Explore every episode of the podcast Beyond Form – Stories That Shape Us

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.

"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.

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Guest:Sigurd Larsen (Berlin-based Architect & Professor)

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