Leadership

At ÅBEN, we are committed to using sustainable materials, progressive techniques and fearless thinking to deliver a more contemporary approach to Nordic design. ÅBEN takes its responsibility to people and the planet seriously, and we are passionate about making functional products.

ÅBEN has created a stage for a new generation of Nordic designers and is committed to the evolution of their talent. ÅBEN’s designers have been handpicked for the exceptional quality of their work, attention to detail and commitment to sustainability. Finding these designers became something of a personal mission for ÅBEN Founder David Harrigan. He spoke with lecturers, students and leading figures in the wider design community before selecting the most gifted, curious and inspiring makers to join ÅBEN.

David created ÅBEN so others, like him, could find work from emerging product designers and side-step the mainstream design channels that were failing to champion new talent. David was determined to create a bridge from the Nordics to design-lovers all over the world: “The fragmented nature of the digital marketplace meant these truly brilliant and ambitious creatives were often lost.”

ÅBEN’s goal is to bring to market the very best of new Nordic design, but we want to do it the right way. We are committed to using sustainable materials, progressive techniques and fearless thinking to deliver a more contemporary approach to Nordic design. ÅBEN takes its responsibility to people and the planet seriously, and we are passionate about making functional products which not only balance the contrasts of life, but also celebrate the human and cultural qualities of the pieces we create for our customers.

David’s work as a media lawyer has taken him from Australia to Luxembourg, Hong Kong to London. His journey into the Nordics is the fulfilment of a private passion, and brings to the global market young artisans who openly explore design; bringing the freshest of perspectives and the most authentic work possible.