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Interview with Charlotte Abrahamsson Kwetczer |
Home > Designer Interviews > Charlotte Abrahamsson Kwetczer |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Charlotte Abrahamsson Kwetczer (CAK) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Charlotte Abrahamsson Kwetczer by clicking here.
FS: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
CAK: I haven’t always aspired to become a designer. Growing up with parents who are architects, creativity and design were naturally part of my life from the very beginning. I’ve always been full of ideas and inventions but was particularly drawn to the tangible, physical aspects of creativity. It wasn’t until I graduated from high school that my true passion for design emerged. I started by designing clothes and later expanded into creating furniture. Studying engineering with a focus on industrial design further refined my design thinking and strengthened my creative process.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
CAK: My company is a blend of luxury clothing design and bespoke furniture design for private clients. It originally started with a focus solely on fashion, but I’ve since expanded into creating custom furniture. Unlike traditional furniture collections, I don’t design a set range of pieces. Instead, I craft one-of-a-kind furniture tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each client. When I receive a request, I create something that I feel aligns with the client’s wishes, both in style and functionality.
FS: What is "design" for you?
CAK: For me, design is about creating something beautiful and playful that remains timeless and never tires the eye. At the same time, it’s equally important to ensure that it serves its purpose and fits seamlessly into its intended setting.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
CAK: I enjoy working on a variety of projects because I’d get bored doing the same thing all the time. I gravitate toward playful designs that aren’t too traditional or mainstream, preferring to push boundaries and add a unique edge. My work can range from designing a chaise lounge to creating a custom bookshelf—there’s always room for creativity and exploration.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
CAK: My favorite design I’ve ever created is a bookshelf, designed for an asymmetric space. It was playful, with a mix of open and closed shelves that varied in sizes. Unfortunately, it was never built.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
CAK: The first piece I ever designed for a company was actually a children’s bed, featuring a cloud-like headboard. It marked the beginning of my design career and led to an incredible opportunity: creating an entire children’s collection with a jungle theme. It was a highly creative and fun project that truly sparked my passion for design.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
CAK: I have a deep appreciation for wood and the organic feeling it brings. If I had to choose just one material to work with, it would undoubtedly be wood.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CAK: Since I create custom designs for clients, my primary goal is to ensure they receive something truly unique—something they can’t find anywhere else. If I don’t achieve that, I feel I’ve fallen short of my mission. My main focus is always on designing pieces that are both unique and beautiful while maintaining the functionality of the furniture.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
CAK: When I create furniture, I feel a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment, especially when everything comes together smoothly. However, when things don’t go as planned, I can’t help but feel frustrated—it’s all part of the creative process.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
CAK: You might expect that I feel a sense of euphoria when my designs are produced, but to be honest, I find it hard to fully take it in. I feel more fulfillment when the client approves my design than when it’s actually finished and in place. At that point, I mostly feel relief that everything has turned out as planned.
FS: What makes a design successful?
CAK: A design is successful when it serves its purpose, upholds its quality, and meets the client’s wishes.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CAK: Aesthetics and function go hand in hand for me. First, I ask myself if the design is beautiful to look at—if it’s not, I wouldn’t consider it a good design. Similarly, if it serves no functional purpose, it can’t be considered a successful design.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
CAK: I believe the responsibility of a designer is immense. When I look around in suburban areas and see poorly designed, unattractive houses—grey, dull, and uninspiring—it really strikes me. I wouldn’t want to live in a place like that, where everything you see feels ugly. Even if it’s cheaper to build, it should still be possible to create something affordable yet visually appealing. I’m convinced that the environment has a profound impact on the health and well-being of the people living there, which makes good design crucial. This applies not only to architecture but also to furniture and fashion design.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
CAK: I hope the design field continues to evolve towards greater environmental awareness, with an emphasis on sustainable processes, the use of healthy materials, and fair labor practices.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
CAK: I have never hold an exhibition for my furnitures. I would love to do so in the future. Italy, France, Sweden, Denmark, US are all countries that I would love to showcase my design.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
CAK: My design inspiration comes from all around. I take inspiration from everywhere, nature, excisting design, different styles etc.
FS: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
CAK: When I design, I enjoy playing with contrasts—balancing the heavy and the light. I love transforming a substantial piece into something as elegant as a delicate one. This interplay of weight and refinement is the defining feature of my design aesthetic.
FS: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
CAK: Living in Stockholm, Sweden, has undoubtedly influenced my design approach. Swedish minimalism is a strong foundation, but I like to push boundaries. My goal is to create pieces that are timeless, yet unique and elegantly distinctive.
FS: How do you work with companies?
CAK: I primarily work as a consultant. I listen to the client's needs, present a few design ideas for them to choose from, and then continue refining the design if necessary. I also handle communication with the factory to obtain price offers.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
CAK: My suggestion is to ask for a portfolio. If you like a designer's work, that’s a good indication to move forward with them. I would be cautious with expensive package solutions and have more trust in individual designers.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
CAK: Here’s an improved and polished version of your text: When it comes to my design process, it’s probably not one that most design teachers would agree with. Typically, I come up with an idea in my head and stick to it without making significant changes. In school, I was often told that the first idea is never the best, but in my experience, I would disagree. For me, an idea has to feel exactly right—just okay is never enough. I can spend an entire day trying to come up with something and still not feel satisfied. Then, as I’m about to fall asleep, a picture will suddenly appear in my mind, and it feels perfect. The next morning, I sketch it in CAD, and it’s exactly what I wanted. It’s fascinating how the mind works. That’s my process about 50% of the time. The other half comes from finding inspiration around me—perhaps in a customer’s space where the furniture will be placed. Observing the room, the atmosphere, and the needs of the space sparks ideas that I then bring to life.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
CAK: My favorite design item is my apartment—if that counts as an item! It features a staircase leading to another level, with beautiful lighting that gives it a powerful and striking presence. The difference in levels is a joy to observe, and I often find myself simply sitting and admiring it. I’m also a big fan of Georg Jensen, and I own a few pieces from the designer. Another favorite item is a set of three candlesticks with heavy bases that still manage to look incredibly elegant. In my kitchen, I have a classic crystal chandelier, which perfectly blends modern and traditional styles—a mix I absolutely adore.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
CAK: A day in my life can vary, as I don’t work with furniture design full-time. However, on days when I focus on furniture design, it usually involves designing from 8 in the morning, consulting with my architect parents, and scheduling meetings with clients to present my work.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
CAK: I’m still young and would consider myself a young designer, but my advice would be to dare. Dare to try your wings and be confident in what you offer. Don’t be discouraged if not everyone loves your design—after all, you can’t please everyone.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
CAK: The downside is the high level of competition, but the positive aspect is that you get to see your work come to life. Unlike a regular job, where you’re often just one part of a large team, in design you can directly see the impact of your work. I find that incredibly fulfilling.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
CAK: My golden rule in design is to create something playful and beautiful to look at, while ensuring it maintains simple functionality and good ergonomics.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
CAK: I believe that an essential skill for a designer is the ability to listen and be observant. It’s about capturing the details that clients often struggle to express in words. My goal is to truly understand the client because, when you achieve that, they’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results. By aligning with their style and purpose, the design becomes a perfect reflection of their vision.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
CAK: I use SolidWorks to create my designs, but I often start with paper and pen. Sometimes, it’s easier to sketch out quick changes and get a clearer idea of what I want to draw before moving to digital tools.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
CAK: Designing is certainly time-consuming, but I’d much rather invest the time than rush through and end up only moderately satisfied with the result.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
CAK: It depends on the object. If the idea comes to you right away, the process might take 4-8 hours. However, if the concept takes longer to develop, I’d estimate around 16 hours or more.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
CAK: How did you come up with that?
FS: What was your most important job experience?
CAK: My most important job experience was designing the children’s collection. It was a pivotal moment that opened doors to new opportunities and exciting projects.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
CAK: My clients right now are private customers.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
CAK: I actually enjoy design work that has clear boundaries. I appreciate when a client has a specific style that you can adapt the design to, fitting it seamlessly into the setting.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
CAK: My plan for next year is to grow my design company and attract new customers, particularly in the area where I grew up. I also aim to continue participating in competitions. Looking further into the future, I aim to gain more international recognition for my work and collaborate with larger clients and companies, such as hotels and other high-profile projects.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
CAK: I work alone when designing but as a team with my father to attract new customers.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
CAK: I’ve just received the green light to start building my largest project yet: two large wardrobes and an entire men's room with a walk-in closet for a client in southern Sweden.
FS: How can people contact you?
CAK: People can contact me by email: charlotte@charlieak.com or by calling: +46 760150509
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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