Building spaces of equilibrium: Norm Architects’ sense of humane simplicity helps to shape environments that feel just as good as they look.

Guided by the purpose of wellbeing, the essence of Norm Architects’ style is balance: richness focused by restraint, simplicity imbued with warmth, complexity heightened by order. Be it architecture, interiors, or furniture, Norm’s unique brand of soft minimalism speaks to the mind as much as the body, creating and curating spaces for all.

The first self-curated monograph by Norm Architects, Soft Minimal showcases a range of works which facilitated their establishment as key figures within Nordic design. Presenting residential and commercial projects throughout Scandinavia, Italy and Japan, Norm reflects on Nordic traditions, modernist principles, and the importance of natural materials. Exploring a creative process that makes the visual speak to all senses, the book becomes insightful, inspirational, and deeply poetic.

Situated in one of Copenhagen’s oldest streets, Norm Architects are deeply embedded in their context and apply their principles in projects worldwide. Their expertise lies in finding that sweet spot between having nothing left to add, or to take away.

After over a decade of travel, study and creative collaboration with Japan, Norm Architects’ shares their uniquely Scandinavian view of Japanese aesthetics.

The book features richly illustrated dispatches from visits to Japanese landscapes, architecture and cultural sites, shedding light on the influence Japanese traditions have had on the studio’s contemporary projects, such as the Äng restaurant in Sweden or Heatherhill Beach House in Denmark.

Juxtaposing images from Japan with Norm Architects’ work, the book highlights the centuries-old connections between the distinct design cultures, emphasizing mutual respect and shared philosophies. Commentary from expert collaborators in both regions provides in-depth understanding into key design principles. At once an ode to Japan, a personal travelogue, and an aesthetic manifesto, Stillness takes readers on Norm’s decade-long journey as they’ve sought to understand one of the world’s most revered creative cultures.

About the Authors:

Norm Architects is a Copenhagen-based practice founded in 2008 working within architecture, interiors, design and photography. Norm’s sensory yet simple work aims to balance richness with restraint and order with complexity. Building on centuries of cultural exchange between Japan and Scandinavia, Norm Architects’ years of close collaboration with Japanese designers has shaped their design philosophy.

It is often said that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. In The Touch, Kinfolk and Norm Architects present an alternative: that good design is not only visually appealing — it engages all of the human senses.

The Touch presents five essential building blocks of human-centric design — light, materiality, color, nature and community — and welcomes you into over 25 spaces that exemplify how haptic design elements can provide a richer quality of living. This new collaboration between Nathan Williams of Kinfolk and Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen of Norm Architects offers a wealth of inspiration through stunning photography, philosophical essays, and practical tips from the minds of design industry leaders.

About the Authors:

Nathan Williams is the co-founder of Kinfolk, a magazine based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Founded in 2011, Kinfolk has become a leading lifestyle authority connecting a global community of creative professionals from London to Tokyo. Williams is the author of The Kinfolk Table, The Kinfolk Home, The Kinfolk Entrepreneur and The Eye.

Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen is a founding partner at Norm Architects with over a decade of experience as an architect, designer, art director and photographer. Norm Architects creates products, homes, exhibitions and commercial interiors for some of the most renowned design brands.