Danish design studio Aspekt Office creates more than just products; they craft entire worlds where experimentation and functionality meet. Design Stories visited their Copenhagen studio – come along for a glimpse inside!
DANISH DESIGNERS Hans Toft Hornemann and Terkel Skou Steffensen launched the design studio Aspekt Office in 2018 with a clear mission: to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of design. Their work spans from individual furniture to large-scale interior projects, always driven by a strong conceptual vision and a spirit of experimentation.
By combining Scandinavian minimalism, functionality, and unexpected material choices, they seek to bring fresh perspectives to modern design.
Design Stories had the opportunity to visit the duo's bright and inviting studio, nestled in the basement of a characterful brick building in Copenhagen’s vibrant Vesterbro district. The space is a creative playground, filled with material samples, product prototypes, and evolving ideas – an ever-changing environment that fuels their design process. Open the door and step inside!
• Read also: Aspekt Office designed the Work & Co office in Copenhagen >
Hi, guys! First, let’s go back to the beginning! How did the two of you meet, and how did Aspekt Office come to life?
“Hello! We met years ago in 2004 at a party in our hometown. The music was loud, but we quickly realized we had the same taste in music. Over the years, we stayed in close contact, and after working in different design fields, we decided to start Aspekt Office together in 2018.”
How would you describe your design philosophy?
“We believe in conceptual thinking, original ideas, and a minimal aesthetic. Simplicity with intent is what we strive for in everything we create.”
How does your design process begin?
“Whether we’re designing furniture, products, or interiors, we always start from scratch. Ideas can come from anywhere – a construction detail, a classic piece of Danish furniture, or even a specific need in our daily lives. Inspiration is everywhere.”
“Ideas can come from anywhere – a construction detail, a piece of furniture, a specific need in our daily lives.”
What would you love to design next?
“We enjoy creating complete design solutions. When working on a space, we consider every element – if something we need doesn’t exist, we design it ourselves.
A dream task could be the complete design of a train, including interior and exterior!”
Your studio is located in Vesterbro. How does your workspace influence creativity?
“In spring, the neighborhood comes alive. People step out of their apartments, the streets feel more vibrant, and there’s an energy that fuels creativity.
We love stepping out of the studio, enjoying the sun, and having a local beer on a Friday. Sometime also Thursday.”
Now, let’s move from work to home! How do you live? Do you enjoy decorating, and does your background as designers influence your home interiors in any way?
“Our work definitely influences how we live. We tend to design for ourselves first, and in turn, we are the target group for our own products – affordable, minimal, quality pieces that fit naturally into everyday life.”
Aspekt Office’s TOP 3 favorites:
- 1. Material? “It’s impossible to choose just one! Every material is selected for a reason: for its qualities, texture, or how it interacts with its surroundings.”
- 2. Restaurant? “We’ve spent countless hours at the local Italian spot, MANGIA. A must-visit when in Copenhagen.”
- 3. TV series? “Mad Men!”
See also:
• All products by Aspekt Office >
Text: Susa Pääkkönen Images: Mia Linnea Johansson