About
Arriving in Älmhult in year 2000 and stepping into IKEA of Sweden, the heart of Design & Product development, was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. For a furniture designer and a cabinet maker, it felt like HEAVEN. Not only did they have fully equipped wood, textile and metal pattern shops, but they also had higly skilled technicians and a range of machines producing prototypes around the clock. This massive building seemingly in the middle of nowhere, was buzzing with enthusiastic and friendly people, all driven by the same passion for “Life at home”. Together, they worked to create smart solutions for every part of the home.
In my early 20s, I studied both law and art history. However, I soon realized I had a strong desire to work with my hands and be creative, rather than just read about history and furnitures. I decided to become a cabinet maker and furniture designer. Over the next six years wood and furniture became my passion. During that time, I gained extensive knowledge and experience in furniture making, the use of machinery and processes. Those six years lead to a BFA in Furniture Making and MFA in Interior Architecture - Furniture Design.
This knowledge has been invaluable to me during visits to our suppliers in countries such as China, Thailand, India, Poland, Estonia and Lithuania, especially when developing direct on the factory floor. In 2002, Lars Engman, IKEA´s Design Manager observed my master´s exam project. He offerd me an internship, and a year later I was hired as an Inhouse Designer in Älmhult.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Ebba Strandmark Design AB, Freelance Designer 2012-Inhouse Designer, IKEA of Sweden 2005-2012 MW Arkitekt & Design AB, 2000-2005
EDUCATION
MFA - Master of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture & Furniture Design, HDK Gothenburg
BFA - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Furniture Design and Making, HDK - Steneby Dalsland
OFFICE LOCATION
Nyhamnsläge, SWEDEN
CONTACT