Since 2015...
The City Works is a contemporary souvenirs brand, founded by Sylvia Moritz and Rowan Ottesen in 2015.
Born out of a love for travelling, designing and making, we aim to provide seasoned natives and curious travellers with high-quality memories of their city.
BASED IN VIENNA
Our studio and workshop is based in the central-European city of Vienna. Operating from this global hub allows us to serve our worldwide audience and our 150 stockists internationally.
As designers, we've also created bespoke illustrations and products for museums, universities, publishers and cultural institutions globally.
MADE LOCALLY
We believe that you don't have to travel far to find great producers and craftspeople. Everything is designed in-house and Made in Europe.
We use high-quality, ethically-sourced materials, with a focus on sustainability throughout our design, making, distribution and disposal processes.
The places we hold dear to us have their own character and their own stories to tell. From where we grew up, to where we settled down, to the places we visit, and those we still dream of seeing. In Spring 2015, The City Works set out on a journey to illustrate these places. City by city. Brick by brick.
Wherever we are and whatever we do, attention to detail is the cornerstone of everything we embark upon. By combining research, quality craftsmanship and the finest materials, our designs are made to stand the test of time. Just like the landmarks we depict.
OUR FOUNDERS
SYLVIA - CREATIVE DIRECTOR
After studying Graphic Design in her native Austria, Sylvia travelled to America, partaking in illustration and printmaking courses at the SMFA, Boston and UC Berkeley in San Francisco.
After completing her Design degree at the University of the Arts London, Sylvia practiced as a print-maker, with her intricate city etchings turning a few heads.
Sylvia then ideated a brand that applied her detailed urban style across a flexible and creative system. And so she started The City Works on her 25th birthday, in April 2015.
ROWAN - OPERATIONS MANAGER
Originally from England, Rowan studied art and design, before residing in London while working as a Graphic Designer for a handful of London-based design agencies.
During this time he collaborated with many international companies on branding projects for a variety of clients including supermarkets, cultural organisations and transport utilities networks.
In 2015, Rowan partnered with Sylvia to take on the new challenge of managing The City Works at its inception.
