Sophie Aschan


Sofie Aschan is a Swedish industrial designer with MA degree from Lund School of Industrial Design. She runs the SAE AB creative consultancy. The studio uses design as a mindset and approach for proposing solutions to both simple and complex challenges for the individual societv and planet. Working both on studio-projects and consulting within industrial design, furniture design and product development and management, identity and graphic design, service design and strategic development.

What projects do you want to get involved in, and what topics do you find most worth exploring as a creative?



I call my studio a multidisciplinary creative consultancy. With a core in industrial design, I use design as a mindset and approach for any problem or task presented to me. Whether it's developing smart and affordable furniture for the Kenyan market or using service-design tools to build strong and creative foundations for decision-makers to communicate and ideate. For me, design serves as an invaluable tool for any type of complex problem-solving.
I rarely work entirely alone; I prefer to be part of creative teams or work closely with clients, as they are the experts on the task and the target group. I sincerely believe that design is not a one-man show.
My passion projects are those that shine a light on significant environmental, political, or societal issues. An example is my 2020 project, "Draft," an analogue cooling device designed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional air conditioners.


This publication, led by women in design, aims to highlight the unique experiences of female designers. As a new mother, could you share how having a child has influenced your life, both creatively and professionally?







Having a child just as your professional career is taking off is not ideal for the self-employed. Turning down opportunities because they don't fit into your schedule or are physically impossible is rarely a smart move. As a self-employed individual, I don’t have anyone to take the lead while I’m away, and there’s no guarantee of what I’ll return to. I just have to embrace the uncertainty, hope I’ve made a good impression, and trust that my connections will remain strong.
As someone who constantly wants to learn and develop professionally, I’ve had to force myself to settle into the present moment, getting to know both my little one and the new version of myself. Being on parental leave can sometimes feel like everyone else is racing ahead, landing senior positions in prestigious places while you’re changing nappies. But I’m extremely thankful to finally have my rainbow baby by my side and wouldn’t want it any other way. I try to remind myself that there are different ways to grow, one of which is simply by experiencing life itself. This past year has taught me a great deal about life and how I want to live it.


What about the future?

You caught me for this interview just as I'm enjoying the slow Swedish summer with my new family while laying the groundwork to return to work. I'm beginning to feel the urge to be creative again, inspired by the delightful color combinations I spot in street trash and by almost turning my son's naming ceremony into a design workshop. Many people reconsider their professional paths during maternity leave. However, I feel thankful to be a designer and humbled by the impact it can have if handled with care.
Right now, I’m excited to rewrite my manifesto with new learnings and personal and professional goals. I hope the near future will allow me to design meaningful and beautiful experiences and objects with the right people by my side.



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