There is hardly a Smau project without USM Haller. This is perhaps because I love how the shiny and industrial elements ignite spaces built with matte and natural materials. The contrast makes all the difference—suddenly, everything just pops.

Pine is on my home turf. I use it constantly, inspired by the 1960s architecture that has largely shaped me. When Studio M3 gave me the chance to redesign a bench, the pine had to be included. Dinesen supplied the raw material, Viftrup & Pettersen brought it to life, and together we created a bench that is both sleek and cheerful at the same time. And if it gets worn, we can just sand it down to make it like new again.

At Smau, sustainability isn't a separate category—it's the entire foundation of our work. We rarely demolish; instead, we extend the life of existing buildings. This is large-scale reuse, wrapped in new solutions and fresh energy. When I add something new, I choose materials that last: locally sourced wood, honest surfaces, and classic references from the sixties. I like things that can age with style and give rooms the chance to live on with renewed energy.