A Conversation with Gjyri Helén Werp and Peter Has Larsen

A LIFETIME IN STYLE

BY Agathe Larsen       PHOTO Daniel Kivle

Gjyri Helén Werp, joining forces with HAS Architects Studio, isn't just another collaboration. It's like mixing the perfect cocktail of style, function, architectural savvy - and a bit of magic.

Gjyri Helén Werp & HAS Architects Studio Collaboration

  • Uniting to redefine interior design with the unique vision of “Bold Hearts, Iconic Spaces”.
  • Aim to create spaces that embody personality and style.
  • Gjyri Helén Werp, Founder of SoYou Media, has a rich background in media leadership spanning 18 years. Renowned for her expertise in brand building, lifestyle and interior magazine making and audience communication. Passionate about creating deep connections between brands and their audiences. Dedicated to crafting stories with emotional depth, shaping brands that resonate on a personal level.
  • Peter Has-Larsen (HAS Architects Studio) holds an MA in Architecture and Landscape Architecture from NTNU, Berkeley, and the Oslo School of Architecture. Brings a wealth of experience in interior design, web design, and graphic design. Known for his innovative approach in blending architectural integrity with aesthetic appeal.
  • SoYou by GHWerp + HAS Architects Studio specialize in designing residential homes, vacation retreats, and commercial spaces. Each project is uniquely tailored to reflect the client’s individuality and character.

A Conversation with Gjyri Helén Werp and Peter Has Larsen

A LIFETIME IN STYLE

BY Agathe Larsen       PHOTO Daniel Kivle

Gjyri Helén Werp, joining forces with HAS Architects Studio, isn't just another collaboration. It's like mixing the perfect cocktail of style, function, architectural savvy - and a bit of magic.

Gjyri Helén Werp & HAS Architects Studio Collaboration

  • Uniting to redefine interior design with the unique vision of “Bold Hearts, Iconic Spaces”.
  • Aim to create spaces that embody personality and style.
  • Gjyri Helén Werp, Founder of SoYou Media, has a rich background in media leadership spanning 18 years. Renowned for her expertise in brand building, lifestyle and interior magazine making and audience communication. Passionate about creating deep connections between brands and their audiences. Dedicated to crafting stories with emotional depth, shaping brands that resonate on a personal level.
  • Peter Has-Larsen (HAS Architects Studio) holds an MA in Architecture and Landscape Architecture from NTNU, Berkeley, and the Oslo School of Architecture. Brings a wealth of experience in interior design, web design, and graphic design. Known for his innovative approach in blending architectural integrity with aesthetic appeal.
  • SoYou by GHWerp + HAS Architects Studio specialize in designing residential homes, vacation retreats, and commercial spaces. Each project is uniquely tailored to reflect the client’s individuality and character.

Gjyri Helén Werp, with a past life ruling the roost at lifestyle magazines and a knack for spotting the next big thing in interior design, knows what makes a space tick.

– It’s simple, she says, I enter a room, an office, or a house, and I just see what the space needs, what’s missing, what needs to go, and what it takes to give it soul and balance. It could be a splash of vintage here, a modern twist there, art, tailormade solutions, or that one piece that makes you go, ‘Wow, where did you get that?‘ It’s about creating that ‘wow’ moment in every space.”

Gjyri Helén brings a lifelong passion for aesthetics to the teamwork. Growing up in a creative and artistic family, she was drawn early to style, fashion, and interior design. She began transforming properties into stylish masterpieces while she indulged in art history and international design publications during her Cand.Polit-education at the University of Oslo. Her career took off in the cultural department of NRK TV, followed by a significant impact in the magazine industry, where she led several of Norway’s top lifestyle publications. Her expertise was elevated at the ‘ELLE school’ in Paris, culminating in her role as Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decoration Norway. Gjyri Helén’s launch of KK Living marked a new chapter, quickly becoming a leading interior magazine in Norway. Known for her knack for spotting trends and talents, she now brings her creative spirit back to interior design while operating her thriving online store and So You Media branding agency.

Peter Has Larsen, founder of HAS Architects, who has a master’s degree in both Architecture and Landscape Architecture from NTNU, University of California, Berkeley and Arkitektektur- og designhøgskolen in Oslo, chips in:

– Our collaboration is like a bridge between Gjyri Helén’s keen eye for what’s beautiful, trendy, and timeless, her expertise in the aesthetics, the soul of a space – and my nuts-and-bolts architectural know-how. It’s not rocket science, really; it’s better! Our strength and synergy are about blending my architectural savvy with Gjyri Helén’s flair for creativity and eye for beauty. Together, we bridge the gap between structure and style.

So, uniting form and function, Peter is bringing practical architectural know-how to the table. Grounded in a deeply understanding of the interplay between inner and outer spaces, user experience, environment, and sustainable solutions. His work spans from architecture to interior design and landscape architecture, always with an eye towards functionality and environmental harmony.

The duo’s approach to a project is pretty straightforward. It starts with a chat – no strings attached.

– We want to get what you’re about, your style, what makes you tick, explains Gjyri Helén. Then we put our heads together to turn our customer’s vision into something tangible, something they can walk into and say, this is so me!

Peter takes over with the practical side of things.

– We lay down the plans, and once we clearly understand our client’s needs, we move to the functional floor plan stage. This is where my team and I work closely with Gjyri Helén to develop a few proposals, considering the client’s budget, style, and functional requirements. It’s about making it all come together – functionally and fabulously.”

Gjyri Helén adds:

– In the conceptual design phase, we really start to see the project come to life. It’s here my expertise blends seamlessly with Peter’s architectural thinking. We use digital visualizations and VR to help clients fully grasp the concept.

Curious about the final stages – what happens next?

– Once the concept is set, we move into the nitty-gritty of executive planning and design,” Peter explains. “This involves laying out detailed specifications for every part of the project, from the fixtures to the color palettes. We ensure it’s all comprehensive and customized for each client, Peter says.

Gjyri Helén nods, elaborating on the construction phase:

– Here, we offer varied levels of support, adapting to what the client needs. Whether providing guidance to the construction team or taking a more hands-on approach. Our goal is always to make sure the final space mirrors the client’s vision and our shared design ethos.

As they approach the grand finale, Gjyri Helén’s eyes light up.

– This is the moment everything comes together. My role is to infuse the space with soul, blending the old with the new, the timeless with the trendy, and adding those unique pieces that turn heads. She continues with enthusiasm –

It’s about those choices that elevate a space from ordinary to extraordinary. We aim for that ‘more, please!’

Peter adds:

– And as we near completion, we’re meticulous. We’re there at every step, ensuring the final product isn’t just a space, but a narrative – your narrative. ‘Bold Hearts, Iconic Spaces’ is not just our mantra; it’s the core of what we do – our promise to blend architectural precision with artistic beauty. It’s about creating spaces where every square inch has meaning, where form meets function and beauty. Our combined strengths ensure a design process that’s tailored to your unique needs, making your space not just aesthetically pleasing but truly yours.

It sounds like Gjyri Helén and Peter are creating more than spaces – they aim for crafting jaw-dropping, heart-stopping moments.

– We want our clients to see their space as an extension of themselves or their brand – designed with care, innovation, and an eye for details. We want our customers to walk into their space we’ve designed and just get that instant wow-feeling. That’s what it’s all about,” Gjyri Helén concludes with a smile.

Gjyri Helén Werp, with a past life ruling the roost at lifestyle magazines and a knack for spotting the next big thing in interior design, knows what makes a space tick.

– It’s simple, she says, I enter a room, an office, or a house, and I just see what the space needs, what’s missing, what needs to go, and what it takes to give it soul and balance. It could be a splash of vintage here, a modern twist there, art, tailormade solutions, or that one piece that makes you go, ‘Wow, where did you get that?‘ It’s about creating that ‘wow’ moment in every space.”

Gjyri Helén brings a lifelong passion for aesthetics to the teamwork. Growing up in a creative and artistic family, she was drawn early to style, fashion, and interior design. She began transforming properties into stylish masterpieces while she indulged in art history and international design publications during her Cand.Polit-education at the University of Oslo. Her career took off in the cultural department of NRK TV, followed by a significant impact in the magazine industry, where she led several of Norway’s top lifestyle publications. Her expertise was elevated at the ‘ELLE school’ in Paris, culminating in her role as Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decoration Norway. Gjyri Helén’s launch of KK Living marked a new chapter, quickly becoming a leading interior magazine in Norway. Known for her knack for spotting trends and talents, she now brings her creative spirit back to interior design while operating her thriving online store and So You Media branding agency.

“It's about creating that 'wow' moment in every space”

- Gjyri Helén Werp

“Together, we bridge the gap between structure and style.”

Peter Has Larsen, founder of HAS Architects, who has a master’s degree in both Architecture and Landscape Architecture from NTNU, University of California, Berkeley and Arkitektektur- og designhøgskolen in Oslo, chips in:

– Our collaboration is like a bridge between Gjyri Helén’s keen eye for what’s beautiful, trendy, and timeless, her expertise in the aesthetics, the soul of a space – and my nuts-and-bolts architectural know-how. It’s not rocket science, really; it’s better! Our strength and synergy are about blending my architectural savvy with Gjyri Helén’s flair for creativity and eye for beauty. Together, we bridge the gap between structure and style.

So, uniting form and function, Peter is bringing practical architectural know-how to the table. Grounded in a deeply understanding of the interplay between inner and outer spaces, user experience, environment, and sustainable solutions. His work spans from architecture to interior design and landscape architecture, always with an eye towards functionality and environmental harmony.

The duo’s approach to a project is pretty straightforward. It starts with a chat – no strings attached.

– We want to get what you’re about, your style, what makes you tick, explains Gjyri Helén. Then we put our heads together to turn our customer’s vision into something tangible, something they can walk into and say, this is so me!

Peter takes over with the practical side of things.

– We lay down the plans, and once we clearly understand our client’s needs, we move to the functional floor plan stage. This is where my team and I work closely with Gjyri Helén to develop a few proposals, considering the client’s budget, style, and functional requirements. It’s about making it all come together – functionally and fabulously.”

Gjyri Helén adds:

– In the conceptual design phase, we really start to see the project come to life. It’s here my expertise blends seamlessly with Peter’s architectural thinking. We use digital visualizations and VR to help clients fully grasp the concept.

Curious about the final stages – what happens next?

– Once the concept is set, we move into the nitty-gritty of executive planning and design,” Peter explains. “This involves laying out detailed specifications for every part of the project, from the fixtures to the color palettes. We ensure it’s all comprehensive and customized for each client, Peter says.

Gjyri Helén nods, elaborating on the construction phase:

– Here, we offer varied levels of support, adapting to what the client needs. Whether providing guidance to the construction team or taking a more hands-on approach. Our goal is always to make sure the final space mirrors the client’s vision and our shared design ethos.

“We’re meticulous. We’re there at every step, ensuring the final product isn’t just a space, but a narrative – your narrative.”

- Peter Has Larsen

As they approach the grand finale, Gjyri Helén’s eyes light up.

– This is the moment everything comes together. My role is to infuse the space with soul, blending the old with the new, the timeless with the trendy, and adding those unique pieces that turn heads. She continues with enthusiasm –

– It’s about those choices that elevate a space from ordinary to extraordinary. We aim for that ‘more, please!’

Peter adds:

– And as we near completion, we’re meticulous. We’re there at every step, ensuring the final product isn’t just a space, but a narrative – your narrative. ‘Bold Hearts, Iconic Spaces’ is not just our mantra; it’s the core of what we do – our promise to blend architectural precision with artistic beauty. It’s about creating spaces where every square inch has meaning, where form meets function and beauty. Our combined strengths ensure a design process that’s tailored to your unique needs, making your space not just aesthetically pleasing but truly yours.

– It sounds like Gjyri Helén and Peter are creating more than spaces – they aim for crafting jaw-dropping, heart-stopping moments.

– We want our clients to see their space as an extension of themselves or their brand – designed with care, innovation, and an eye for details. We want our customers to walk into their space we’ve designed and just get that instant wow-feeling. That’s what it’s all about,” Gjyri Helén concludes with a smile.

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