A new generation of the GUBI family launches design brand during 3daysofdesign
What if old furniture could tell new stories? And what happens when a young man from Denmark’s legendary GUBI family decides to flip the furniture industry on its head?
This summer, during 3daysofdesign, the 23 years old Edward Gubi introduces the world to Design Preowned—a fresh, forward-thinking design brand that’s rewriting the rules of sustainability, style, and storytelling in the furniture world.
But this is no ordinary startup. Design Preowned is rooted in a deep family legacy—Edward is the grandson of the founders of GUBI, the iconic Danish design house known around the world. Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight with a mission that’s as personal as it is planet-conscious: to rescue forgotten furniture icons and give them a second life.
Edward doesn’t design from scratch—he designs from history. He hunts down mid-century Scandinavian furniture that others have passed over: chairs, barstools, and loungers by lesser-known names like Henning Kjærnulf and Vagn Fuglsang. Pieces rich in character and craftsmanship, often neglected or discarded.
Each piece is restored, refreshed, and reimagined—ready to live on in restaurants, hotels, bars, and offices for another 15–20 years. Reborn for a new generation. It’s a love letter to longevity in an industry still obsessed with the new.
With a sharp eye for overlooked classics and a commitment to sustainability, Edward is breathing new life into the industry.
From waste to WOW!
But Edward doesn’t stop there. He also partners with Danish manufacturers to upcycle “furniture waste.” A shining example? Design No. 1—a sleek table created in collaboration with Kvist Industries, made entirely from their discarded wood. It’s a statement piece born from sustainability, craftsmanship, and a refusal to waste potential. He’s redefining what “new” really means.
Design Preowned doesn’t sell to private consumers. Instead, it focuses on the contract market—supplying sustainable, story-rich furnishings to businesses that care about design and impact.
Architects and interior designers working in hospitality, retail, or workspace projects now have a new tool in their kit: refurbished furniture and upcycled materials that bring soul, style, and substance to every space.
They also offer repair and reupholstery services for existing furniture and even create custom-made pieces tailored to specific project needs.
Come experience design with a past — and a future
During 3daysofdesign, Edward invites the public to step inside his vision—literally. He’s opening a pop-up restaurant at Frederiksgade 1, right in the heart of the festival. The space will be furnished entirely with Design Preowned’s pieces—each one different, each with a story. Original artworks by Edward’s great-grandfather Gudmund Olsen will also be on display, on loan from the Gubi family’s personal collection.
Expect an eclectic, atmospheric space that mixes wood tones, design eras, and stories—proof that sustainability and style don’t just coexist; they elevate each other.
To complete the experience, chef Enayat Safi—famed for his work at Dhaba and appearances on TV 2’s Go’ Morgen Danmark—will be serving vegan bites inspired by Indian infusion cuisine.
Where: Frederiksgade 1, 4th floor, 1265 Copenhagen K
When: 12:30–14:00 daily during 3daysofdesign
Check out www.3daysofdesign.dk | www.designpreowned.com and @designpreowned
Press contact: Edward Gubi +45 31 69 86 05