Studio Visits – Studio Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen

The top floor serves as an office, filled with rows of architect-style desks and meticulously arranged miniature 3D prototypes that chronicle the duo’s prolific output over the years. These prototypes provide not just a glimpse into their creative process but also a tangible reminder of their philosophy. "Every project is a dialogue between material, form, and function," Peter explains. "Our work aims to find the balance where these elements support and enhance each other."

On the lower floor, the workshop is outfitted with tools and machines for crafting full-scale prototypes, emphasizing their hands-on approach to design. This workspace is not just practical but symbolic of their roots – Peter began as a ship carpenter, while Johannes started as a cabinetmaker. "Making something by hand gives you an intimate understanding of how materials behave," Johannes says. "That knowledge is the foundation of good design."

This historic setting, once shared with Danish furniture icon Poul Kjærholm, embodies their commitment to creating minimalist and resourceful furniture that seamlessly integrates form and function, shaping both private and public spaces with Scandinavian design at its best. Over the years, Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen have pushed the boundaries of material innovation, incorporating eco-conscious choices like plant fibers long before sustainability became a design imperative. For Normann Copenhagen, they have designed the Mat Chair collection - a truly innovative and resourceful design that began in the early 1990's with the idea to research materials that could substitute the polypropylene used for the popular shell chairs.

This dedication to crafting thoughtful, timeless furniture has made their work a fixture in private homes and public spaces, from minimalist dining chairs to the iconic seating seen in Copenhagen Airport. "We’ve always believed that good design must be both beautiful and useful," Peter reflects. "It’s not about making a statement; it’s about creating something that endures and enriches everyday life."

For over 50 years, the studio has remained a place where innovation, craftsmanship, and tradition meet – a space that embodies the duo’s philosophy and their enduring contribution to Scandinavian design.