Designing with Time — 專訪 OEO Studio 設計總監 Thomas Lykke：「讓我們試著想像：如果一張百年老桌子會說話，它將分享什麼故事？」
OEO Studio 設計總監 Thomas Lykke (Photo by Michael Rygaard)
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When Thomas Lykke, head of design at OEO Studio, speaks about designing with time, he poses a compelling question. In today's culture of material excess and instant gratification, rapid production often dominates design thinking. Yet good design should not only respond to the desires of today, it should endure, gaining depth and resonance as the years pass.
Consider the enduring objects, spaces or bespoke garments that remain cherished. The traces they hold reveal the materials once available, the aesthetic values of the time and the craftsmanship behind them, while also reflecting the social atmosphere and cultural spirit of their era. Time enriches these designs, reminding us of the lasting value at the heart of design.
Terra lamp prototypes at OEO Studio in Copenhagen. (photo by OEO Studio)
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“I always consider the human experience and the relevance of the design over time. This is one of our core design mantras.” That belief has defined OEO Studio since Lykke and Anne-Marie Buemann founded the practice in Copenhagen in 2003. As a cross-disciplinary studio, their work spans architecture, interiors, product design and brand strategy, all guided by their philosophy of Compelling Minimalism.
From shaping spatial experiences for the Michelin-starred restaurant Noma Kyoto to collaborating with global brands such as Sony, Bang & Olufsen and &Tradition, OEO Studio applies a refined minimal language imbued with warmth and detail. Each project is envisioned as a unique presence, one that invites reflection and fosters emotional connection.
Noma Kyoto 2025 with interior design by OEO Studio. (Photo by Mitsuru Wakabayashi)
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“ Slow ” has never been a burden in design but a way of thinking in structural terms. Lykke believes patience creates the space to step back, reflect and gain clarity. As he puts it, “ patience allows for reflection and a broader perspective. It fosters focus and clarity. ”
“ In our fast-paced world, we often lack the time to step back. ” he says, quoting St. Augustine: “ Patience is the companion of wisdom. ” For Lykke, meaningful design does not emerge from rushing to keep pace but from slowing down to uncover the reason and purpose behind a project. As he notes, “a strong rationale is essential for creating designs that positively impact people and the world. ”
This does not mean that OEO Studio resists efficiency. On the contrary, they emphasize pragmatism and transparency in their discussions, placing value on thorough planning from the outset. For Lykke, every stage of the process matters; neglecting even one can weaken the final result.
Usually, they will not sacrifice design goals or outcomes for the sake of speed, but this does not mean time is an unlimited resource. “ Both slow and fast approaches are important; slow can be beneficial, but it can also hinder progress. The key is finding the right balance,” he says. What matters most is knowing when to dive deep into detail and when to move forward decisively.
Ita Sofa Table designed by OEO Studio for &Tradition. (Photo by &Tradition)
Ita Dining Table designed by OEO Studio for &Tradition. (Photo by &Tradition)
Designmuseum Denmark with interior design by OEO Studio. (Photo by Christian Hoyer)
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Lykke has a strong aversion to the very word “trend,” calling them “short-lived” and a sign of “a lack of originality and self-expression.” Instead, he prefers avant-garde approaches that reflect personality. Design should return to its human-centered essence and resist the pull of passing fashions.
So what qualities define a timeless design? “Longevity in quality and detail, simplicity that conveys sophistication, and classical values that ensure lasting relevance across generations,” Lykke explains.
As waves of stylistic trends sweep through the design world, OEO Studio resists chasing surface-level immediacy. Instead, they choose to move with deliberation and focus on creating works with resilience over time. These designs remain relevant ten or even twenty years later, embodying the essence of sustainability by extending both the lifespan and the depth of meaning of each object.
Teapot from the Objects Collection designed by OEO Studio for Kaikado. (Photo by Yasuhito Shimizu)
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In fact, Thomas’s awareness of sustainability began well before the term became a buzzword. During his training as a fashion designer in the mid-1990s, he had already started exploring these ideas. This early consciousness laid the foundation for his later practice, where sustainability became inseparable from the design process.
As he notes, “Since my training as a fashion designer in the mid-90s, I have been focused on sustainability, even before it became a buzzword. To me, sustainability is an inherent aspect of creating end products. We have developed sustainable brands and advocated for eco-friendly materials across our projects. Conscious thinking is essential for a greener world and fosters innovation.”
For him, “ a conscious approach to these issues is not only the foundation for a greener future, it also sparks genuine innovation. ” From the choice of materials to methods of production, every decision he makes carries a long-term sense of responsibility.
Terra Portable Lamp designed by OEO Studio for Mater (Photo by Mater)
Noma Kyoto 2025 with interior design by OEO Studio. (Photo by Mitsuru Wakabayashi)
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The influence of design lies in its nature as a universal language. “Good design transcends spoken language, tapping into human emotions and local contexts. The most powerful creations resonate intuitively and form deep cultural connections. This is what allows them to be remembered and understood over time,” says Lykke.
Building on this idea, we asked whether a good design should feel complete or leave room for people to take part and shape it over time. His answer revealed the dual essence of design: both are important.
“Good design is like a book being written—a personal narrative that tells unique stories. Imagine if a hundred-year-old table could speak, what kind of story would it share?”
Perhaps this is the reminder our time needs most, prompting us to consider a deeper question: are we creating objects destined to be forgotten, or works that carry time within them? The answer we choose ultimately defines the soul of the design.
Koshido Cabinet designed by OEO Studio and Garde Hvalsøe. (Photo by Alona Vibe)
Kaikado Café Kyoto with interior design by OEO Studio. (Photo by Kunihiro Fukumori)
Lykke Kitchen designed by OEO Studio for Garde Hvalsøe. (Photo by Michael Rygaard)
Noma Kyoto 2025 with interior design by OEO Studio. (Photo by Mitsuru Wakabayashi)