NOSTUDIO
Judith, please introduce yourself:
I'm Judith Kamp, designer and founder of NOSTUDIO. Defined by clear lines, precise materials, and repetitive structures, my objects explore the potential of fundamental shapes — balancing between sculptural expression and everyday functionality. I design objects that challenge and deepen our relationship with the things and spaces around us.
Flor Light Sculpture
#1 What inspired you to found NOSTUDIO and how has your personal background shaped your design philosophy?
Starting NOSTUDIO wasn’t a direct decision, but rather a process that became clearer over time. In the beginning, I was honestly afraid of doing it alone. But as things evolved, it felt more and more like a natural course.
Recently, I was reflecting on why I design the way I do, and my sister looked at me completely puzzled and said, "Isn't it obvious?".
My father was a self-employed architect, and his office was part of our home. I spent countless hours sitting in his studio, drawing with him, listening to him talk about materials and constructions, and building things in our small workshop. Looking back, we both agree that my architectural approach and focus on clear lines are directly influenced by him. Realizing this makes me happy - it’s fascinating to see how something he introduced me early in life has now become a key element in my work.
#2 Your work moves between functional furniture and conceptual object design. How do you define the boundary between art and functionality in your designs?
I perceive the traditional divide between art and design as something I activly question, as I find it more interesting to explore how these two can complement and influence each other. In my work, it's about using this dynamic to merge both functional and emotional aspects. Some of my objects question familiar behaviors, others make them easier, and some of them stand for themselves. What connects them all is the direct interaction between person, space, and object. I focus on creating designs that encourage people to engage with the space and objects in a deeper, more intuitive way, blending both practical and emotional elements seamlessly.
S 02 Sideboard
#3 The ‚S 02 Sideboard‘ shows how wood can be interpreted in clear, modern forms. What role does wood play for you as a material in the design process, which materials besides wood do you prefer that are characteristic of NOSTUDIO?
Wood holds a central place in my design process, as it brings a natural warmth and depth that contrasts with the strict, geometric forms of my designs. I appreciate its versatility; it can be shaped with precision while maintaining an organic quality. Besides wood, I work with aluminum and steel- materials that emphasize clarity and precision. Their industrial character creates a strong dialogue with wood, reinforcing the tension between natural irregularity and structural rigor that defines my work.
Glass adds a new dimension to my work, offering a unique contrast to my usual approach to materials. Its properties, moving between fluid organic forms and linear precision, open up creative possibilities and push me to explore unexpected contrasts. This challenges me to rethink familiar structures and experiment with the interplay of materials, keeping my design process dynamic and evolving.
#4 Many of your objects are modular and interactive. What fascinates you about this approach and how does it influ- ence the users‘ relationship to their spaces?
I’m drawn to modular and interactive designs because they invite users to engage with objects in a personal and dynamic way, creating unique connections and stories. I enjoy hiding small details in each piece - details that gradually reveal themselves over time, unlocking the full potential of the object. Through this approach, I challenge the familiar and aim to reshape the spaces we inhabit, encouraging new perspectives on our relationship with both objects and our environment.
Flor Light Sculpture & Mono Vase
#5 As a designer in today‘s world, what challenges do you face in the design industry and how do you deal with them?
One of the most significant challenges I encounter as a designer is aligning my personal values with the practical constraints of what is realistically achievable. Financial constraints in small-scale production often restrict my progress, and like many others, I take on another job to support both my passion and my livelihood. Unlike large-scale manufacturing, I focus on creating small-scale pieces that allow for more intricate and detailed craftsmanship. However, maintaining this approach can be particularly challenging for those are already established in the industry – and I truly hope that I will find the right balance for NOSTUDIO in the future. Creating unique designs that are accessible to a broader audience remains a constant challenge, as the benefits often reach only a select few, leaving many excluded.
#6 You exhibited at the Collectible Fair in Brussels and are now showcasing your work at the Salone in Milan. How has this experience been for you so far?
Collectible Fair was a great platform to present my work to an audience that is open to creative approaches and truly appreciates the details and stories behind each piece. It also provides the opportunity to connect with many galleries. Over the past few years, I’ve met inspiring and lovely people from all over the world at exhibitions. Events like Milan Design Week are places where everyone comes together again. It’s not just ab out showcasing work; they’re also about reconnecting, exchanging ideas, and seeing familiar faces from all over the creative world.
Stak 01 Modular Stools
#7 How do you see the role of an architect in today’s society?
Tricky, because I'm not an architect. From my perspective, architects are like space wizards, possessing the immense power to change lifestyles by transforming living spaces. They have the ability to integrate, differentiate, and shape environments in ways that directly influence how people live, work, and interact with each other.
#8 How does your environment influence your work?
Especially since I focus on everyday objects - I’m constantly surrounded by inspiration. I love exploring flea markets, where the shapes and structures of past objects spark new ideas. I once worked in a vintage furniture store, helping to restore old pieces, and that experience had a profound influence on me. Observing the craftsmanship, construction methods, and refined joinery of older furniture has deeply shaped my approach, and I’ve incorporated many of these principles into my own work.
AL 01 Stool & AL 02 Bench
#9 Three things that inspire you at the moment?
The idea of jewellery for furniture
Self-dissolving things
Interstices
#10 What do you currently read, watch, listen to?
In the workshop, I inhale audiobooks or podcasts. "Drinnies" really speaks to my heart. My personal “soul food“ is watching the documentary “Handwerkskunst“ on Sunday mornings - a calming documentary about various traditional crafts, where the world still feels in order.
NOSTUDIO Collection
Links: NOSTUDIO
Instagram: nostudio.design
Photo Credits: Judith Kamp
Interview by Lisa Puschmann