Charlotte Friis

Specialized in Baby Products Design.

Charlotte Friis

About Charlotte Friis

The relevance of design comes from telling stories that make people reflect on their lives. The design process starts with changing the perception of normal objects into multi-functional ones. The originality comes from mixing together the normality with the styling of basic objects parts, giving them another layer of meaning that brings out a new ingenuous way of usage. The conceptual overcoating of items makes them more fun and interactive, and as an ultimate goal - bringing joy, to the user. One of the highlights is that the Children Papers Chair is going to be exhibited in 2018 in "Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood", London, UK.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Baby Products Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Baby Products
Children Papers Drawing chair

Children Papers Drawing chair

Baby Products Design

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Interview with Charlotte Friis

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
As a young person I found myself fascinated by the design world. To pursue the goal of being an established designer I decided to enroll myself to Royal College of Art from London and after Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the Design Department in Copenhagen.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I came up with the concept to design across form and function that became the core of my work. It basically means to attribute existing objects new meanings and new ways to use them.
What is "design" for you?
Design is a mean of communicating an idea that breaks down the function through studying the individual parts that construct the item.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I enjoy drawing up pieces that express a story about the daily life and the way we interact with them. I like rethinking usual objects and giving them a twist in the style by adapting my view on the materials and purpose.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
I cannot really chose a design but I am intrigued by a work from Ingo Maurer called the Birdie Pendel. It talks to me through it's humor and the unusual way of construction.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
The first thing I designed for a company was called the Rosettte Pendel. It was inspired by the architectural rosette pulled out of the ceiling and having a black top.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I guess I don't have a favorite material- I like to explore different materials. My range of materials is set from metal to tapestries and all in between.
When do you feel the most creative?
I think I feel creative all the time...I cannot really separate myself from my creative thinking mode.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The most intriguing part is coming up with the initial concept and solving the problems that occur during the execution of the prototype.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I feel isolated from the world because I try to capture it in my design. It give me a sense of distance to everyday life.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I guess excitement is in order. Trying to see how to use it... Like sitting on the chair, or turning on a light, for the first time. But, it can also feel scary...
What makes a design successful?
I think it lies more in what the user experiences. If he gets a new feeling, hopefully of joy. That after the mood change it has to be by all standards - functional.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
If it's good, it has to be different from what I have experience before, afterwards I'm going to test it out, and if it passed that as well, I'm convinced. A bad design is something copied and doesn't add something new or it's not functional.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I often reflect on the aspect of where my materials come from. Sometimes I try to integrate a clue about the origin of the materials.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I somehow hope that it's going to be more experimental - but open to wide range of people. Also, I expect the producing companies to be more open towards more usual design that triggers the imagination a little more than normal day items.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
At this time I'm exhibiting a chair within The Victoria and Albert Childhood Museum in London. I wish to have a solo exhibition with "story telling furniture" somewhere outside of Denmark.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I don't really have specific sources of inspiration...The ideas simply come to me by my daily life experience, but I do find glimpses in objects that are not necessarily interesting in the design world.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
I don't consider that I have a specific style, but I like to make stories about the objects I make. I think I don't have a particular approach when it comes to designing an object but you can identify my objects because they are a little unusual.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I currently like in Copenhagen. Denmark has quite a tradition when it comes to design. I think the classic danish design is familiar and of good quality, but I feel I don't fit right in because my process is more experimental.
How do you work with companies?
The experience is very different when designing for a company. There is always lot of changes from the initial submission. I find them more like impediments into bringing something new to the market. There is always a lot of compromise.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
I think they should be a little more open to the designer, maybe compromising also on their side ? They should grade and value more originality.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
First of I get an idea in my head, but I can't explain specifically where it comes from. I almost always finish the design in head before I start to draw it up.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
I enjoy my box chairs inspired by the powder container with can open and close from a stool to chair. A lamp that folds from a cozy light to a reading light. The ceiling rosette light that looks an ordinary rosette. The kitchen table that is also a clock. I like my trellises in sitting room.
Can you describe a day in your life?
I get up in the morning and send my kids to school. Then I go for a walk around the lake near by my house to clear my head. When I come back I have one cup or two of coffee before I start to my design process. It only lasts until my kids come home...
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Don't look at something which is already done. Find your own inspiration. Think for yourself. Try to take an unusual starting point for starting up your design.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Well positives..it's rewarding to get a design into production. It's nice to satisfy your crave for imagination and getting a new perspective over your life.Hard because the pieces become your babies and it's difficult to let them fly from the nest.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
I always think about the purpose and how it will interact with the world...and make a prototype with real materials to get the feeling of the materials and scale. I never show only drawings, I need to experience my pieces.
What skills are most important for a designer?
To have a vivid imagination. It the most important ingredient. And work. And dedication.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Inside my tool box is my pencil... paper, rulers, knives. I draw it up in autocad and cutting it out in flamingo...basically I make models of my designes, so I can feel the scales.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I spend as much time as I need...two years if it takes that long. Sometimes I put them aside and rework them again after a while.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It can span from one week to two years...The end result it's one that matters.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
I often get the question : " Do you sell? ", and "Where can I buy it?"
Who are some of your clients?
I do mostly exhibitions, with funding. But I also sold my designes to producing companies like BoConcept.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Concept development is my favorite one, because in my opinion that is most creative part.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
My plans are aiming towards getting more solo exhibitions and selling designes outside of Denmark.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I currently work on upholstery chair that offers the user the option of assorting the decoration to his/her taste.
How can people contact you?
I can be found on my e-mail : info@charlottefriis.com and webside www.charlottefriis.com.
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
To young designers : Follow your intuition and never take no for an answer and keep on trying.

Designer of the Day Interview with Charlotte Friis

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I have been a furniture designer for 15 years. I have worked for several: design, advertising and exhibition design companies in Great Britain and Denmark.
How did you become a designer?
When I was little my mum incouraged me to paint and draw. I later took a Master of Arts in communication design at the Royal College of Art in London. In my final year I started to become more and more interested in 3 dimensional objects. I think my background in communication helps me to do original designs.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
My approach to create a new design always takes it's beginning with a very strong concept. I don't work on weak ideas! Often, my furniture tells stories about contemporary lifestyle. I always do one to one scale prototypes - I want to test my designs before I show them to other people.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
When I design I forget everything around me. To come up with the concept is very exiting and fullfiling. I also enjoy to see the final prototype after a lot of hard work.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I am very influenced by communication design and it helps me find new ways of approaching the act of designing furniture and lamps.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
In the near future I want to finalise my rotating fan clock. It is a very interesting project - and I dont think it has any similarities to any existing designs.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
I think young designers should look for inspiration outside the area of funiture and lighting design. They have to think for themselves.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
I suggest, they should work on every single detail when designing - making compromises shows in the final prototype.
What is your day to day look like?
I start my day with drinking coffee and think about the project I am working on. Then I might start making models in cardboard, wire and extruded polystyrene. It makes me happy to solve problems that occur during the design process.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I hate design trends. I often find my ideas by working across form and function- giving existing objects a new meaning and function.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
I dont like projects that look similar to what I have seen before.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
I often design on and off on a project for a long period of time. My design is ready when I can not find any missing details. It is an intuitive feeling!
What is your biggest design work?
My most recognised project is Children Papers Chair. I do not know, why it gets more attention than my other designs. Currently I am very excited about my rotating fan clock.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I am currently based in Copenhagen. I dont think the danish design culture effects my design - probably the opposite! I think danish design needs to renew itself!
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
My design tells stories about contemporary issues such as animal welfare, work/life balance, genetic manipulation, extensive use of paper (Children Papers Chair).
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
I am very happy for my Silver A'award and think it will help me to promote my design.

Extended Interview with Charlotte Friis

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I went to Royal College of Art from London and after Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the Design Department in Copenhagen to establish myself as a designer.
How did you become a designer?
Since I was a child I was a curious person and found myself studying things around me. I became a designer because I find it as strong medium to express creativity.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I chose to become a designer because I think it's a challenge to come up with something original and overlay it with functionality. I love a good challenge...
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I design objects that you find in the daily life but I attach a new meaning to them. At the moment I am working on two pieces and I'm happy not getting more ideas. I designed a chair that is slowly becoming an icon, so I guess I would like to design more object like that...
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
First, I don't consider myself a legend... that is a big word. I think they should explore and experiment more with new interpretations of objects and definitely trust their instinct.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A good designer makes functional and aesthetically pleasing objects. A great designer innovates, explores new realms of creation with experimentation.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
A good design has to be original and functional. For me personally, it has to bring something new in the discussion, something unexpected.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
I believe good design can change your mood, I would go that far to say that it can make you smile. It can feel so comfortable or it can change the user experience.
What is your day to day look like?
It's hard to say... I would probably like to design 24/7. I can't pin point what I want to design before I'm not actually doing it. And I don't know for who because I'm by definition a freelancer.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
My secret ingredient is something that all designers should have...and it's not a secret, it's just full on creativity.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Well if had to name a few: Ingo Maurer, Wegner Panton. It's safe to say that I don't really search for inspiration in other designers.
What is your biggest design work?
I don' really have favorite designs but if I must say - Birdie Pendel by Ingo Maurer because it made me smile and the unusual construction.
Who is your favourite designer?
I would have to name The Children Papers Chair, because the target audience, the children really liked it. The chair is rethinking the experience of drawing and saving all the drawings in the mean time.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I was thinking out of the box and trying to keep not compromise on my design. Doing research on how I can complete my designs.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I think I would have been an artist. I think these two professions go hand in hand.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
I guess design is like any other creative job, it becomes a life style. You can't really detach the working life from the private life because one inspires the other, at least that is what happens in my case.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
I think my biggest supporters are my family. My kids are the ones that inspire me to design the most, I make use of their enthusiasm and try to be more like them when I design.

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