Cecilie Manz became absorbed by function and conceptualisation at an early stage, and in 1995 her interests took her to Helsinki as an exchange student at the Finnish University of Art and Design and in 1997 as an employee of Professor Yrjö Wiherheimo / KYW Design. Already in 1998, the year after graduating from the Danish School of Design, Cecilie Manz started her own studio, Manz Lab, the centre of her work ever since. In addition to her industrial products, she creates experimental prototypes and more sculptural unique specimens. The experimental and artistic work is

an important element of the process and an inspiration in her development of furniture and other products. When she starts work on a new product, it must be rethought from scratch. There is no building upon existing material.

Cecilie Manz’ strong feeling for functionality and insistence on quality make her an obvious choice for Fritz Hansen. Cecilie Manz has exhibited all over the world and is permanently represented in the exhibitions of MoMA, Vitra and the Danish Design Centre. She has lectured and been awarded several significant prizes for her conceptual design.

According to Cecilie Manz’ personal conviction, anything is possible. She emphasises at the same time that, to her, design is also about relevance.

“I work with things that have a meaning to me. My general idea is always to have a clear argument legitimising the designs that I make. Function is essential, and if I cannot formulate a good reason for a new product, it is better to refrain from making it.” Cecilie Manz