Thomas Hansen worked with product and design development in the Hospitality contract market for more than 20 years. He has an extensive portfolio of International Hospitality projects and collaboration with renowned interior designers, global hotel groups, and stakeholders in the industry. Thomas, who is part of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards jury panel, is sharing with us his experience and love for Design.
Can you tell us a bit about your background? Where are you from?
I live in Denmark and work in Copenhagen, out of our Muuto Showroom & Office HQ. Since the beginning of my career, I have worked in lighting design and product design development for hotels.
Photo credit: MUUTO
What has inspired you to work in the Design and Hospitality industry?
I got to work on Hotel projects and product designs for hotels early on. I loved everything about it from day one. The culture of design developing together with the designers and hotels in the industry is very rewarding and I have been lucky to work on amazing projects by amazing designers.
You are currently the Head of Global Hospitality for MUUTO, what can you tell us about your company?
Muuto is a contemporary design brand rooted in the Scandinavian design tradition. We deliver high-quality designs across furniture, lighting, and accessories to both contract projects across all segments. Muuto is investing strongly in the Hospitality segment. With our design, quality, and strong brand culture, we are implementing new ways to be relevant in Hospitality.
Photo credit: MUUTO
What are your main responsibilities and how are you able to assist Interior Designers and Architects?
It is my role to make Muuto a valuable partner for designers and Hotel chains globally. By making Hospitality a focus segment, we can provide a new level of service for designers and hotels around the world. We are setting up a global unit of dedicated staff to interact and develop the projects with the designers, if and when needed.
What do you find “unique” about Scandinavian design?
I think Scandinavian design, as a concept, is very subjective these days. We are, of course, all standing on the shoulders of giants, but I also think you have to acknowledge how well the new Danish design companies have created their place in the world.
The uniqueness for me is mainly how well our culture of design is integrated into many aspects of our society. That might be where we stand out a little in comparison.
Do you mind sharing what are your passions outside of the design world?
Other than my personal more profound interest in lighting design, I think I am like many of our colleagues in the business, addicted to travel and experiencing the world. Can’t wait to be allowed into the world again when the Covid19 situation is better.
Photo credit: MUUTO