A few months ago I used one of my regular ‘new finds’ posts to introduce you to MUNK Collective – a Danish brand with a difference. It was founded by Hans Peter Munk, who describes it as a ‘design community’ whose focus is teamwork and collaboration. He partners with emerging designers and architects from across the globe, and the result is a small but perfectly formed range of furniture, lighting and home accessories. All are beautifully pared-back, yet their apparent simplicity hides ingenious design which often has multiple purposes.

I was intrigued by the concept and keen to find out more, so I chatted to Hans Peter about the brand’s beginnings, its ethos and his future plans…

Please can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? Has design always been part of your life?

“It has. When I was a kid I loved to draw cars and houses; nowadays I draw furniture, and I love seeing how a sketch of a chair comes to life. I used to work for another great Danish design company and after many years surrounded by other people’s designs, I decided it was time to try and build a company of my own.”

How did MUNK Collective begin life?

“In 2012 I established a small interior-design and furniture store in central Copenhagen by the name of MUNK (my last name). The store was quite successful, but I soon dreamt of more. I was really interested in creating new designs, and through my years in the industry I knew many designers and architects. Some of us started working together on new products, and soon the items were on sale in the MUNK store. That was the beginning of MUNK Collective.”

Above: Johansen Faurschou’s minimalist ‘Blind’ pendant lamp and ‘Ribbon’ mirror

What’s MUNK Collective’s design aesthetic?

“Essential and minimal, but at the same time welcoming and comfortable. I don’t aim for a Scandinavian vibe, but I acknowledge that it’s part of my design DNA – for instance in the strong use of natural materials such as wood, stone, brass and leather. That said, last year we launched the colours burnt umber, pure ochre and night blue, all of which were inspired by the Orient, so I think we have a great mix that reflects the different designers in the collective.”

You work with designers from all over the world. Why is this important to you, and what do you look for in a collaboration?

“What matters to me is that I see potential in the designs and in the designer. I don’t want the designer to just be a name on the packaging – I want to work with them and I want them to work with us, not just for us. For me it’s about exploring and developing their potential and, by doing that, furthering cultural and design heritage. I think a lot of young designers are struggling to get seen and heard, and I want to help them step into the limelight.”

Above: Hans Peter Munk’s perforated ‘Turn’ light, which can be used as a pendant or a table lamp, and his ‘Click’ modular seating series

You design some of the pieces yourself. Where do you find inspiration? 

“I find inspiration when I walk around the city, and I love visiting flea markets to look at materials, textures, furniture and lamps. I’m quite rational when it comes to design – I think about a specific need and then start exploring how to fulfil that need.”

Do you have any personal favourites from the collection?

“My favourite is the ‘Frame’ tray – it was our first product and the one that kick-started everything. That said, I love all our pieces as I see them as individual designs which reflect the unique cooperation between the designer and MUNK Collective.”

Above: the ‘Frame’ tray and ‘Frame’ mirror, both designed by Johansen Faurschou to offer practicality and a way to display favourite items

What’s your top interior-design tip?

“Do what you like – and if something doesn’t work, go ahead and change it. Our surroundings affect us way more than we think.”

Finally, what are you future plans? Do you have any exciting new pieces coming up?

“This autumn we’re excited to be launching several new products with new designers, among other things a beautiful small table; we’ll also be releasing some of our existing designs in new colours and materials. On a wider scale, I hope to see MUNK Collective grow worldwide. I constantly get new ideas and I hope to be able to keep meeting designers from across the globe and help them produce and sell their work.”