Let’s sit down AND TALK WITH KIM

Of course. Somehow everything just fell into place.  I was already working for DFROST as a student while I was studying architecture at the University of Stuttgart. My main task at the time was to develop floor plans, optimisation and merchandising concepts for car dealerships. That’s how it all started … it feels like it was only yesterday – how quickly 14 years can pass. And now I’m Creative Director.

As I said, I started at DFROST as a working student. After graduating, I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to take. That’s why I did a “trial period” in project management at DFROST and realised that I particularly enjoy developing 2D concepts for spatial implementation. I was also fascinated by the organisational and structural aspects. The opportunity to bring concepts and visions to life, the choice of materials – all that really excited me.

As team coordinator, I was responsible for the project management team. This included internal tasks, meetings with managers and project leaders about ongoing projects, customer communication and coordination, and budgeting.

At that time I was mainly involved in organisational and project management tasks, which did not challenge me creatively. I wanted to develop more in that direction and was able to move into the creative department relatively quickly. As a design manager, I was responsible for implementing concepts and visions, which I really enjoyed as I was now working on the conceptual side of the projects. During this time I was able to develop my skills as a retail architect and learn a lot from the then Creative Director.

Yes, I’m sure it did. I know both sides of a project and what it takes to deliver excellent work. I understand the client’s needs and expectations. When I took on the role of Creative Director, I wanted to take on these challenges and also get more involved in coordinating the team.

My day starts early with checking emails and adjusting resource planning. At 9am we have a creative meeting where we discuss the day’s tasks and possible challenges. The rest of the day is spent developing ideas, mood boards and concepts. But meetings, both internal and external, are also part of my working day.

As Creative Director, my main role is to structure and manage creative projects. This includes managing the team, contributing my own ideas and designing and developing the concepts. I provide feedback to the team and ensure that our projects are on track and meet our high standards of excellence. Another important part of my job is recognising and managing team dynamics. It is important to understand and motivate the team to create a productive and harmonious working environment. My role also involves many organisational tasks. This includes managing people and resources, planning and creating roadmaps, timelines and cost plans within the creative department. These organisational activities are essential to ensure that projects run efficiently and within the given budget and timeframe.

I’m currently working on a workshop for a major client, which is an exciting challenge for me. This workshop is not part of my daily work and gives me room to grow. I learn something new every day, especially in the didactic area, such as developing arcs of suspense, flowcharts and processes. As the project is strategic, it requires intensive strategic planning, which is particularly challenging as my focus is usually on 3D projects.

Oh, there are many that I’ve learned a lot from. However, I would say that it was mainly projects where the client put a lot of trust in us. My favourites so far are definitely the Neubau stand, the Recup stand and the Dr. Martens pop-up event. In all cases, the collaboration and the whole project was super exciting and educational.

DFROST has an open and innovative culture. Every employee has the opportunity to contribute their ideas and actively participate. This openness creates an environment where new and unconventional ideas can emerge. The strong team spirit results from shared values and mutual support, which creates a harmonious and productive working environment. What makes us special as a team is our ability to grow together through challenges and bring our clients’ visions to life. The combination of individual strengths, shared values and an open, supportive culture makes DFROST a unique place to work.

You learn an incredible amount. The tasks, international customers and excellent projects are very varied, so you rarely get bored. In fact, every new employee is actively involved in customer projects from the very beginning and is allowed to make an active contribution. The appreciation within the team, the team spirit and the flat hierarchies also make DFROST a great employer in my opinion.

We regularly attend design fairs as a team, such as Milan Design Week, Dutch Design Week and the Biennale Architettura in Venice. In the office we have an extensive collection of books on design, visual merchandising and all things design and retail. We also subscribe to trade magazines to keep up to date. We also encourage our staff to take part in training courses on new programmes or topics such as AI in design. Every employee is able to express their personal aspirations in order to promote the continuous development of each individual.

I have definitely learnt to step out of my comfort zone and go beyond my own comfort zone. Over the past 14 years I have learnt to stay curious, to be open to new things and to change my perspective.

I am inspired by many everyday things. I try to go through the world and my everyday life with open eyes and look up from time to time. Design fairs always offer fascinating insights into new trends, be it in colours, materials or designs, which I can then use in my work. And of course I love books – they have been my source of inspiration ever since I was a student.

What fascinates me is the ability to immediately develop a three-dimensional vision from just a few moods or texts and make it visible to people with little imagination. For me, 3D drawing is almost like a meditation in which I can create proportions, relationships between elements and the combination of geometry with materials and colours. This combination of technique and creativity allows me to create complex and aesthetic spatial worlds.

There are many moments. Above all I remember the various team trips. Istanbul, Lisbon and the Gorge of Hell in Mallorca are definitely among my personal highlights.