Others may perhaps see a consistent style in my designs, but I don’t really strive to have a specific style. Style can actually be a constraint. Some of our big, well-known Danish brands end up forcing their new designs into the old style, so it becomes like a template. You have to dare to stay on the move. I’ve heard fashion designer Paul Smith say that “Danish design” was caught up in its own success, and that we should allow ourselves to go crazy at least once a week. I try to live by that. When it comes to the OUTFIT range, it’s very much about scale. The wall light and mailbox have been created to interact with humans. They hang close to eye level at a height we can reach. Therefore they need more subtle details than objects installed far above our heads. by working on an assignment and trying things out – and then all of a sudden you know that’s it. Differing viewpoints inspire me too. The advan- tage of being in a big design studio is that you can circulate your ideas and get feedback. Discussion is hugely important. I work best when I have a client with strong opinions that I can bounce ideas off. Being self-employed, I have the freedom to take on assignments that would never go to the big design studios. I’ve said yes to projects that initially looked quite impossible, simply because I was fascinated by the client’s energy and deter- mination. What characterises good lighting design? The idea behind the OUTFIT wall light was to create something that is both spartan and plea- sing at the same time. A flat light that is not an angular box. What inspires you? The work inspires me. When I get started sketching by hand or in Rhino, the ideas flow. I have a fun and immediate dialogue with my 3D printer. It’s a quick way of trying something out. I get inspired The light must, of course, provide good and adequate illumination. It also needs to create an experience for the user. It’s actually a challenge every time you start on a new design, whether it’s a light or something else. As a basic requirement, the design must be functional. It must be new – bring something new to the table. Furthermore it should make people feel something. Good design speaks to people. That’s ideally what I’m looking for when I work – the functional and the innovative, creating an experience for people. 242
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