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With an eye for the essential, she brings thoughtful design to life in ways that feel natural, warm, and lasting.

Kine Ask Stenersen is the co-founder of Ask og Eng, a studio that blends sustainability, craftsmanship and natural design into calm, enduring spaces.

In conversation with Kine from Ask og Eng.

Sustainability is a clear foundation in your work. How has this shaped your approach to design, materials and production?

Sustainability is a core principle for us, but we’re aware that making it a priority depends on having the means to do so. We choose materials like bamboo because they balance aesthetics with responsibility in a way we love. Our focus is on durable designs, careful sourcing and low-impact finishes, but we always acknowledge that these choices are only possible when circumstances allow.

For us, sustainability isn’t just about choosing the right materials. It’s also about using as little of them as possible. This approach creates a set of self-imposed limits that we embrace rather than resist. For example, in our A Collection, we focus on replacing only kitchen fronts rather than entire kitchens, extending the life of existing structures. And in our bespoke E Collection, we avoid double walls or modules, opting for precise, parametric designs that minimize material use.

These are just a few examples, but the mindset runs through everything we create. It’s not only about what we use, but how thoughtfully we use it.

How would you describe the aesthetic foundation of Ask og Eng, and what inspires you in your creative process?

Our aesthetic might come across as both simple and warm, rooted in natural materials and clean lines. We design for both beauty and function, creating spaces that feel calm and authentic. Our pieces often stand as freestanding elements or furniture in a room, adding on without feeling forced or overly integrated.

We’re inspired by the honesty of nature and natural materials, their calm presence, and the balance between form and function. Even small moments, like the way light touches a surface or the texture of a handcrafted object, can spark new ideas.

For those unfamiliar with your work: How did the journey with Ask og Eng begin, and what was the initial idea or need you were trying to meet?

Ask og Eng began as a personal project, a search for a kitchen that was both sustainable and also felt like us. It all started in our first apartment, where we wanted to renovate using environmentally friendly solutions. Kristoffer, working as an architect, came across bamboo in a project and suggested we build the kitchen ourselves. As an environmental geographer with a growing interest in interior design, Kine instantly loved both the sustainability and aesthetics of the material.

We had never built anything before, aside from a wall we put up with help from YouTube, but we loved the process and quickly connected with the material. When we later moved, expecting our first child, we decided to build another bamboo kitchen.

What began as a personal project, a search for something sustainable that felt like us, eventually grew into Ask og Eng, a studio built on craftsmanship, sustainability, and thoughtful design.

What values do you hope Ask og Eng will pass on, both to your customers and to the next generation of designers?

We hope to encourage a respect for natural materials and an appreciation for thoughtful, timeless design and processes. We are also aware that choosing sustainability is not an option for everyone. Our goal is to inspire those who can to make responsible choices.

What does home mean to you, and is there a space you always come back to?

Home for us is, luckily, a place of comfort and authenticity, a space that genuinely reflects who we are. It’s about surrounding ourselves with objects and materials that bring us joy, but also about creating a space where we can simply be. In a world that often feels chaotic, home is where we find calm, a quiet grounding when our heads are spinning. It’s where we can breathe, slow down and reconnect with ourselves.

The kitchen is our favorite space. It’s where design meets function, where we gather, create and share. And eat, which we love to do. Our own kitchens, and the ones we design for projects, are especially meaningful because they combine our commitment and our journey.

What does a balanced, fulfilling day look like for you, one that feels aligned with your values?

A good day is one where creativity and craftsmanship come together, time spent in the workshop, collaborating with the team, and exploring ideas with project partners. If it also includes a quiet moment for reflection or a good laugh with family, friends or colleagues, it’s even better.

We understand that having the freedom to shape our days is something we’ve built over time, starting with just the two of us ten years ago. We try to make room for family, friends and downtime. Balance isn’t always easy, but it’s about recognizing when to step back and recharge.