Hagen Hinderdael
Website: https://hagenhinderdael.com
Instagram: @hagenhinderdael
Pairing product design with art, HagenHinderdael are an award-winning London duo who pursue a design approach that explores the relationship of lighting and large scale installations in immersive environments. Following their backgrounds in architecture and interiors, the designers Sofia Hagen and Lisa Hinderdael, pursue a design approach that explores the relationship of lighting and large scale installations in immersive environments. Merging their abilities as designers with the material knowledge and craftsmanship of local artisans and cutting-edge technology, the designers produce elements and installations that push the boundaries of engineering whilst bearing the incentive of a continuous afterlife. HagenHinderdael’s ethos is to celebrate long-established craftsmanship and always think about the lifecycle of the installations. From the sourcing down to the afterlife, each installation has its own journey that is sustainably sourced and locally manufactured. In temporary installations, wherever possible, a product is developed as the singular unit of the design – creating a unique way for the pieces to be re-used and distributed afterwards.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
SH: Happiness that takes me by surprise, in unexpected moments. That and a house full of puppies.
What is your greatest extravagance?
LH: My monthly massage treatment which is my gift to myself to keep me grounded.
SH: Does quitting ones secure job to start a business at the cusp of a global pandemic and worst economic crisis count?
Which words of phrases do you most overuse?
LH: Written : Looking forward to hearing from you. Spoken: This is my favourite song.
SH: Very funny. Please Note. Everything has an end to it, apart from the sausage, which has two.
Which talent would you most like to have?
LH: To be able to speak all the languages of the world – now that would be incredible.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
SH: I would really like to be more patient. As soon as possible.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
LH: The design of the award-winning teardrop light.
SH: There’s been many achievements along my path, but the greatest achievement always lies ahead.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
LH: David Attenborough. To be able to travel to the most remote places in the world and see some of the scenes we get to avidly watch in Planet Earth and other nature series.
Where would you most like to live?
LH: Laos. From the 4000 Islands to Konglor Cave and the 2-day slow boat down the Mekong– I enjoyed every moment of exploring this wonderful country and would love to live there one day.
SH: Hong Kong for speeding up, Oaxaca (Mexico) for slowing down, Montreal for the best of both worlds (French charm + American friendliness), London for life, and Luang Prabang (Laos) for after life.
What is your most treasured possession?
LH: My late mother’s ring that my father gave to her when I was born.
What is your favourite occupation?
SH: The one I’m doing right now. I was always torn between architecture and acting - I am also a trained actor. With what I do now, I can beautifully combine the performing (sales) with the applied arts (design).
What do you most value in your friends?
LH: Their diversity and international upbringings. I was blessed to attend international school before studying abroad in Denmark, Italy, and London. As an almost triple-national, I have always been a bit of a nomad, but my international friends keep me grounded and always manage to keep in touch even across all our time zones.
SH: Loyalty and time
Who is your hero of fiction?
LH: Dory from Finding Nemo – friendly and always optimistic, she can overcome any challenge.
SH: Shakespeare has an array of very strong, defiant female characters who take charge of their lives and come out on top. Their actions would’ve been just as inspiring back then as they are now (Viola, Rosalind, Emilia, Portia.. you know who you are)
What is it that you most dislike?
LH: Dishonest people and false promises.
SH: Cruelty, dishonesty, and the sound of metal scratching metal
What is your greatest regret?
SH: Having regrets
What is your motto?
LH: Be the change you want to see in the world. – Gandhi