Kubik Interior Architects

Creativity, colour, and sustainability in interior design

Based in the centre of Oslo, Kubik Interior Architects has established itself as one of the most innovative interior architecture firms in the city. It’s secret? Experience, a hands-on approach, and a commitment to the needs of the client.

After respective roles in Barcelona and London, Pia Sand and Hege Liven met while working for the Norwegian architect Niels Torp. Instantly feeling a connection—shared values, shared experiences, and share interests and ambitions—the two interior architects decided to start their own company. Nine years later, Kubik Interior Architects is still going strong.

“Some interior architects are focused on placing their stamp on a project, so that one can always recognise who the architect is,” Pia and Hege tell Localfolk. “For us at Kubik, we actually do the opposite—and that’s a big part of our success. We design solutions based on the real needs of the customer, rather than imposing our own identity on the final design. That design should tell a story about the customer, and visitors should recognise which company it is based on the premises they visit.”

Over the years, Kubik has completed major projects for clients including Porsche, the restaurant chain Bølgen & Moi, and the Grand Hotel in Egersund—project to which Pia and Hege have always brought their diverse stylistic approach. But has there been a favourite client?

“Every client has been a favourite!” says Hege. “We invest so much time and effort into each project that we almost get withdrawal symptoms when we finish each one!”

Yet, the two designers are really serious about what they do. “Our objective is to make our customers’ facilities more colourful, creative, and effective, and a better place to be both creative and feel relaxed and supported,” Pia says—explaining how they want to design meeting spaces where new ideas can develop, and innovation can thrive. “Despite the trend towards working from home, people realise they need face-to-face interaction in order to be really creative, and we aim to give people new ways of interacting and communicating with each other.”

So, how does Kubik approach design?

“First, we start with an insight phase,” Pia explains. “This is where we want to understand the customer and their needs, budget, and time frame. Then there’s what we call conceptualisation. This is where we involve the customer in workshops to discuss different concepts and ideas, and we often use 3D drawings and floor plans to visualise the ideas to the customer.”

Finally, having agreed on the concept, Kubik gets to work detailing the final design and plans for implementation—detailing colours and materials as well as writing documentation and agreeing details with contractors.

“It is important to underline that we have a very hands-on approach and stay with the customer throughout the entire implementation phase, sometimes even pitching in to carry lamps or hanging up curtains to make everything perfect,” Hege says, laughing. “And while I wouldn’t go as far as calling us management consultants, we do have an influence on work process design and internal communications in the customers we work with too. We get very involved!”

In addition to new ways of working and communicating, Hege and Pia also stress another aspect of their philosophy: sustainability. Gone are the days when one could just throw out entire interior furnishings. Rather, sustainability, recycled furniture, and conscious design elements have become a key aspect of how Kubik works.

Image / Oda Hveem

“Sometimes we may reuse entire sets of furniture and sometimes we incorporate elements or parts of existing features. This helps to make it recognisable and to contribute to reduced consumption and waste,” they explain.

Initially, Kubik was just Pia and Hege—and they were adamant that it would stay that way. But after the first six years, the designers hired a new addition: a student they had been assessors for at Høyskolen Kristiania (Kristiania University College). “We were pretty sure we could do everything by ourselves. But when Ole Torp called and asked whether we needed someone, we just could not turn him down!” says Hege. “Having Ole here has brought so many new ideas.”

Despite a relatively small team, Kubik thrives in large projects that require innovative work processes. “Our work is highly network-based, and we can draw on experienced resources from other companies that we know well and trust,” they explain. They share office space with several other companies that provide supplementary services and skills. This way, they can live according to their own gospel of creativity, colour, and sustainability.

Instagram / @kubik_interior kubik.no