Ilse Crawford serving platters

Ilse Crawford was born in London in 1962. Crawford is a designer, academic and creative director with a focus on putting human needs and desires at the centre of everything she does. As founder of Studioilse, she brings her vision and philosophy to life, creating environments where people can feel comfortable.

After completing her studies at Bedford College, Ilse worked at an architectural firm and the Architects Journal before launching Elle Decoration as managing editor. She left the magazine in 1998 to work with Donna Karan, where she helped launch DKNY and Donna Karan Home. At the same time, she began working on setting up her own studio and in 2001 Studioilse was launched in London.

Studioilse uses approaches that contribute to a long-lasting and charismatic brand. Combining empirical research with human understanding, the studio always starts with the client to create designs that meet our human needs. Studioilse defines the brand experience by building worlds around rituals, rhythm and routines that engage communities and create new realities. Studioilse designs interiors and objects that speak to all our senses, they have soul and create strong authentic identity, one that can be imitated but never copied. The studio uses multidisciplinary manufacturing processes to realize this vision, combining several aspects, including creativity, design strategy, architecture and communication.

Ilse Crawford is committed not only to design but also to academia. As the founder of ADKAS at the Design Academy Eindhoven, Ilse aims to challenge the new generation of students to question where and how their work enhances life.