Meet Edward Gubi: The Next Generation of Circular Danish Design

Giving furniture – and materials – a second life

What do you do with furniture that’s outdated, damaged, or forgotten? If you ask Edward Gubi, the answer is simple: you don’t throw it away – you revive it.

At just 23 years old, Edward Gubi has founded Design Preowned, a Copenhagen-based brand on a mission to extend the lifespan of Scandinavian furniture and rethink waste in the design industry. Working exclusively with B2B clients – from cafés and offices to architects and cultural institutions – Design Preowned restores, recrafts, and reimagines wood furniture that others have overlooked.

“We don’t deal in famous names or iconic pieces. We deal in potential,” says Edward.

“Good design deserves a second chance — even if it’s dusty, scratched, or forgotten in a warehouse.”

He sources preowned pieces from across Scandinavia – auction sites, estate sales, even second-grade factory stock. In his North Harbour workshop, furniture is cleaned, repaired, reupholstered, and brought back to life – ready for 20, 30, even 50 more years of use.

The company also partners with manufacturers to upcycle production surplus. Their first original design, Table No. 1, was co-created with Kvist Industries using leftover oak from their factory floor — proof that sustainability and aesthetics can go hand in hand.

Edward’s roots in the world of design run deep. He’s the grandson of Lisbeth and Gubi Olsen, founders of the legendary Danish design house GUBI. But his own path has been unconventional – a trained chef, Edward spent years in restaurant kitchens before launching his own creative venture. A moment of clarity came while prepping food: throwing away slightly bruised tomatoes led to a reflection on waste – and how even flawed materials can produce something remarkable.

“That mindset stuck with me,” he says. “Don’t throw it out. Use what’s good. Build from there.”

Today, Design Preowned offers a full-service circular model: collecting furniture directly from clients, restoring it with care, and delivering it back ready for a new chapter — all with full transparency and a clear environmental footprint.

As the furniture industry begins to confront its role in the climate crisis, Edward’s message is simple and timely:

“The future of design isn’t just about what we make — it’s about what we choose to keep.”