Designer Rikke Frost established her studio in Aarhus 20 years ago, and since then, she has been creating furniture that is minimal, magical and mindful. In this interview, Rikke shares insights about her background, influences, and design philosophy.

Icons: How would you describe yourself as a designer?

RF: I am a curious, hardworking designer known for my ability to combine aesthetics and functionality in an elegant way. My design style is characterized by a strong connection to nature’s forms and materials, with a focus on sustainability and long-lasting solutions. My work balances simplicity and refinement, with each design telling a story of harmony between tradition and modernity.

Icons: Can you tell us a bit about your background and influences?

RF: I graduated as an industrial designer in 2000 from the School of Architecture in Aarhus, and just a few years later, in 2004, I established my own studio — now over two decades strong. My passion for design, particularly in how materials shape our environment, traces back to my childhood. Growing up, I spent countless hours helping my parents build the houses we lived in. That hands-on experience, working with different materials and seeing ideas come to life, deeply influenced my appreciation for craftsmanship, form, and function. It’s those early memories that sparked my lifelong curiosity for how thoughtful design can transform spaces and enrich lives.

Icons: The 3 words ‘minimal’, ‘magical’ and ‘mindful’ are the core of your studio manifesto. What is the meaning behind each word and how do they impact your work?

RF: At my studio, the words ‘minimal,’ ‘magical,’ and ‘mindful’ guide every step of our process — from ideation to materialization, to storytelling and launch. These principles are my foundation for creating meaningful, responsible products that I can proudly justify bringing into the world.

‘Minimal’ represents my commitment to optimizing materials, resources, and production methods, ensuring that every element is utilized in the best possible way. It’s about reducing excess while maintaining purpose and beauty.

‘Magical’ is about adding moments of surprise and delight — those tactile experiences, hidden details, and thoughtful functions that invite users to pause, explore, and reflect. I believe in creating designs that encourage a deeper connection with the objects we interact with daily.

Lastly, ‘Mindful’ speaks to the care I take in considering the human experience and the environment. It’s about reflecting on how we behave, how we use materials, and how our choices impact the world around us. It’s a conscious effort to design with integrity and a sense of responsibility.

Each of these words intertwines with the other, shaping how we approach design in a way that’s thoughtful, engaging, and purposeful.

Icons: You have designed Fichu, our new chair family. Can you tell us a bit about the collaborative process with Icons of Denmark when developing Fichu?

When I first met Jesper and Sandra from IOD I fell in love with their passion, engagement and urge to progress. It has been a pleasure to work with IOD because they so strongly believed in the design from day 1, and we all worked hard to reach the best possible version of the design.

Icons: The Fichu chair is created specifically for the workplace, how did that influence the design?

RF: First and foremost, I wanted to create an inviting and embracing chair that makes its user feel welcome. That’s why the backrest has a curved, rounded shape. It gives the chair its unique character while offering comfort and a sense of openness, encouraging people to sit and feel at ease.

Icons: What challenges did you meet when designing Fichu, and how did you overcome them?

RF: One of the main challenges was the seamless use of different materials. This can be tricky to achieve, but through close collaboration with the production, we managed to ensure everything fits together perfectly.

Icons: We are talking a lot about how the modern workplace needs to be flexible and adaptable – how does the Fichu chair fit into this?

RF: I designed the Fichu chair family with flexibility in mind. It is lightweight and easy to move, allowing its users to quickly adapt the space to different needs, whether it’s a meeting, a waiting area, or a dining setup. The chair’s timeless design ensures it will remain relevant for years, while its parts can be easily repaired or reupholstered. The durable frame is built to last, ensuring longevity and sustainability.

Icons: What makes Fichu Minimal, Magical and Mindful?

RF: The Fichu chair balances character with minimalism, offering a clean, understated aesthetic. The magical element comes in the thoughtful details, such as the multifunctional back frame. This metal frame doubles as a handle and a convenient spot to hang your jacket or scarf. It’s designed to be durable, making the chair both practical and long-lasting. The mindful aspect is reflected in its easy disassembly, making it environmentally friendly, while its welcoming design provides comfort to anyone who uses it.

Icons: Do you have any advice you would like to pass on to new and aspiring designers?

RF: Ask a lot of ‘why’ questions.