“Design isn’t just about making new stuff; it’s about acknowledging the invisible threads—environmental, social, and temporal—that connect every artifact to a much larger system. By making these connections visible through sustainable and interesting design, we can move toward a design practice that cares for the world, not just uses it."

What inspired you to start making?
I’ve always been drawn to the relationship between materials and creativity—exploring how things come into being. Over time, I’ve become more aware of the impact of design on the environment, and that awareness inspires me to create in ways that are thoughtful and as gentle as possible on the planet.

As a maker, do you have any questions you ask yourself before making a new piece or launching a new line?
Absolutely. I always ask: What stories and processes are hidden behind this artifact? Who and what are affected when materials are extracted, shaped, and eventually discarded? It’s important for me to map out these questions and weigh the real impact before I decide to bring something new into the world.

Which direction do you see yourself going in the future?
I recently defended my doctoral thesis, Mineral Matterings: Diffractive Practices of Design, and I look forward to continuing to combine my studio practice with academic research and teaching.

What are the ingredients for great design and what's really exciting you at the moment in design?

Great design sparks desire while also being thoughtful. I’m particularly intrigued by how designers can use that emotional pull to guide consumers toward more sustainable behaviors. The challenge lies in creating compelling products with minimal materials, streamlined production processes, and a well-considered afterlife—ensuring they can be easily disassembled for upcycling or recycling.

The story behind the Product:

I’ve spent years designing unique, concept-driven mirrors for galleries and collectors, so collaborating with Swedish Ninja to create the C-mirror was a wonderful opportunity. That project evolved into the Candy Lamp through a collaboration with Maria Gustavsson. The lamp’s original C-shape forms its base and holds the functional part—the light. It’s designed to be positioned in different ways, and with its range of vibrant color variations, you can create a dynamic installation where one or multiple lamps stand out beautifully, bringing playful energy and character to the wall.

 

 

 

 

Swedish Ninja - Petra Lilja

 

 The story behind the Product:

I have designed unique or small edition mirrors for a long time, based on conceptual ideas and sold in galleries, and was happy to get the opportunity to design the C-mirror for Swedish Ninja. That limited edition then developed into the C-lamp in collaboration with Maria Gustavsson. The shape of a C forms the base of the object, holding the functional part, the lamp, and the idea is that it can be positioned in different ways. Together with the possibility of many color variations it's possible to create a fun installation with one or many lamps that literally pop out from the wall. :)