Technically skilled and stylish designer with attention to detail.
Jesper Ståhl’s designs focus on the use of the product and attention to the small details. He has an educational background as both a designer and an engineer, with a Master’s degree from the Royal College of Art in London and Imperial College, London. “For me, design is all about that balance, between poetic expression on the one hand and commercial thinking and what is technically possible on the other. Taking what might be seen as opposites and shaping them into a complete whole. Good design solves a problem, great design communicates a story at the same time,” he states.
"Good design solves a problem, great design communicates a story at the same time"
Jesper’s designs are characterised by the pursuit of stripped-down simplicity. He finds inspiration for what he creates everywhere, by being curious and observant. He describes the creative process as then connecting different memories, knowledge, impressions and experiences into something completely new. “What inspires me to create is the dialogue with my clients,” he explains. “A formulated need, an unfinished thought to build on. I don’t create products without recipients – my process always starts from a dialogue.”This dialogue also marks the start of Jesper’s design process. It is about listening, trying to understand ‘why’, and then adding creativity to arrive at the ‘what’. “My own research is about examining what already exists, but more importantly how we could do it differently, better,” he says. “I’m looking for the story we want to tell through design.” The sketching is done first in his head and on a sketchpad, then with the precision of the computer, in 2D and 3D. The office has 3D printers that are kept busy day and night.
“Every product and every casting is unique. This creates both opportunities and challenges, but above all it creates products that last, and that places particular demands on my designs.”
Jesper Ståhl has created a number of products for Byarums Bruk and his feeling is that the respect for the craftsmanship behind each product increases the more you learn about the technology and the possibilities. “Every product and every casting is unique. This creates both opportunities and challenges, but above all it creates products that last, and that places particular demands on my designs,” he points out. “As with many collaborations, it’s about understanding what’s possible and sometimes challenging what may at first seem impossible.”
Jesper Ståhl has received many awards and nominations over the years. The most recent nomination, at the Design S – Swedish Design Awards, was for his work with Byarums Bruk on the Domino seat.
