Partnerships

Creative diversity through the collective.

Architects, product designers, and visual artists: eleven women, each firmly rooted in Berlin’s vibrant design scene. Matter of Course is a creative collective that works at the interface of design, art, craft and industry.

The eleven women who make up Matter of Course have known each other for some time. However, it was only during the pandemic that they decided to become a collective. “As independent designers, we longed for a more intensive exchange with one another,” explains Claudia Schoeming of Schoeming Porzellan. A few Zoom calls later, the idea for Matter of Course was born. A creative collective that aims to provide “mutual support and jumping the hurdles of everyday life together,” says light designer, Simone Lüling. Matter of Course is passionate about traditional craft and has strong values. “For every one of us, a responsible approach to the planet is self-evident: a matter of course. We are united by a common principle: We stand for production processes that conserve resources, sustainable design, and a healthy portion of idealism,” says Lüling. Porcelain and ceramics manufacturer Laura Straßer also sees sustainable design as an impetus to consume more consciously and choose fairly produced products. The collective also hopes to hold interdisciplinary exhibitions and form collaborations. “Above all, we want to gain more international visibility,” says furniture designer Joa Herrenknecht, who aims to make everyday life more comfortable and life more enjoyable with her furniture designs. Textile designer Mareike Linau also shares this viewpoint. “We develop products that are created out of passion, rather than just to make profit,” says Linau. Her studio, Lyk Carpet, combines centuries-old cultures with modern design. Her carpets are ethically produced and and-knotted in Nepal.

Freedom and inspiration.

One item on the collective’s wishlist is a large-scale project to transform a space using all of their skills, such as the interior design of a restaurant or hotel. Community is more important than individual success. Matter of Course is not a space for competition. Nevertheless, each of the women follows her own drive and takes ideas from all areas of life. Inspired by people she met on her travels, Carolin Zeyher designs furniture that tells stories. Under the business name of Frau Caze, she combines naturalistic aesthetics with functional designs. Heike Buchfelder of Pluma Cubic draws inspiration from the cultural diversity of Berlin, the city where she studied architecture. “I’m interested in materials and love to experiment with them.” Her lights made from bird feathers is a prime example of this. Milena Kling, a glass artist from Berlin, particularly values the diversity of personalities and expertise she has access to through Matter of Course.

This female collective is the perfect partner for Dr. Hauschka, a natural cosmetics brand co-founded by a woman. That’s why Dr. Hauschka is supporting their first group exhibition at the international design fair Salone del Mobile Milan in 2022 as one of the group’s partners. “Dr. Hauschka recognises our potential and shares our values,” explains designer Nicolene van der Walt. The trained carpenter sources solid wood from sustainably managed forests in Germany for her furniture. Love of nature: A matter of course.