ashley willard placement report summer 2017
profile [Lifted from the Normann Copenhagen 2017 brochure] Normann Copenhagen is a Danish design company with the mission to create original and innovative products in a simple and contemporary design that withstands the test of time. Or in other words, to challenge conventional thinking and make the ordinary extraordinary through great design. Established in 1999 by Jan Andersen and Poul Madsen, the Normann Copenhagen brand encompasses a wide and continuously growing collection of furniture, lighting, textiles and home accessories. The products are sold in more than 80 countries throughout the world and have collected more than 50 design awards along the way.
The company is well established in the highend homeware sector, serving design conscious individuals of all ages around the globe. This reputation had led to a brand presence in many prestigious retailers such as Skandium, Nest and Made.com, as well as receiving press and features in numerous design centred publications and exhibitions. Flagship design pieces include the Form chair range [see left], original Norm 69 and 06 pendant lamps and an ever growing accessories range.
work [Due to the confidential nature of ongoing projects I am unable to include a visual record of the work process at this time] Whilst at Normann Copenhagen I was integrated into the design studio led by chief designer Simon Legald. Here I was assigned a number of projects to expand the Normann range, some to be managed by myself and others in collaboration with colleagues. My assignments included developing a range of accessories such as a candle holder collection and storage bowl set as well as larger furniture pieces such as a pendant lamp and clothes rack.
The design process for the individual projects offered a lot of freedom so it was up to myself to manage the generation and development of concepts before reporting to Simon. Following this I would be tasked with producing accurate CAD models and renderings to bring the concepts to life, before prototyping the leading ideas in various media including the use of rapid prototyping in the studio. The final stage in the design process was to refine the chosen concept and make any adjustments to streamline manufacture. I would receive feedback on my work through weekly design meetings with Simon, these helped to keep the projects on track as well as provided me with helpful insights.
On occasions I would also participate in projects with the other designers; working on a range of bedroom storage products. These provided a fresh, collaborative way of working that boosted my team working abilities. Besides the individual assignments I was trusted with a range of tasks to aid the production of current design projects such as creating accurate CAD drawings for manufacturers and the creation and rigorous testing of prototype furniture pieces. Myself and another design intern were also given the responsibility of representing Normann Copenhagen on a trip to visit a trade customer in Brno, Czech Republic for quality control measures. All of these tasks have helped be build up an insight into the behind the scenes work required for running a successful, large scale design brand.
reflection My overall experience at Normann Copenhagen has been a very beneficial and rewarding one. I feel I have furthered my knowledge and experience from my placement last year into an industry that I am keen to be a part of in the future. The environment in the studio together with the other designers and Simons mentoring have helped me to continue to develop my own style and method of working. Seeing concepts realised into real life products has also given me a much deeper understanding of the whole design process and an appreciation for manufacturing constraints.
On a personal level, the prospect of moving to another country for work was initially a daunting one but my time in Copenhagen has been very enjoyable. I settled into life in Denmark and at Normann quickly, helped greatly by the presence of other like-minded interns in the studio. The experience I have gained at Normann Copenhagen, both personal and professional, I will carry forward into my future work and I look forward to implementing the skills I have acquired into future design challenges.