Collection: Ilse Crawford

 

Ilse Crawford (born 1962) is a British interior and furniture designer, academic, and creative director, best known for her human-centric approach to design.

After studying history of architecture, Crawford began her career in journalism. She was the founding editor of Elle Decoration UK in 1989. This role gave her an "on-the-ground education" in emerging interiors and the importance of understanding how people live.

Disillusioned with the gap between glossy magazine images and real homes, she established Studioilse in London in 2003. Simultaneously, she founded the Man and Well-Being department at the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2000, where she continues to teach.

Crawford's design philosophy prioritizes empathy and comfort, aiming to create environments where people feel at ease and at home, whether in public or private spaces. She emphasizes natural materials, textures, and sensory experiences that improve daily life. Her work is about creating a "frame for life," enhancing human behavior and well-being.

Studioilse's diverse projects span residential, hospitality (e.g., Ett Hem hotel, Soho House New York, Cathay Pacific lounges), retail (e.g., Aesop), and even collaborations with brands like IKEA. She has also authored several books, including Sensual Home and A Frame for Life. Her contributions to design have been recognized with honors such as an MBE and CBE.