Each week, Kristen de La Vallière, design curator, editor and founder of say hi to_, asks three questions to our participants. Today Kristen talks with the designer Laura Bilde.

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Kristen de la Vallière: There has been a lot of focus on the negative aspects of the circumstances of the past year but we'd love to know how it has positively impacted your practice. How has the past year changed the way you view or run your design practice?

Laura Bilde: Overall, I’ve tried to get the best out of the situation by focusing more on the daily assignments and successes in my studio. By spending more time on each project and having the physical process physical of testing materials, making models etc., I feel the general pace has geared down. I think this new “slow” pace is really good for my creativity and for me being more present in my work.

“The most important thing is that we feel responsible for what we do, who we work with, and how we do it.”

KdlV: What do you think are some of the most important roles of a designer in 2021?

LB: I think the most important role today as a designer is to be aware of how we leave our footprints on this earth. There are many ways to be more aware. By creating more timeless and functional objects, or by testing more sustainable materials and processes, the most important thing is that we feel responsible for what we do, who we work with, and how we do it. My point of view as a designer is to focus on being more critical about my ideas. Where could I see this product be realized? Does it bring value to a brand or a consumer? Is the chosen material used cleverly? Is it timeless? Is it relevant?

KdlV: How are events such as COLLECTIBLE, important for your creative practice?

LB: COLLECTIBLE represents a platform with abstract, experimental and innovative art and design. Through this event, I can let go of the daily commercial aspects and be more experimental and innovative in material use, construction and composition. I see my aesthetic existing as a cross-connection between a commercial and artistic approach, which brings new ideas and perspectives to each project. COLLECTIBLE offers a space where I can unfold my more artistic thoughts. At this year’s “digital” COLLECTIBLE I presented my latest work, Stabel. Stabel is a sculptural stackable installation and a study in using hempcrete in design. This event is important for my creative practice because I can get inspired and perhaps inspire others.

About Laura Bilde (Danemark)

Laura Bilde is a danish designer with her studio based in Copenhagen. Working in a cross field between functional and sculptural access she creates objects, products and installations. With a conceptual and curious approach she experiments materials, shapes while combining tactility, sensuousness and enticement. Her design philosophy is to create iconic projects.