Louise Campbell was born in Copenhagen in 1970. Being the daughter of a
Danish father and an English mother, she grew up and was educated in
both countries. After graduating from the London College of Furniture
in 1992, she returned to Denmark and continued her studies in
Industrial Design at Denmarks Design School, graduating from here in
1995. She set up her own studio in 1996, from where she has worked
independently since. Focus is on furniture and lighting design, but the
studio is increasingly involved in product design and interior design
projects as well. The client list is long and varied, including
companies such as Louis Poulsen, Zanotta, HAY, Holmegaard, Stelton,
Muuto, Interstop and The Danish Ministry of Culture.
Louise Campbell’s work is playful and experimental, and is
increasingly gaining a reputation for gently twisting not only every
day objects and situations, but also materials and manufacturing
processes in new directions. The combination of Scandinavian
rationalism and femininity, and perhaps her dual nationality, give the
works of Louise Campbell an unusual edge. Illustrating contrasts seem
to be an issue, that keeps returning in her work. The Prince Chair from
2002, produced by HAY, combines a very personal expression with
extremely high tech manufacturing methods. ‘Leave your Mark’, also from
2002, encourages visitors to waiting rooms to rid themselves of their
fears, sense of anonymity and aggressions through literally carving
their way through the supplied furniture. The design of the Danish
Minister of Cultures front office from 2005, represents a refreshing
view on how a highly stressful and chaotic office can be transformed
into an cosy, clearly comprehensible and nonetheless effective space.
The studio is also known for its interest in less commercial
activities. Apart from curating and designing exhibitions, Louise
Campbell has taken part in numerous activities aiming at improving the
design environment in Denmark. Among these initiatives is ‘Walk the
Plank’, a collaboration lasting seven years between 30 furniture
designers and 60 cabinet makers, who have all donated their time and
original design for a truly fine cause. (Learn more on
www.walktheplank.dk)
There are a few ground rules the studio aims to abide by: -
Always start from scratch. - Everything is possible until the opposite
has been proven. - There must be a good reason for every single
decision made.
Current commissions include design of chairs, sofas, tables,
storage units, lamps, tableware, glassware, desktop accessories,
jewellery, textiles and urban installations.