Six quick ones with Matter Of Course

Matter of Course is a Berlin-based design collective founded in 2021, bringing together eleven independent female designers. United by a shared dedication to creating objects of lasting value, the collective thrives on collaboration and the rich, cross-disciplinary dialogue between design, architecture, art, and craftsmanship.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with three of its visionary members - Mareike Lienau, Milena Kling and Nicolene van der Walt - for our cherished “Six Quick Ones” interview. The conversation revealed insights into their creative processes and inspirations, giving us a glimpse into the synergy that defines Matter of Course.

To celebrate their work, we hosted an intimate vernissage at Kurfürstenstrasse, where the trio’s compelling creations were unveiled, each piece a testament to the power of thoughtful, collaborative design.

Fantastic Frank: Dear Mareike, Milena, and Nicolene, we are thrilled to have shared such an inspiring vernissage with you and your beautifully crafted pieces, and now, to delve a bit deeper with this interview.

Let’s start with our first question: How would you define your style and approach to your work?

Mareike: Collaborating with people in the Global South fosters mutual understanding, preserves artisanal traditions, and upholds the dignity of artisans. The stories behind these objects forge connections and contribute to a more humane world.

Milena: Working with glass gives me the freedom to explore, transform, and capture moments in unique creations—combining sensitivity and strength to craft atmospheric objects that enrich spaces and rituals.

Nicolene: My approach combines artistic exploration with practical woodworking. I start with cardboard models to refine designs before working in wood, aiming for functional, minimalistic objects with a touch of playfulness.

FF: Your dream piece to design? Or maybe you already did?

M: As a concept designer, I create custom objects that connect spaces, objects, and people. Collaborating with gallerists, architects, and private clients, I turn ideas into designs - it's a dream on any scale.

N: I have a thing for chairs. One day, I would love to design and build an exceptional chair that combines comfort with my personal aesthetics.

FF: Your current favorite restaurant (in Berlin or somewhere else in the world)?

M: Hallmann & Klee - has long been an insider tip on Böhmischer Platz in Neukölln. Now, 2024, Sarah Hallmann and her team have been awarded their well-deserved first star.

M: I loved visiting incredible CODA in my hometown Berlin after we celebrated the launch of my RAW Glassware for this desert bar and I look forward to my visit of Nobelhart & Schmutzig very soon. Generally I enjoy vegetable based soul food and also loved the food in Tokyo, where I lived a few years back.

N: Shiori, a Japanese restaurant in Berlin. Dining there was a surprise birthday present this year, and the whole experience was truly special. Visiting Japan is also high on my priority list!

FF: Your favorite app?

M: PlantNet - even the most inconspicuous flower by the wayside can be deciphered and assigned. Wonderful!

M: I enjoy to listen to music all the time, so I would say Spotify.

N: The weather app, because I'm so in love with swimming. Whether it's at lakes around Berlin, the local pool after work, or planning a seaside holiday, it helps me catch the sunny, warm moments perfect for swimming.

FF: Your favorite building in Europe?

M: The New National Gallery at the Kulturforum Berlin. The museum building, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, opened in 1968 and is, in my opinion, an icon of classical modernism. Sitting on the terrace on a warm summer evening and having a picnic is a dream. Timeless structure, perfect design.

M: I loved staying at Hotel Corazon on Mallorca!

N: My favorite type of architecture is residential houses in nature, where the interior and exterior spaces flow into each other. If the house has a wooden façade, it definitely earns extra points.

FF: Your one piece of furniture you take with you on every move?

M: I need three objects to feel comfortable in a new room: a pouf, a rug and a textile poster. Visual warmth and material that lets you find your grounding.

M: All of our hand crafted sculptures and objects we brought from our travels and our Frama book shelf.

N: My "Journeyman's piece'' (Gesellenstück), an oak sideboard I built at the end of my carpenter apprenticeship. I spent months planning and handcrafting it, and it’s probably the most intricate piece I’ve ever made. It’s more than just a piece of furniture to me — it represents my growth as a woodworker and creating a life for myself here in Germany.

FF: Well girls, that was a lot of interesting thoughts, insiders and more we got to know here. Thanks a lot and have a lovely rest of the week!