Women, In Their Own Words: Camilla van den Tempel

Welcome to another edition of our “Women, In Their Own Words” interview series! At DesignDash, we love to celebrate remarkable women who shape the design world with their unique perspectives, thoughtful practices, and transformative ideas. Through this series, we hope to illuminate the artistry, philosophies, and inspirations that drive their work.

Today, we’re delighted to feature Camilla van den Tempel—a Danish designer known for selecting natural materials, using subtle color palettes, and striking that balance between functionality and beauty we all seek. Camilla’s ability to marry timeless aesthetics with practical sustainability has made her a major success in the design industry.

In this interview, Camilla reflects on the quiet, often overlooked elements that shape her creative process. She reveals how her work seeks to create spaces that not only endure but resonate with depth and meaning. Camilla also discusses the synergy between creativity and strategic planning, underscoring the necessity for designs to be both aesthetically pleasing and commercially viable. We hope you enjoy reading Camilla’s responses as much as we did!

Women, In Their Own Words: Camilla van den Tempel

DesignDash: If you could listen to only one musical artist while working, who would it be and why?

Camilla van den Tempel: It would actually be none at all. When I’m in my creative mode, I need complete focus without any distractions to let my ideas flow freely. Music, while inspiring in other contexts, tends to interfere with the process for me.

DD: What’s the most unusual source of inspiration you’ve found for your work?

CvdT: The most unusual source of inspiration for my work is often the subconscious. You’re constantly taking in visual stimuli, even without realizing it, and sometimes the ideas that emerge seem to come out of nowhere. It’s fascinating how things you’ve seen or experienced, without even being able to consciously recall them, can influence or shape the creative process in unexpected ways.

DD: If you could collaborate with any historical figure (artist, designer, writer, etc.), who would it be and what would you create together?

CvdT:It would undoubtedly be Rembrandt. I’ve always been captivated by the depth and drama of his work, especially his use of large canvases and the richness of the dark Renaissance style. Together, we would create an immersive, grand historical room inspired by his signature tones, bringing his paintings to life. The room would be characterized by a sense of heaviness and a dramatic allure that draws you in. The design would mirror the impact of his monumental canvases, transforming his artistic style into reality.

DD: Do you have a must-do creative ritual or superstition before starting a project? If yes, what is it?

CvdT: Before starting a project, I close myself off from external distractions and focus on creating internal images. While I naturally observe the spaces I am about to design, I try to imagine what could unfold within them, turning inward rather than seeking external inspiration. I strive to remain unaffected by outside influences, concentrating instead on what would be most suitable in relation to the task at hand.

DD: If your creative work were a color palette, which colors would be essential?

CvdT: If my creative work were a color palette, it would be made up of natural shades – subtle, calm tones that evoke a sense of serenity. I rarely opt for bright hues. Instead, I gravitate toward colors that are smooth and harmonious, creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere.

DD: How do you manage the business side of being creative—do you enjoy it or is it something you’ve had to grow into?

CvdT:I absolutely love the business side of being creative. I believe that it goes hand in hand with my work. The real challenge in being creative, and what I found most interesting, is creating designs that make sense from a business perspective. In fact, I tend to be quite mathematical in my approach, finding satisfaction in ensuring everything aligns strategically.

DD: If you could use three tools or materials for the rest of your career, what would they be?

CvdT: It’s impossible for me to choose just three materials, as I always incorporate these four in all my designs: wood, stone, metallics, and fabric. Each of these materials offers something unique and essential to my designs. Wood is incredibly versatile, coming in a variety of shapes, colors, and finishes, and it brings a natural warmth to any space. Stone adds elegance and a sense of permanence, while metallics add a hint of glamour and sparkle. Fabric is essential for adding texture and softness to a design. These materials work together in harmony, balancing the hard and soft elements, which is why I always incorporate them into my work.

DD: How has your creative process evolved over the years?

CvdT: Over the years, I have started to place much more emphasis on durable and sustainable materials. Today, it’s important to me that what I create remains relevant and functional for many years to come. Sustainability and durability have become integral to my design thinking, especially when working in industries like hospitality, where longevity and ease of maintenance are key. I have a strong focus now on ensuring that materials and designs are practical in the long run. The process has become about prioritizing what matters most, while understanding that some elements, like the final touches, can be added at the end to elevate the overall vision.

DD: What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d known when you started your business or creative career?

CvdT: That would be to focus and concentrate solely on what you’re truly good at. It’s easy to get distracted by every opportunity or idea, but concentrating on your strengths and mastering them allows you to create more impactful work.

DD: Have you seen the landscape change for women in the creative industry over the years? What still needs to change?

CvdT: I’ve always felt that the creative industry has had a strong presence of women, with a natural balance of skills and perspectives. While larger construction projects can be more male-dominated, I believe women bring a valuable, unique touch. Although progress has certainly been made, there’s still work to be done in terms of achieving greater representation in leadership roles, especially in larger, traditionally male-dominated sectors. We need to continue fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to lead and innovate.

DD: How do you think being a woman has shaped your creative vision or business approach?

CvdT: Being a woman has certainly shaped my approach to both creativity and business. It has taught me resilience and the importance of earning respect through my work and expertise. In industries that have traditionally been male-dominated, women often have to prove themselves more to be taken seriously. While respect can sometimes come more easily to men based on societal perceptions, I’ve learned how to work hard, consistently deliver excellence, and demonstrate confidence and I believe these qualities have shaped me into the designer and businesswoman I am today.

DD: What’s next for you in your creative journey—any exciting projects on the horizon? Have you recently released any new collections?

CvdT:I recently completed the design for the restaurant at the new Danish boutique hotel Park Lane Copenhagen, which opened this October. I am also designing the entire boutique hotel, which is set to open next year. It’s been a huge and exciting project that I’ve dedicated a lot of time to over the past few years, so it’s incredible to see everything come to life now. Additionally, I’ve designed five bars and restaurants for Parken, Denmark’s largest football stadium, which have just been completed. Once I have a bit more space in my schedule next year, I’m definitely looking forward to exploring international opportunities or other high-end hotel projects here in Denmark.

Many Thanks to Camilla van den Tempel for Participating in “Women, In Their Own Words“

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Camilla van den Tempel for participating in this installment of “Women, In Their Own Words” and for sharing so candidly with us. Throughout this article, we have included a few photos of Camilla’s Park Lane project. Camilla’s recent design for the restaurant (Yves at Park Lane) beautifully exemplifies her dedication to craftsmanship and her refined design philosophy.

With its harmonious blend of materials like oxidized brass, copper, stone, and mohair textiles, the space radiates sophistication while remaining practical and enduring. The carefully curated balance of textures, colors, and finishes creates a serene yet dynamic atmosphere that seamlessly transitions guests from a relaxed lounge to an elegant dining experience.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Park Lane Copenhagen (@parklanecph.dk)

We encourage you to experience this stunning space firsthand and celebrate Camilla’s exceptional work by visiting the restaurant and sharing your impressions on social media. Be sure to explore Camilla’s latest project on Instagram by following @parklanecph.dk and @andtempel. Stay tuned for a more comprehensive article about her design for Yves on DesignDash next week.

Subscribe for more inspiring voices in our “Women, In Their Own Words” series. If you would like to be invited to participate in this interview series, please email our EIC at editor@designdash.com with “WITOW” in the subject line and your responses in the body.