Beyond Form – Stories That Shape Us

Christiane Bördner - Surviving 25 Years in Creative Business | Beyond Form

What does it really take to survive 25 years in creative business? In this episode of Beyond Form, Abdallahi M. Diop sits down with Berlin-based creative director and entrepreneur Christiane Bördner to unpack the truth behind longevity in design, fashion, and brand building. From studio collapse and financial pressure to self-doubt and creative burnout, Christiane shares what most successful creatives rarely say out loud: you are never safe, and that’s part of the journey. We talk about: - Surviving three major business collapses - Moving out of a 600sqm studio after 20 years - The fear of not being good enough - Staying creatively alive over decades - Building and rebuilding in Berlin’s design scene If you're a young creative trying to find your path or a seasoned designer navigating your next chapter , this conversation is for you. Subscribe for more real conversations about architecture, design, and fashion careers beyond the surface.

Sigurd Larsen — The Courage to Build Your Own Path | BEYOND FORM

"I had six weeks of money left in the bank when I started my own studio." Most architects wait for a safety net. Sigurd Larsen did the opposite. After training with industry giants like OMA (Rem Koolhaas), MVRDV, and COBE, Sigurd walked away during a recession with nothing but a plan. In this episode, we dive into the raw reality of building an international architecture and furniture studio from scratch. Sigurd shares the story of how a single wooden box, The Shrine, became his "Trojan Horse" into the industry, and why he believes the era of the ego-driven "Star Architect" is officially over. In this episode, we discuss: * The Leap: Quitting a stable job with zero financial security. * The Strategy: How furniture design can lead to massive architectural projects. * The Myth: Why the "Hollywood version" of an architect is toxic for the industry. * The Survival: Sleeping in the office and the power of sharing ideas. Whether you are a student, a young designer, or someone looking to take a massive career risk, Sigurd’s journey is a masterclass in creative resilience. Connect with us:📸 Instagram: @Beyondform.podcast Guest:Sigurd Larsen (Berlin-based Architect & Professor)

Teaser | I Quit My Job With 1.5 Months of Savings

The full episode with Sigurd Larsen drops this Tuesday! Subscribe now so you don't miss it.