Interview with Gudjon Thor Erlendsson

AUDB grew out of a partnership that started in 1999 at the Architectural Association in London. The company was incorporated 2008 and focuses on the conjunction of tectonics and computational design. It´s a very Nordic approach to architecture.

Design is a process and it has function. Design is not art, although it does incorporate the same level of imagination and innovation. To put it simply, Art asks questions, design answers questions.

Projects with imaginative and open minded clients.

The Gokstad ship, a magnificent and graceful design of a raiding ship. The design is confidently optimised for its function and material use, which is drawn out and expressed beautifully.

I designed an entrance space to a hospital building for the Icelandic State Architects.

I am a computational designer and use various different forms of coding for my designs. I like to use this to push the construction methods in natural materials.

In the rare moments of calmness, such as when I walk my dog

The design process is about solving contextual and functional issues in every project. We usually start by using computational methods to solve the most important issues with each project.

That depends. There are moments when you work on your own and designing is an intellectual focused exercise, and other times when solutions and ideas come out the excitement of collaborative discourse,

Design is never realised, it simply has to stop due to time restraint. Its always therefore followed by mixed emotions, part satisfaction with completed work, part regret after the probable.

Design is successful when it fulfils the needs of function and context, and then pushes the envelop to where the design is more than the sum of its parts.

Initially purely by my emotional reaction to the design, I later try and analyse what my subconsciousness is telling me.

Designers should take responsibility for what is within their power.

Contemporary technologies are giving designers more and better tools for design and making. This can lead to either better quality of design, or quicker, cheaper solutions.

Last exhibition was the 2014 Istanbul Biennale, the next exhibition will be the A Awards exhibition this summer.

Inspiration comes from many different places in the environment; art, nature and the places I visit. As a designer it´s important to open yourself up to experiences.

Style is not a consideration, but the office has developed a design language that you could call Nordic computational. This is the use of natural materials and computational design methods.

I live in London a meltin-pot of cultures. I have also spent time in Scandinavia, Hong Kong and Turkey. All these places have influenced my designs.

Design is always a collaborative effort.

Companies should look at the abilities of designers to innovate, choosing a "safe" designer never results in great design. Look for people pushing the envelope.

We start with the analysis of the brief and site as well as discussions with the client. We then choose from a variety of computational and analogue methods to form a generative process specific to each project. Past the initial design, we keep pushing the design through iterative design steps using input from design team and stakeholders.

Eames aluminium chair, MacBook Pro, Laguiole knives, Sofa Modular prototype and a Turkish patchwork rug made from old carpets.

Up at 6.00 for 30 minute exercise, shower and breakfast and head to the office. Days vary between meetings, design work and site visits. I usually finish quite late, but when possible I take time to see friends and experience cultural activities. I´m usually at home by 9/10.00 when I prepare for the next day.

I´m still learning

The positives are that you get to do something you are passionate about, and every day is different. The negative is that we undervalue our work and undercut other designers to such an extent that design can become value-less.

Leave the site better than you found it.

Hand to eye coordination

I use multiple digital tools in anything from analysis to production. In addition we explore the use of CNC manufacturing, from CNC routers to 3D printers we have in the office.

Each project has to be managed in terms of time. Projects with higher design aspirations and supportive budget get more design time. This is a management issue learned with experience.

6-12 months lead in time, with 6-24 month on-stie construction. Design only finishes once the building is completed.

Any work with an open minded and imaginative client.

To grow the company as an innovative architectural service focusing on generative design processes.

Both, each project is a combination of individual and team design effort.

We are currently working with retailers on installations for pop-up shops. These are interesting opportunities where we are able to experiment with design methods and quickly see the results.

The best way to contact us is through our website at www.au-db.com