Bendtsen Design Associates
Bendtsen Design Associates (BDA) is a multi-faceted Design Studio based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The studio is comprised of Niels Bendtsen, Giancarlo Stefani, and studio support staff; between them, there is a broad range of experience, expertise, and know-how that is translated into every product the studio develops.
NIELS BENDTSEN BIOGRAPHY
The Danish-Canadian industriai designer gleaned his education through familial nurture and his own curious nature. Bendtsen’s father, a cabinetmaker, apprenticed with Jacob Kjaer in Copenhagen; Bendtsen in turn, apprenticed with his father at the family shop in North Vancouver, where his respect for precision was formalized.
A cast metal candlestick holder, the first product he created, sparked a lifetime of design and manufacturing. In 1973 Niels returned to his birthplace, Denmamark, and plunged headfirst into design. He freelanced for the likes of Eilersen, IKEA, and Kebe – for whom he created the Ribbon Chair that holds a place in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection – and produced his own pieces under the brand 2B.
GIANCARLO STEFANI BIOGRAPHY
Venezuelan born with Italian roots, Giancarlo decided to follow his passion for Industriai Design after years of part-time work with his father in his cabinet-maker’s workshop.
After obtaining a diploma and few years of personal work, Giancarlo moved to Milan and attended the prestigious SPD Scuola Politecnica di Design di Milano under Nino Di Salvatore’s guidance where he received Masters degrees in both Industrial and lnterior Design.
This unique experience combined with an industrious attitude allowed Giancarlo to work for some of the most influential Italian designers over the years.
Becoming a team member of Antonio Citterio’s design studio gave him the opportunity to develop projects for some of the most remarkable companies in the Design industry.
After meeting Niels Bendtsen, and finding immediate synergy, Giancarlo and his family moved to Vancouver and joined Bendtsen Design Associates.