, photography), Lyon II University2000: Preparatory Year in Applied Arts and Design, Bellecour School, Lyon
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Lea Gasser

Graphic Designer

At the intersection of graphic design, science, and visual storytelling, I develop clear and structured visual systems that foster a precise dialogue between typography, image, and data. My practice places particular emphasis on materiality and legibility, with the aim of translating complex information into visuals that are both comprehensible and accessible. Curious and creative, I strive to combine rigor with sensitivity in order to design visually compelling solutions capable of conveying clear and engaging messages.

Since 2026: Graphic Designer, Emphase Sàrl, Bern2025 – 2026: Internship at NORM, Zurich (CH)2024 – 2025: Internship at Isabelle Mauchle Grafik, Lucerne (CH)2021 – 2025: Federal VET Diploma in Graphic Design (CFC), CPNE – Pôle Arts Appliqués, La Chaux-de-Fonds (CH)2017 – 2020: Swiss Academic Baccalaureate, Visual Arts option, Lycée Jean-Piaget, Neuchâtel (CH)
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Sabine Hirsig

Illustrator

Sabine’s fascination with living organisms, particularly botany, and her keen observational skills are reflected in her illustrations. She is also deeply engaged with societal themes and questions of coexistence. From complex scientific illustrations to more reduced and stylized drawings, she enjoys finding the appropriate visual language for each context and alternating between analogue and digital techniques. In parallel, she enthusiastically teaches drawing to adults, teenagers, and children. Having grown up in a bilingual family, Sabine moves between French- and German-speaking Switzerland. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring wild landscapes.

Since 2026: Illustrator, Emphase Sàrl, BernSince 2013: Drawing teacher at the School of Visual Arts Bern (SfGBB)Since 2011: Freelance illustrator2021: Didactic Course II, Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training2014: Didactic Course I, Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training2010 – 2011: Internship in botanical illustration at the Botanical Garden of the University of Basel2009: Internship in archaeological illustration at the Cantonal Archaeology Service of Neuchâtel2008 – 2011: Bachelor in Nonfiction Illustration, HSLU Design & Art, Lucerne2006 – 2007: Foundation Year, Bern University of the Arts (HKB)
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Benedikt Achermann

Process designer

Benedikt is a passionate process designer and, with his organisational talent and digital toolbox, ensures that emphase can concentrate on the essentials in projects: sophisticated, content-driven design. Thanks to his diverse background, he brings a strong set of interdisciplinary skills to the table, combining solution-oriented know-how with conceptual and strategic thinking. He loves pursuing nerdy special interests and gets all excited when talking about music, Linux and memes.

Depuis 2026: Process designer, Emphase Sàrl, Berne2025 – 2026: Training in solution-focused coaching, solutionsurfers, Lucerne2025 – 2026: Research assistant, University of Bern2024: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)2021 – 2024: Master of Arts in Multimedia Communication & Publishing, Bern University of the Arts2012 – 2015: Bachelor of Arts in Process Design, HyperWerk, Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW2004 – 2024: ICT support, knowledge management and web development in Zurich and Basel2000 – 2003: Commercial employee EFZ

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