a conversation with
Per ÖbergArkitekt AB
Per Öberg Studio is an architectural studio operating in Stockholm since 1984 and led by founder and architect Per Öberg. Surrounded by a young and international team, their work features private residences and hospitality projects such as Hotel Adloan in Berlin, The Sloane Square in London, Hooks Herrgård and spas for Elite Hotels in Sweden. We met with him to find out about his approach to architecture and interior design, and to learn more about his admiration for Møller chairs.
Your formative years: how your relation to architecture has evolved over the decades?
After graduating in LTH in Lund, I worked for three years at Tengebom Architects in Stockholm. It was for that time a large office which was led by the third generation Tengbom. There I really learnt what the reality of being an architect was. After three years, I got the opportunity to start my own studio through a client who wanted help to renovate a heritage villa in Djurgården in Stockholm. In the early years, I work mainly with heritage buildings but also attic conversions.
Later on, I got the opportunity to work on several private residences for art collection in Stockolm, London and New York. In the 1990s, I got a foot into the hospitality work with projects such as Hotel Adlon in Berlin and the Sloan Square in London which was very enriching experience for the rest of my career as an architect and interior designer. We also came into spa business. We began with Sturebadet which then quickly led to other projects such as the Grand Hotel Spa & Fitness, Hooks Herrgårds and several spas for Elite Hotels in Sweden.
Nowadays, we continue working both with private residences, hotel & spas as well as interior and furniture design.
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Today we live in a fast-paced world. This condition has increased people’s need to create comfortable everyday environments where to relax and find refuge. How much can an organized and harmonious interior affect the mental and physical well-being?
It all has to start with a space plan with uninterrupted flow and immediate connection and harmony with the surroundings whether it is a garden, a forest or a urban environment. As Frank Lloyd Wright used to say: “A building or a house should be like a well-tailored suit, you should not feel that you have anything on.”
Creating an interior means combining materials that are able to dialogue with each other. Is there any material combination you prefer for its ability to complement each other?
We are known for using natural materials in our projects that will last aesthetically and technically. These materials should have some sort of connection to the building or the nature outside of it. For example, a material combination that we use a lot is walnut, limestone and iron.
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You are a great admirer of Møller design, so much that you have included our models into many of your projects. What do you appreciate about a Møller chair? And what do you think it is able to bring to an interior?
The first time I saw the Møller chairs was at the restaurant Noma in Copenhagen but at the same time at a good friend of mine who had bought them vintage. They are perfectly executed, very elegant and timeless, and work in any kind of building and interiors. And let’s not forget the most important: they are extremely comfortable!
PRODUCTS SHOWN IN THE ARTICLE
