A Norwegian-born designer now based in Copenhagen, Martin Solem was drawn to Denmark through his love of classic Danish design, first cultivated when he began working for Rud. Rasmussen (one of the oldest Danish cabinet makers still operating today). In 2007, he was accepted into The Royal Danish Design School, graduating earlier this year. In his work, which strives to introduce progressive elements alongside established design tradition, he places usefulness and realism at the forefront, and as a result has exhibited broadly, in cities including Cologne, London, Milan, New York, Paris, Oslo and Stockholm.