Function and fine materials

Lars Beller Fjetland started as a collector, finding unique objects at flea markets and dumps and bringing them home to restore them to their former glory. In 2011, a year prior to his graduation from Bergen School of Art Design, the Norwegian-born designer established his own company, Beller Design. Just two years later he was named Designer of the Year by Elle Decoration Norway. A message of sustainability, honesty and aesthetic and functional durability is always deeply embedded in every concept he develops, from furniture to small objects. “I have stayed true to this path,” he says. “I have always valued integrity over fame and money, because I believe that a career in design is a marathon, not a sprint. Hopefully I can keep on working this way until the day I choose to retire.”

My way into design started as a collector, finding unique and beautiful objects at flea markets and in dumpsters, bringing them home and restoring them to their former glory. This process was very educational as it taught me a lot about the history of design and different materials and ways of production. This hobby gradually developed into something more.

Sustainability, honesty, aesthetic and functional durability are always deeply embedded in every concept that I develop. They form my ground rules for how I address a new challenge. I have stayed true to this path since my first designs and it has proven to be a valuable tool.

My biggest achievement has been financial independence without making compromises in terms of how I work, and who I choose to work with. I have always valued integrity over fame and money as I believe that a career within design is a marathon and not a sprint.

Meeting a lot of intelligent, hardworking and talented people around the world. You quickly realise that your efforts as a designer are only a small piece of the puzzle, and that a product can only be truly successful if everyone involved is pulling in the same direction.