Inside the heart of creativity – Visiting Aspekt Office’s studio in Copenhagen
Terkel Skou Steffensen and Hans Toft Hornemann are the design studio Aspekt Office.
DANISH DESIGNERS Hans Toft Hornemann and Terkel Skou Steffensen launched the design studio Aspekt Office in 2018 with a clear mission: to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of design. Their work spans from individual furniture to large-scale interior projects, always driven by a strong conceptual vision and a spirit of experimentation.
By combining Scandinavian minimalism, functionality, and unexpected material choices, they seek to bring fresh perspectives to modern design.
Design Stories had the opportunity to visit the duo's bright and inviting studio, nestled in the basement of a characterful brick building in Copenhagen’s vibrant Vesterbro district. The space is a creative playground, filled with material samples, product prototypes, and evolving ideas – an ever-changing environment that fuels their design process. Open the door and step inside!
• Read also: Aspekt Office designed the Work & Co office in Copenhagen >
The duo, who first met at a party, designs everything from individual furniture pieces and products to complete interiors and creative projects for clients worldwide.
One of their most well-known work is the Let stool, designed for Normann Copenhagen.
The wooden stool reflects the duo’s design philosophy at its purest: it's simple, effortless, and elegantly functional.
Hi, guys! First, let’s go back to the beginning! How did the two of you meet, and how did Aspekt Office come to life?
“Hello! We met years ago in 2004 at a party in our hometown. The music was loud, but we quickly realized we had the same taste in music. Over the years, we stayed in close contact, and after working in different design fields, we decided to start Aspekt Office together in 2018.”
How would you describe your design philosophy?
“We believe in conceptual thinking, original ideas, and a minimal aesthetic. Simplicity with intent is what we strive for in everything we create.”
Aspekt Office believes that inspiration is everywhere and new ideas can come anywhere, even from the smallest daily details.
The duo embraces conceptual thinking, creativity, and a sophisticated minimal aesthetic.
How does your design process begin?
“Whether we’re designing furniture, products, or interiors, we always start from scratch. Ideas can come from anywhere – a construction detail, a classic piece of Danish furniture, or even a specific need in our daily lives. Inspiration is everywhere.”
“Ideas can come from anywhere – a construction detail, a piece of furniture, a specific need in our daily lives.”
Terkel Skou Steffensen deeply focused on his work – once again creating an entire world of design. Perhaps this time, the interior of a train?
When Aspekt Office designs a space, every detail is carefully considered.
And if something is missing, they create it themselves!
What would you love to design next?
“We enjoy creating complete design solutions. When working on a space, we consider every element – if something we need doesn’t exist, we design it ourselves.
A dream task could be the complete design of a train, including interior and exterior!”
You'll find Aspekt Office's design studio hidden in the basement of a classic brick building in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro neighborhood.
The design duo tells that the vibrant energy of the area fuels the creativity.
Your studio is located in Vesterbro. How does your workspace influence creativity?
“In spring, the neighborhood comes alive. People step out of their apartments, the streets feel more vibrant, and there’s an energy that fuels creativity.
We love stepping out of the studio, enjoying the sun, and having a local beer on a Friday. Sometime also Thursday.”
The shelves of the light-filled studio hold prototypes, material samples and different tools.
The duo always designs for themselves first. “If we can live with it, use it, and love it, chances are others will too,” they say.
Now, let’s move from work to home! How do you live? Do you enjoy decorating, and does your background as designers influence your home interiors in any way?
“Our work definitely influences how we live. We tend to design for ourselves first, and in turn, we are the target group for our own products – affordable, minimal, quality pieces that fit naturally into everyday life.”
Aspekt Office’s studio is not just a place to work; it’s a reflection of the duo's design philosophy and a space where creativity continuously takes new shapes.
Aspekt Office’s TOP 3 favorites:
1. Material? “It’s impossible to choose just one! Every material is selected for a reason: for its qualities, texture, or how it interacts with its surroundings.”
2. Restaurant? “We’ve spent countless hours at the local Italian spot, MANGIA. A must-visit when in Copenhagen.”
3. TV series? “Mad Men!”
See also:
• All products by Aspekt Office >
Published on 28 Mar, 2025
