Interview

Presence and Connection Through Design

A newcomer to 3daysofdesign, but a veteran in design, native San Franciscan Tina Frey made the trek across the pond for her first Copenhagen design festival experience. In a chaotic world, she finds peace of mind in her daily meditation practice, which also serves as a source of inspiration for her functional and sculptural pieces.

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Interview

Presence and Connection Through Design

A newcomer to 3daysofdesign, but a veteran in design, native San Franciscan Tina Frey made the trek across the pond for her first Copenhagen design festival experience. In a chaotic world, she finds peace of mind in her daily meditation practice, which also serves as a source of inspiration for her functional and sculptural pieces.

Why did you decide to join 3daysofdesign this year?

I decided to join for the first time as part of a new creative journey. The designs I'm presenting are limited edition works that sit at the intersection of design and sculpture. Through this exploration, I delve into form, materiality, scale and the role design plays in our everyday environments. Each piece is crafted with an emphasis on artistry and produced in small series or limited editions. They embody a refined vision of contemporary craftsmanship, intended for private or public spaces where art and design converge. This exhibition makes perfect sense for the brand as it introduces our work to a new audience, in a new geography, within a context that celebrates design at its most thoughtful and experimental.

What could visitors expect from your exhibition during 3daysofdesign?

Visitors was welcomed with the Orbit Collection, a series of furniture pieces with tactile forms inspired by the natural world and the cosmos. The outlines of the shapes loosely trace the three–dimensional paths of planetary orbits or stars within our solar system. The intersecting circles create unexpected surfaces—places to sit, set down a favourite drink or display meaningful objects. These pieces are both functional and sculptural, designed to make a striking statement in any space. We also hosted a special event where I shared the story behind their creation, offering insight into the inspiration and process behind the work.

What were your expectations of the festival?

I was completely open to what unfolded during the event. I believe in fully immersing myself in the experience and embracing the moment, without limiting it through preconceived ideas. All the preparation is done before the festival begins, and once it does, I was just being present and seeing what naturally evolved. I was most excited to be part of this incredible community of designers. I love the camaraderie, the familiar faces, the new connections and the shared joy that comes from being among like–minded creatives.

This year's theme was KEEP IT REAL—how does that align with the way you work?

It resonated deeply with my design philosophy, which has guided my work since the founding of the studio 18 years ago. Many of my designs are envisioned during my annual week-long darkness meditation retreat. In the deep stillness of those sessions, I often receive vivid visions—shapes and forms reminiscent of planetary orbits or celestial movements. I translate those visions into reality through hand–sculpting, initially in clay. Each piece is handmade, moulded, cast and finished through human touch, preserving the tactile essence of the original form. This process is profoundly real and grounded—the designs are born from an inner vision and made tangible through the work of my hands.

In a world that's under a lot of pressure, how do you practice connection, resilience and hope?

I maintain a daily meditation practice, which is essential for building resilience and cultivating hope. In meditation, I experience love, peace, joy, clarity and inspiration. My current annual practice is an advanced weeklong darkness meditation retreat—an immersive solo experience in total silence and darkness. This allows me to withdraw from external stimulation and connect deeply with my inner world. These meditative experiences influence much of my work. They help me disconnect from the noise of everyday life and tap into what brings me joy and purpose. The creations that emerge are a way to share this sense of connection and love with others. Design plays a powerful role in this. For example, in December 2024, I created the Meditation Orb—an immersive installation focused on The Art of Cultivating the Mind. It featured solfeggio frequency–infused meditation music and vibration technology, creating a transformative sensory experience. Through design, we can invite others into a space of presence, healing and connection—offering them a moment to experience something beyond the ordinary.

Sustainable Design Effort
At 3daysofdesign, our commitment extends beyond showcasing the latest trends in interior design and furniture. We strive to facilitate meaningful discussions, debate, and actively contribute to pushing forward a more sustainable approach within the realm of interior design and furniture business. Join us in our mission to inspire positive change and promote a greener, more responsible future for the industry.

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Tina Frey Designs
Store Kongensgade 95, 1264 Copenhagen
Tina Frey Designs, based in San Francisco, California, specialises in timeless, functional objects, furniture, and lighting. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted from start to finish, reflecting a commitment to thoughtful design that brings serenity and joy to everyday spaces. The studio’s entirely human, hands–on process results in organic, wabi–sabi–inspired creations that cannot be replicated by mass production. Using materials like resin, brass, and stainless steel, the designs combine minimalist elegance with practical functionality. The collections are featured in high–end restaurants, luxury hotels, and yachts and are available at the showroom, select boutiques worldwide, and the studio’s online shop.
Tina Frey Designs
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Questions?

3daysofdesign is Denmark’s annual design festival, conceived as a platform to showcase and celebrate great design. It’s the opportunity to meet, network and be inspired by designs from local and global talent. The informal atmosphere welcomes people to engage directly with design brands at stunning locations all over Copenhagen.

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Since its inception in 2013, Signe Byrdal Terenziani has facilitated the growth of the design community in her role as Managing Director. It all began as a small design event held in an old warehouse in Nordhavn, a harbour area overlooking Copenhagen’s waterfront. Four Danish brands launched the event as a joint initiative: Montana, Erik Jørgensen (now owned by Fredericia Furniture), Anker & Co, and Kvadrat. At that time, Copenhagen lacked a proper design festival, since the previous annual furniture fair at Bella Center closed down some years before.

Today, the 3daysofdesign festival extends to the entire city of Copenhagen and is considered the most significant annual design festival in Scandinavia and Northern Europe.

Each year since its inception, 3daysofdesign has grown in popularity exponentially. In 2025, over 460 brands exhibited at the festival, where over 60.000 visitors could choose from as many as 600+ events to attend in various design districts across Copenhagen, such as design talks, product launches, networking, etc.

3daysofdesign takes place every year in Copenhagen mainly in showrooms and galleries during June, Wednesday to Friday. In 2026 the festival will be held from 10— 12 June.

Pack your bags, book a hotel and come to Copenhagen! 3daysofdesign is open to the general public and everyone is invited to visit the showrooms, exhibitions, workshops and design talks. All events are free of charge.

Please check the programme, which is updated on an ongoing basis, at 3daysofdesign.dk

You can look forward to seeing cutting-edge concepts from new and established names in lifestyle, design, furniture and interior design. Get a preview of new product launches. Learn about upcoming trends on the horizon. Meet the players behind forward-thinking ideas worth knowing. And network with like-minded people with a passion for design.

It's easy to get around in Copenhagen.

Rent a bike, jump on the bus or metro, catch a boat or simply walk from venue to venue. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the architecture, restaurants, cafes, shops and Copenhagen's relaxed vibe by day and vibrant night life.

Absolutely! Don't forget to download our app on your Android or iPhone. It provides a comprehensive view of all the festival events, including a complete list of exhibitions along with their locations on our interactive 3daysofdesign map. Plus, you can use our free QR ticket system for easy access to everything the festival has to offer.

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