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 sceneIf 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.Connect with us:📸 Instagram: @Beyondform.podcastGuest:Sigurd Larsen (Berlin-based Architect & Professor)

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