Dining Amongst Nordic Sophistication: In Conversation with Ida Wanler

In 2023, Joyn Studio unveiled their design for Studio Frantzén, the rooftop restaurant at the luxury department store Harrods in London that marries Nordic gastronomy with Asian influences. Rich with hand-painted murals, timber, and intricate marquetry, their design won an award at the annual Restaurant and Bar Design Awards. Other projects by the studio include the Tiger of Sweden retail space in London, the C. F. Møller Architects offices in Stockholm, and over forty Bastard Burgers branches across Sweden. 

According to co-founder Ida Wanler, the establishment of Joyn Studio reflects a shared passion for pushing the boundaries of architectural and interior design. "Our commitment was not only to design excellence but also to create an environment where our collective vision could thrive – to set people in the right mood."

Ida Wanler studied furniture design at Kingston University in London before heading back to her home country Sweden for a master's degree in interior architecture at the Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts, and Design in Stockholm. In Sweden, she met Helena Eliason and Lisa Grape, with whom years later in 2016, she came to found Joyn Studio at a culmination of "their individual journeys and as a testament to their shared desire".  

Learn more from Ida Wanler as we discuss Joyn Studio's experiential design approach and long-term collaboration with the Frantzén Group.

How does the city of Stockholm influence your work?

Stockholm, the vibrant capital of Sweden, is celebrated for its dynamic cultural landscape, rich design scene, and profound affinity with nature. Residents of the city frequently derive inspiration from the picturesque natural surroundings, a creative influence that resonates across diverse facets of daily life, encompassing art, design, and architecture.  

As inhabitants of this city, we find inspiration in the urban tapestry that unfolds within the Stockholm subway and the enduring charm of mid-century churches scattered throughout our neighbourhoods. Our creative inspiration extends beyond the urban, leading us to the serene embrace of the forest and the captivating allure of the sea. It is here, amidst the tranquil beauty of nature, that we curate a blend of urban vibrancy with the serene tones of the natural world, bringing this fusion back to our drawing table.  

In terms of design, we want to create a world where guests can enter an experience filled with warmth, curiosity, humour, elegance, and flair. With inspiration coming from different directions such as the old forests of Sweden mixed with pop culture and the big city life. We take guests on a journey of being the main character but also the viewer.   

An example is the intarsia at Studio Frantzén, illustrated by the artist Emma Löfström, that showcases a Swedish enchanted forest contrasting an urban city life. 

In the case of Studio Frantzén, how did you manage to establish a Nordic feel?

To create this distinctive Nordic dining experience with Asian influences within a historic London building, we delved into the architectural and design legacy of the early twentieth century. Inspired by the journeys of our predecessors to the Far East, where they assimilated influences and pioneered a style known as Swedish grace, we embraced the resonances between traditional Japanese and Nordic architecture and craftsmanship.  

In our contemporary reinterpretation, we aim to seamlessly blend iconic Nordic design elements with a curated selection of avant-garde and bespoke contemporary art pieces.

The studio often uses a "layering" strategy to develop different moods for each area of a project. In terms of restaurants, what single consideration would you say is the number one priority for each of these spaces: entrance, bar area, dining areas, bathrooms, kitchen?

We believe it's in the sophisticated and precise consideration of details on all levels that customers perceive the holistic experience. This is crafted around the concept of providing them with a new level of sophistication. It's designed to evoke a sense of escapism, creating an atmosphere where guests not only feel at ease but also enjoy a heightened sense of pampering. The fusion of the intimate and extravagant is carefully curated to offer a unique and unforgettable experience, ensuring that guests are immersed in a world of comfort and refinement.

Were those elements a challenge to achieve at the Brasserie Astoria, considering its previous function as a cinema?

No. Actually – quite the contrary: a cinema is the perfect playground for escapism!

How do you ensure that a space "ages well" – in terms of both aesthetics and durability—omitting the need for frequent renovation?

We carefully select materials that age well and allow for wear and tear, for example, natural stone and natural anodised leather.

And in our design, we aspire to create contemporary aesthetics, but never trendy.

You've worked on various projects with the Frantzén Group. What's the design process and collaboration flow like with such a long-term client?

We've worked together for so long that we trust each other's processes and can work quite freely side by side. But each project is unique, and we have also created different concepts together where we needed to start from scratch in certain design aspects. Also, for international projects, we have new collaborators coming in with their views on things, for example – Harrods in London.