Chair.Tag Exclusive Interview
Chairtag had the pleasure of interviewing Jasper Overgaard from OVERGAARD & DYRMAN. In this exclusive conversation, we delve into the history, inspirations, and creative processes behind their remarkable furniture designs. Let’s get started!
Company History:
Chairtag: Could you tell us a little bit about the history of OVERGAARD & DYRMAN? Where are you from and when was the company founded?
Jasper: Overgaard & Dyrman is a contemporary maker of crafted furniture and a design studio based in Denmark. Our company was founded in 2013 by Christian Dyrman and myself (Jasper Overgaard). The O&D studio was established as a collaborative platform for creating original and meaningful furniture and interior objects, crafted from the highest quality materials.
Chairtag: How was your trajectory from the beginning to the present moment?
Jasper: When we first met at the engineering studies at Aalborg University in 2005, Christian had a dream of becoming an engineer while I dreamed about becoming an architect. By coincidence, we were put into the same study group the very first day, and we quickly discovered that our ambitions and individual creative strengths complemented each other well. We began working on several student design projects together. Those years working together during our studies set the foundation for what would later become Overgaard & Dyrman.
Home & Inspirations:
Chairtag: What inspired you to start OVERGAARD & DYRMAN? Can you share a little bit about the beginning of the company and how the initial idea came about?
Jasper: The initial idea for the Wire Collection originated when we were students by combining the knowledge from our studies with individual skills. Christian was educated as a skilled blacksmith, while I explored leather crafting. These specialty skills helped us develop and refine our debut furniture collection. At one point, two established brands showed interest in bringing the Wire Dining Chair into production. However, after being disappointed by the prototypes, we realized that to achieve the quality we wanted, we would have to produce the chair ourselves. We believe the best way to learn is by doing, so we set out to master each step of the process ourselves, truly understanding and improving the process and the products we create.
Approach to Metal:
Chairtag: What led you to choose metal as one of the main materials in your designs?
Jasper: Our engineering background and Christian’s experience as a blacksmith inspired us to work with steel as a structural material. We are fascinated by making and optimizing constructions and exploring what is possible with various materials.
Chairtag: What are the main challenges and benefits of working with metal in your creations?
Jasper: One of the foremost advantages is the durability and strength that metal imparts to our creations, ensuring that the finished products maintain their structural integrity over time. The primary challenge is the high level of technical skill required. Techniques such as welding and grinding demand precision and expertise, and mastering these skills to the level required for the rather complex Wire Collection takes considerable time and practice. We take pride in the meticulous attention we give to each weld, creating something enduring that speaks to admirers of good craftsmanship. The CNC bending machine enables us to achieve the complex shapes for the Wire Collection, while the keen eye and skills of our craftsmen ensure the desired precision and finish.
Circle Chair:
Chairtag: The Circle Chair is one of your most iconic designs. Can you tell us more about the inspiration and the process of creating this piece? What were the key stages in the development of the Circle Chair, from sketch to final product?
Jasper: The Circle Collection has been a study of beauty and balance for us. The ‘perfect geometry’ of the circle has inspired architects, astronomers, philosophers, and physicists throughout history. Continuing in this tradition, the inspiration for our Circle Collection, launched in 2019, was guided by the graceful arcs and inviting curves of the circle’s elegant simplicity. The Circle Chair is designed as a practical object d’art, meant to be viewed and enjoyed from all sides, with each angle offering a unique perspective on the circle. Key design features include a trestle-shaped base inspired by the form of a drafting compass, contrasting materials used side by side, multiple customization options, and optional armrests. Crafted with both new and traditional techniques, including CNC machinery and traditional wood joinery, the chair possesses a light and elegant expression.
Other Designs:
Chairtag: In addition to the Circle Chair, what other designs would you highlight as milestones in the history of OVERGAARD & DYRMAN? Can you share some details about these projects?
Jasper: Our Wire Collection is a synthesis of two distinct and time-honored crafts: saddlery and precision metalwork. Each piece has been designed with an emphasis on aesthetic and structural balance, focusing on combining organic forms with ergonomic comfort, everyday functionality, and timeless materials. All pieces in the Wire Collection are made to order by skilled craftsmen and women in Denmark. Exploring and using traditional craftsmanship is something you have to do with respect. Often, techniques have been developed over generations and require skillsets that you do not learn overnight. We put a great effort into the research and an even greater effort into learning and refining the techniques—a process that can bring both frustration and satisfaction to the craftspeople but ultimately results in pride in their work.
Inspirations:
Chairtag: What are your biggest inspirations in design and life? Are there any specific designers or artists that you admire that influence your work?
Jasper: A very essential part of our approach to design lies in how we challenge the design processes and the way of making things. When beginning a project, we are not settled on an idea and an outcome before we start. By facing the challenge and accepting unpredictable bumps on the road, we are forced to be creative and think alternatively. This approach can evolve and change instantly, resulting in new ideas and techniques. Having two creatives working together allows for a constantly challenged process and often leads to more intriguing results. We are inspired by ‘originals’ or specialists within their field—those who have the patience to explore and experiment without choosing the easiest path. Architects and designers like Gustave Eiffel, Carl Auböck, and the Danish cabinetmaker Peder Moos, who crafted most of his masterpieces himself, inspire us.
Awards & Recognitions:
Chairtag: Have you received any awards or recognition for your work? Can you tell us more about that?
Jasper: The Wire Dining Chair, Lounge Chair, and Lounge Sofa were presented at the German IMM Cologne fair in January 2014. Shortly after, the Wire Lounge Chair was awarded ‘Best Furniture’ at the World Interiors News Awards in London. This recognition helped us believe in ourselves and our journey. However, we have since decided not to take part in awards or design competitions, finding it more satisfying to receive recognition from our clients. Many exceptional architects and interior designers worldwide have used our designs in their projects. One notable project is the Jewel Box in Texas, where the designers praised our chairs for echoing the visible steel structure of the house, making them the perfect chair for the space.
Chairtag: Could you share some unique images of your designs or sketches? How do you develop a project from the initial sketch to the final product?
Jasper: When we design, we aim for the best possible outcome with the techniques and knowledge available to us, often combining traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. Ideas occur randomly and in many different forms, drawing inspiration from nature, geometrical shapes, engineering structural elements, and crafts techniques. I focus on the initial design process, coming up with ideas and doing preliminary sketches. Then we work together on refining the idea, with Christian playing a significant role in executing and finalizing the pieces and production setup.
Beginner’s Tips:
Chairtag: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the world of design? What skills do you consider essential to excel in this area?
Jasper: Stay original. Be yourself and follow your dreams and ideas. I like the saying, ‘Patience is the Companion of Wisdom.’ Work hard and be patient—believe in your work and do not compromise. A perfect and good piece of design cannot be developed exclusively on a computer!
Chairtag: Thank you, Jasper, for sharing the incredible journey of OVERGAARD & DYRMAN with us. Your dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and the seamless blend of traditional and modern techniques truly set your designs apart. It’s inspiring to see how your unique background and passion for quality have shaped such remarkable creations. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for OVERGAARD & DYRMAN and the new heights you will undoubtedly reach.
Jasper: Thank You!
Conclusion
We at Chair.Tag are thrilled to have had the opportunity to dive into the world of Jasper Overgaard and OVERGAARD & DYRMAN. Their dedication to craftsmanship, combined with innovation and the fusion of traditional and modern techniques, makes their designs truly unique in the contemporary scene. To learn more about OVERGAARD & DYRMAN and their inspiring creations, visit their official website or follow them on Instagram.
For more exclusive interviews and insights into the world of design, stay tuned to ChairTag.
