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THOMAS BO KASTHOLM
Born 1963
ANKER BAK
Born 1983
STRAND + HVASS
Christina Strand — Born 1968
Niels Hvass — Born 1958
MORTEN GØTTLER
Born 1944
Following in the footsteps of his father, designer
Jørgen Kastholm, Kastholm studied interior design at the
Danish Design School, graduating in 1989. After completing
his studies, Kastholm launched his own career, working for
studios in Denmark and Germany.
His collaboration with Carl Hansen & Søn began in 2009
with the design of the TK8 Daybed. For this piece, he started
with the materials he knows and loves best: steel and leather.
“I wanted to create a bench with simple, honest lines”,
Kastholm explained. “The materials should speak for
themselves and this happens best when the design is clear
and straightforward”.
The TK8 Daybed, with its close ties to the core principles of
classic, modern Danish design, achieved the simplicity and
clarity Kastholm strived for and became an instant success.
Drawing on his unconventional background and personal
design approach, Anker Bak pushes conceptual and physical
boundaries via quality materials, sublime craftsmanship
and ingenious functionality. He creates design that makes a
difference in people’s lives and meets real needs.
Bak’s creative path began as a child when he started carpentry
lessons as an artistic outlet to help him focus in school. In his
grandfather’s workshop in Sweden, his ability to work with
his hands and wood became apparent. He was later educated
at a boatyard, producing specialty fittings for yachts. He
qualified as a cabinetmaker, winning a silver medal. After his
apprenticeship, Bak went traveling to pursue his passion for
alpine climbing. He began to study production technology,
working with different designers and within different industries.
Ultimately though, it was woodwork and cabinetmaking that
won Bak over. After six months in a carpentry workshop in
Hawaii, he returned to Denmark, and got a Bachelor’s degree in
furniture design from VIA University College in Denmark.
The unorthodox designer gained attention after revitalizing
the concept of a standard crutch. He created a form-pressed
wooden crutch when his 91-year-old grandmother needed
some support when out socializing. Bak later developed the
Rocking Nest Chair in collaboration with Carl Hansen & Søn
when his sister needed a comfortable place to relax with
her newborn baby. This design with its distinct, minimalist,
folding form demonstrates Bak’s understanding of materials,
function and aesthetics, as well as society’s changing needs.
Bak was named the Danish Champion in cabinetmaking in
2002. He won the Danish Design Talent title in 2014, and is the
winner of Next Project in 2015. He has also received grants
from The National Bank of Denmark’s Anniversary Foundation,
the Danish Trade Council’s Foundation, and the Danish Arts
Foundation, among others.
Born in Copenhagen and originally trained in shipping,
Morten Gøttler became a self-taught designer and architect
recognized for his exceptional understanding of wood.
After working with product development and design for a
number of companies, Gøttler opened his own design studio
in 1972. He has since worked in a wide range of genres,
including domestic art, packaging, toys, graphics and lighting
for Danish and international companies.
In 1984, Gøttler decided to focus primarily on furniture
design, using an approach rooted in the modern Scandinavian
design tradition and the firm belief that innovation is the
foundation for successful design.
Gøttler’s clean, easy aesthetic characterized by carefully
considered form, exquisite comfort, and close attention to
detail – all brought to life using high-quality materials.
The Strand + Hvass duo is part of a new breed of Danish
designers whose work continues in a direct line from their
celebrated predecessors.
Industrial designer Christina Strand and architect
Niels Hvass founded their Copenhagen-based design firm
in 1998 to unlock the potential of two minds working
together to create truly innovative, purposeful solutions
to universal design challenges.
Their mutual design philosophy is user-centered, deeply
rooted in Scandinavian culture, and based on research and a
strong emphasis on function. This has resulted in simple and
comprehensible furniture that conveys a deep understanding
of the potential of various materials.
Strand + Hvass focus on simplicity, superior quality, and
the combination of uniqueness and industrial production
to create the modern classics of tomorrow. With the
Extend Table design, Strand + Hvass infused the modern
Danish furniture tradition with a bold new expression.
