This week we are highlighting Michael Poulsen, designer behind the new shop Inspired by Architecture. Michael’s shop is full of clean, minimal, yet modern designs that would be great additions to any accessories collection.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?
Iʼm a Danish architect and furniture designer located in Copenhagen, DK. I have been educated and trained under strong influence of the Danish and Scandinavian design traditions which I truly treasure. I have a great passion for designing and creating… anything. Furniture design, lighting design, industrial design, interior design and product design. My ability to design is my motivator and my engine.
What’s the story behind your designs?
Being educated as an architect I have been schooled to build my designs based on space, light and shadows. I believe this actually plays an important role even when designing the smallest items. Apart from that Iʼm being inspired by everything I meet on my way with no respect to scale. I am particularly inspired by designs that are graphic and minimalist in their expression.
What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?
In fact a colleague of mine introduced my to Shapeways. We were doing a lot of research on 3D printing in order to determine whether it was a good idea to invest in a 3D printer at the studio where I work. I instantly knew I was going to do a lot of creations with Shapeways when first introduced. I felt like a 1000 ideas came to my mind when I visited Shapeways for the first time.
How did you learn how to design in 3D?
Learning by doing. I started doing 3D in 1994 during my studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts – The School of Architecture. Iʼve always had a particular interest in computers and when 3D suddenly became an option I found that I could express myself to a completely different extent. My intuitive understanding of computers became a great advantage and I was one of the 3D pioneers at my school.
How do you promote your work?
To promote my work I use a large number of digital medias and social platforms such as Facebook, Behance, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Designspotter and Architonic.
Who are your favorite designers or artists?
Just to mention a few of the giants… Hans J Wegner, Charles Eames, Santiago Calatrava, Tadao Ando and louis baragan.
Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?
There are so many great designers on Shapeways and more are joining every moment… but to highlight a few I would say Ina_ for having defined her own unique style with products that are complete and Seedlingdesign for having lots of great ideas with a twist!
If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make
using 3D printing?
With no limitations I would definitely be printing my own watches. I have a great passion for watches and have done a few designs myself, however the 3D printing technology of today cannot yet serve the production of the finest mechanical devices of all.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS SHOP:
- Beautiful photography
- Great use of material combinations
- Variation of default photos
- Well organized sections
Thank you for the interview, Michael! Can’t wait to see your shop grow even more. Follow Michael on Facebook, Pinterest, check out his website, and of course Inspired by Architecture shop! To be featured, email aimee @ shapeways.com.