As Kvadrat announces its full independence, Njusja de Gier shares some insight on her fascinating and rather unorthodox career path.

Behind the Brand is about getting to know the real design enthusiasts who work just outside the spotlight across our industry. We hear lots from the architects and interior designers, but what about the sales managers and marketing experts who link them with products, specifiers and so on? Today, we get to know Njusja de Gier as she visits Australia.

Indesignlive: Who are you and what do you do at Kvadrat?

Njusja de Gier: I am Senior Vice President Marketing & Digital, part of Kvadrat’s senior management team and globally responsible for the marketing and branding of all our brands as well as co-responsible for the digital formation within the Kvadrat Group. My team also is responsible for the online sales of our brands.

Where are you based?

Copenhagen, Denmark.

What was the reason for your recent visit to Australia?

The reason was twofold: business and pleasure. Kvadrat is going independent in July 2025, hence we need to find a new showroom in Sydney and renovate our existing showroom in Melbourne in the Kvadrat look and feel, press briefings and designer meetings. Also my son is working for Kvadrat in Sydney as an intern, so combined it with visiting him, and a three-week family holiday to explore Australia and learn more about your beautiful country.

You’ve had a busy, varied career! What are some of the different things you’ve pursued before getting to your current role?

I was a dancer and model while I studied. At one point I wanted to get serious – I applied at Proctor & Gamble and became assistant brand manager, then I moved to a digital agency and became their European Communication Director. I also worked for MTV Networks as marketing manager.

Related: Behind the Brand with Cliff Ho of The Commons

Have you always had a passion for design?

Yes. I have a really high feel for aesthetics. In the past I helped friends with the interior of their homes, and a kitchen I designed for my then-home was voted for one of the 50 best kitchens in the UK that year. All was custom designed to fit in the our 5.5-metre-high apartment situated in a former convent.  

What inspires you day to day?

Talking to interesting people, bouncing off ideas, art, books, films, fashion.

Any anecdotes you’d like to share from working with famous designers?

13 years ago, Raf Simons invited me and our CEO Anders to his home to discuss the start of our collaboration. I was at that moment 37 weeks pregnant, and my first thought was: ‘Shoot, I look like and elephant, have nothing cool to wear and I am going to meet one of the most renowned fashion designers in the world!’

What are you currently working on at Kvadrat?

So many things. We are launching our new residential collection during 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen, with an immersive installation and a pop-up café in collaboration with Vitra. The launch of Kvadrat in Australasia, several new showrooms, new collection launch, with Patricia Urquiola, a complete revamp or all our digital channels, the launch of different new cars models of JLR with our textiles, and a launch of new accessories and textiles by Raf Simons for Kvadrat/Raf Simons and also the planning for next year. Luckily I have an amazing team of super smart, dedicated, creative people who work miracles time and time again.

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Next up in Behind the Brand: Helen Oakey of Renew