How is artificial intelligence affecting an industry built on craftsmanship, material expertise and human intuition?
In this podcast series from Danish Furniture Seminar 2025, we explore how AI is already transforming the furniture and wood industry – from production and circularity to design, management and skills. The series moves from the big picture to practical applications, focusing on the opportunities, dilemmas and responsibilities involved.
Through conversations with industry professionals, designers, educators, leaders and students, we ask the big questions: How can we use AI without losing the human perspective? When is technology a tool, and when does it shape the very way we think and work?
This four-episode podcast series was recorded at the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen as part of Danish Furniture Seminar 2025. It is published by Lifestyle and Design Cluster and produced by Yours Only.
What does artificial intelligence mean for an industry built around wood, design and craftsmanship?
In this first episode from Danish Furniture Seminar 2025, we take a broad look at the current state of the furniture and wood industry. We explore the forces shaping the industry – from global competition and resource scarcity to new demands for documentation, sustainability and technology.
Drawing on perspectives from industry organisations, educators, technology experts and students, we explore how AI is already affecting everything from productivity and design processes to education and skills. The episode sets the scene for the rest of the series and asks a fundamental question: How can we use AI as a tool without losing sight of human responsibility and needs?
Concept and production by Yours Only in collaboration with Lifestyle and Design Cluster.
Featuring – Episode 1:
Tanja Blindbæk Olsen
Industry Director, Confederation of Danish Industry (DI)
Bettina Simonsen
CEO, Lifestyle and Design Cluster
Peter Falkenvinge
Technology Expert / Keynote Speaker
Anders Hermund
Educator / Design and AI Specialist
Tobias Richard
Student / Future Designer
Kristina May Olsen
Host / Narrator
Circularity is no longer a vision – it has become a competitive advantage.
The pace is fast, and demands are increasing. In Episode 2, we move from the big picture to action and explore how artificial intelligence and the circular economy are becoming crucial competitive factors in the furniture and wood industry.
Through real-world cases and insights from companies working with everything from redesign, data and compliance to furniture as a service, we explore how AI can accelerate circular business models, reduce waste and create new forms of value. The episode focuses on data, transparency and speed – and on why circularity is no longer a choice, but a business imperative.
Concept and production by Yours Only in collaboration with Lifestyle and Design Cluster.
Featuring – Episode 2:
Henrik Holmgaard
Representative, LTP
Henrik Hvid Jensen
eCircular / Circularity and AI Expert
Trine Mulvad Steffensen
Muuto / Sustainability in Practice
Anders Hermund
Educator / Designer, the Royal Danish Academy
Christine Ejlertsen
Bolia / Sustainability and Documentation
Gustaf Bang
Complir / Compliance and AI
Anders Jebsen
NorNorm / Circular Business Models
Kristina May Olsen
Host / Narrator
AI has not only changed production, but the very space in which ideas take shape.
As AI enters the design process, the question shifts from how we produce to who is actually creating. In Episode 3, we explore what happens to the role of the designer when algorithms, prompts and generative tools become an integral part of the creative process.
Through an open panel discussion with designers and architects, we delve into dilemmas surrounding authorship, rights, quality and identity. When does a design still belong to the human creator? When does AI help – and when does it risk eroding the perspective, experience and judgement on which design is built?
The episode centres on one key insight: AI can accelerate, analyse and inspire – but intention, responsibility and relationships remain human.
Concept and production by Yours Only in collaboration with Lifestyle and Design Cluster.
Featuring – Episode 3:
Jens Bach
Representative, Danish Wood and Furniture Industries
Anders Hermund
Educator / Designer, the Royal Danish Academy
Mads Hinhede Svanegård
Industrial Designer / Founder, Designersvane
Anders Astrup Andersen
Architect / Partner or Lead Architect, Henning Larsen
Thomas Steffensen
Designer, Steffensen & Wirtz
Tobias Richard
Design Student
Kristina May Olsen
Host, Narrator and Moderator
How do you actually get started with AI – in practice?
In the fourth and final episode of the series, we bring the threads together and shift the focus from reflection to action. Through concrete examples from management, design, production and communication, we explore what happens when AI is treated not as an IT project, but as a shared human endeavour.
We hear how companies – large and small – are working with everything from automation, visualisation and quality assurance to skills development, learning culture and organisational courage. The episode focuses on what actually works: getting started, experimenting and creating space for shared learning, uncertainty and curiosity.
The episode concludes the series with a clear message: The winners of the future will not be those who know the most about AI, but those who dare to use it thoughtfully.
Concept and production by Yours Only in collaboration with Lifestyle and Design Cluster.
Featuring – Episode 4:
Jens Bach
Representative, Danish Wood and Furniture Industries
Henrik Holmgaard Olsen
CEO, Furniture Division – LTP Group
Claus Handberg
Global Digital Channel Director, BoConcept
Claus Ejlertsen
Director, Marketing & Digital – Gabriel
Thomas Steffensen
Designer, Steffensen & Wirtz
Loa Brix
AI Advisor and Programme Manager, AI-Kompetencepagten
Kim Toft Høj Pedersen
CFO, Ege Carpets A/S
Heidi Svane
Moderator
Kristina May Olsen
Host, Narrator and Moderator
