Ilse Crawford Uses Design to Make Things Better

Ilse Crawford is a well-known designer, academic and creative director with a simple mission to put human needs and desires at the center of all that she does.

Ilse Crawford

source: studioilse.com

She has a degree in History from Bedford College London University, worked in an architect’s firm and for the Architects Journal. She was also the launch editor for Elle Decoration magazine.

As the founder of Studio Ilse, her design studio in London which she established in 2001, she believes in the importance of creating environments where humans feel comfortable and at home. Thus, an important part of the design process for Ilse and her team is to emphasize on the human experience since her aim is to create spaces that make people feel good and make them feel alive.

Some of the commercial projects that Ilse has designed are as follows:

Duddell’s restaurant in Hong Kong

Ilse did the concept, interior architecture and design for Duddell’s restaurant in Hong Kong. It is one of the places where the bourgeoning art crowd go to. The well designed and artistic space has become flexible to accommodate the different functions held there.

Interiors of Duddell's restaurant in Hong Kong

source: studioilse.com

Relaxing and green outdoor garden area at Duddell's

source: studioilse.com

Cathay Pacific’s Airline Lounge in Haneda, Japan (2014) and in Hong Kong (2015)

One of the well-recognized works done by Ilse Crawford are the Cathay Pacific airline lounges in Haneda, Japan which was launched in 2014 and the First class lounge in Hong Kong which was launched in 2015. The focus were on health and well-being for the Cathay Pacific lounge design. Ilse created interiors that promotes well-being and gives a sense of relaxation and privacy to travelers.

Considering the high volume of travelers who use the lounge daily, Ilse made use of materials that are functional yet luxurious and robust.

Interiors of the Cathay Pacific lounge in Haneda

source: studioilse.com

To add a feeling of warmth and a comfortable atmosphere to the space, Ilse mixed something natural and created an environment that makes people feel better. Proper dimensions for the furniture were considered and plants were placed inside the lounge apart from modern style elements.

Below is the video featuring the Cathay Pacific lounge in Haneda designed by Ilse Crawford:

Ilse also designed the First Class lounge for Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong. The lounge looks good and makes people feel great. It is a haven for passengers to get a stress-free environment where they can relax and feel good prior to taking a flight.

A Collection for IKEA's home products

Ilse has partnered with Ikea in 2015 and launched the “Sinnerlig collection”, a line of home items that are well-designed but affordable. She believes in making use of design to make things better. By the collaboration with Ikea, she was able to make her designs reach more people.

Stylish and useful home decor items designed by Ilse for IKEA

source: studioilse.com

Ilse has designed around 30 home items composed of furniture, lighting and table top collection for Ikea. The pieces were made from natural materials such as cork, ceramic, glass, seagrass and bamboo. Simple and useful forms were incorporated in the designs which makes them apt for everyday use. Also, the items appeals to a wider market since the items are practical, background pieces that are useful to everyone.

Chairs made of cork, a zero-waste material that fares well at any climate, are included in the collection for Ikea designed by Ilse Crawford.

IKEA home products designed by Ilse Crawford includes
cork tables, chairs and benches

source: studioilse.com

Aesop Store Design

Ilse also designed the Aesop store in Copenhagen. The store celebrates the rituals associated with well-being and Ilse has helped the Aesop brand communicate this to customers through the simple yet excellent designed retail space.

Interiors of the Aesop shop in Copenhagen

source: studioilse.com

Currently, Ilse continues to innovate and use design as a way to make things better. Her design surely enhances people's overall experience visually and makes people feel well.

To know more about Ilse Crawford’s works, you can visit her website: www.studioilse.com