INTERVIEW

What has inspired you lately? ⁠

I am inspired a lot by travelling and architecture. I find that the graphic nature of architecture lends well to product design, and as I design things for the house, architectural elements are a natural extension to an interior. I also like the connection between architecture and culture and how by referencing elements I can create a feeling of a place or time. My mirrors for Portego are inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture, so they have a nostalgia of that time whilst being contemporary. I am working on a chair right now inspired by time spent in Vietnam that has a more casual, outdoor feeling to it that you would normally see in European design.⁠

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Can you describe your aesthetic in 3 words?⁠

"Functional, Bold, Beautiful.⁠"

What’s the best thing about living in CPH?⁠ 

I love the scale of the city. Being able to go from city centre, to forests and beaches on your bike is amazing. It is also a city with a great cultural heart, people are pushing each other to do some really interesting things in art and design.⁠

What’s happening in 2020?⁠ 

In 2020 I will be releasing some products for Australian brands SP01 and Rakumba, plus I am working on an exhibition in Chicago. Many things are on hold however, so we will see.⁠ In this editorial you can view his glass mirror from the "Scena" range for the brand Portego and one from the Barocche series in Solid brass sheet with oxidized patterns.⁠

The studio of Nikolai Kotlarczyk extends across interior product design - from decorative pieces to more industrial focused work.