The Architect’s Chair / Edition #4 competition Honorable mention winner - Niklas Fiedler

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce the Honorable Mention winner of The Architect’s Chair / Edition #4 competition – Niklas Fiedler from Denmark!

Niklas Fiedler

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

I am an independent furniture designer based in Copenhagen. After completing my Master’s degree at the Royal Danish Academy, I continue to develop my own practice. My approach is rooted in prototyping and material exploration, using the workshop as a space for reflection and development.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

My work focuses primarily on wooden furniture, especially chairs and tables. I explore the relationship between furniture and space – how objects define atmosphere and interaction. Each project investigates the structural logic of wood, material efficiency and craftsmanship, often developed through full-scale prototyping.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture and design create the framework for how we live and connect with our environment. As a furniture designer, I see my work as part of that continuum – shaping the human scale within architecture. Designers and architects share the responsibility to build with care, to use materials consciously and to create long-lasting, meaningful works that contribute to a more sustainable culture.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Competitions are an opportunity to challenge myself creatively and to engage in dialogue across disciplines. They provide space to test new concepts, express ideas freely and contribute to the wider conversation around design and architecture. For me, they are both an exercise in clarity and a way to share my perspective with a broader audience.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Competitions are a valuable way to develop your design laguage. They encourage experimentation, critical reflection and self-discipline. Even without winning, the process strengthens your thinking and portfolio. Choose competitions that resonate with your interests and use them as a platform to grow, learn and connect.