WIP You run with the motto: “Create forms that last.” How do you achieve that?

BK We always aim to discover and understand the brand’s core, define its DNA, and then be true to that in everything we make. We aspire for simplicity and ideas you’ll remember in all our projects. We try to avoid short-lived trends. We also take the time to educate our clients on what it means to "be the brand" and explain why we invest so much time in understanding them through our strategic process. By uncovering and understanding their company's core, our creative solutions become more authentic and resilient.

WIP As you work internationally, can you share your take on universal design and how to reach a broad audience?

BK Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has become more interconnected. Geographic distances seem to matter less than before, with most of us sharing more in common than we have differences. We find that the key to making things that are universally appealing is capturing the essence of the subject, which anyone can relate to. Since we founded our studio, it’s been important to recruit designers from all over the world with international backgrounds and experiences, giving us new perspectives and adding to our culture.

We are also heavily reliant on our relationships with our clients. By listening and learning, we are able to incorporate their cultural and industry insights into our collaborative processes. Our goal is to create tailored solutions that respect our clients' needs rather than imposing our preferences.

WIP How do you see the future of design evolving, and how does your studio adapt to these changes?

BK The field of design and branding has always been evolving, but the pace of change has accelerated due to the internet and, more recently, AI. This means that designers now need to stay curious and up-to-date more than ever.

Technology may shift designers' roles towards becoming curators of design rather than creators. While good design has always been important, how we approach it has evolved. The ultimate goal remains the same: to engage the audience and remain relevant. The rise of AI may lead to a flood of similar creative output, potentially diminishing authenticity. As a result, an alternative movement toward things with a clear human touch could arise.

WIP In Norway, most design studios are based in Oslo. How is it to work outside the capital? Do you feel it limits you in any way?

BK This is one of the reasons why we founded our studio. Stavanger has historically been a culturally important city, both nationally and internationally, with a strong tradition in design. We want to carry on this tradition and create a place for people with international ambitions in our city. Being from a smaller city, we have to look beyond ourselves to all over the world for inspiration.

WIP What are the main differences in working with start-ups and established companies? Where do you feel like you have the most creative freedom?

BK The main differences lie in the budgets, risk aversion, and the sector the client operates in. Established companies can resist change and pose a greater challenge when creating solutions. On the other hand, start-ups tend to second-guess their decisions because they are unsure of the outcomes. The stakes are higher when your choices can impact the company's survival. However, it all comes down to the trust between us and the clients. The more knowledge the client has about our work and the value we can provide, the more creative freedom we have. Ultimately, creative freedom depends on the people we work with, regardless of the organisation's size.

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