The Australian who wants to be Danish

Where are you from?

That's actually a difficult question. My roots are in three countries: Australia, where I was born; Italy, where my family originates from; and Denmark, which I consider home. Living between cultures gives you perspective, tolerance and curiosity – but also a permanent longing for people and places that are far away.

Why did you come to Denmark?

I needed a holiday from a challenging job in Australian building up a design studio, so I went backpacking in Denmark always having a dream of working in a Danish design practice. And as the same old story goes, I met the man who became my husband and father of our 3 children. He was working on the construction of Mariott Hotel in Copenhagen, which PLH has designed – so he ripped off a piece of paper with their name on for me. After having had 20 turndowns from other studios asking me to get back, when I spoke Danish fluently, PLH was the first Danish design studio that saw my international background as an advantage rather than a limitation back then. Lucky that has changed in industry.

What was your first impression of Danish design?

That design is everywhere. In the buildings, interiors, graphics and everyday details. I was fascinated by the simplicity, the quality of materials and the way design is naturally integrated into daily life.

What has Denmark given you?

A life. Denmark has been my home for almost my entire adult life. I deeply value the trust, equality, work-life balance and sense of security that define Danish society. Many of the opportunities I have had – professionally and personally – would have been much harder elsewhere.

Describe your career until now?

Early in my career I was lucky to be given opportunities by people who believed in me. I became a director of an architecture studio in Melbourne in the early 90s. I was in my late 20s when I was sent to Canberra to set up a new studio that grew to 12 people. It was long hours with no time for holidays, but great fun having the freedom to create something with really talented people. But also, the reason that I took a long holiday leading me to Denmark.

PLH was my first job in Denmark, but for the first years in Denmark, my husband and I traveled back and forth between Denmark and Australia a lot, but we chose to settle in Denmark because of the better work-life balance here due to the wealth of opportunities that the Danish society and welfare system provides for families and career.

Some years later, having 3 kids at the age 3 to 10, my husband became terminally ill and passed away.

It was 2007, I had just become partner at PLH, the finance crisis hit but I was supported in so many ways – not only by my family and friends, but also by the flexible and socially responsible workplace culture and community services that support equal participation in the workplace. In Australia, it would never have been possible parenting alone with quality family time whilst being a partner at a major architecture studio. For this I am forever appreciative of Denmark.

Since then, I have been developing PLH with focus on office buildings, strategic programming, client advisory and workplace design.

What are you most proud of in your career?

The projects where architecture has made a real difference for people and organisations. A workplace is a daily reminder of who we are and how we work. When design helps shape culture as well as supports and motivates people, that's when it creates real value.

I am also very passioned about transformation, loving to see strong concepts unfold in before and after photos. When you transform buildings and rooms, people can actually see how much value you can release in a space. In many ways that is more exciting than starting with a blank piece of paper.

What advice would you give to young architects?

Stay curious. Keep learning. Having commercial understanding is fundamental for the creative process and realizing visionary projects.

Listen – as important it is to speak your mind; it is important to listen to others and understand what is motivating their comments. Find great role models and don't be afraid to ask for direct feedback. Communication is one of the most important skills you'll ever develop.

Who inspires you?

My kids are my eternal inspiration; they each bring different perspectives and I often use them as my little personal focus group.

Any regrets?

No. Of course there are things I might have communicated differently, but I've always followed my heart and trusted my judgement. The opportunities, I've had, came from saying yes when doors opened.

What do you hope for in your 60s?

To use my collective experience to find innovative, useful ways to solve dilemmas, mentor the next generation and continue sharing Danish and Nordic design ideas internationally – e.g. via the Nordic consultant group XPartners that PLH is part of and participation in talks and networks that explore new perspectives.

I look forward to continuing to work with strengthening the Danish Australian relationship professionally and personality – e.g. with the Australian Business Council of Scandinavia.

And maybe spend a little more time sailing. I have learned that in my 50s proving you are never too old to learn something new. Now I sail with my naval architect boyfriend.

And of course, I look forward to following my children’s journeys that are each unique.

Finally, what would be the perfect 60th birthday present?

Danish citizenship, which has been in processing since 2023. I've spent 25 years contributing to Danish society, building a career, raising a family and helping shape workplaces across Denmark. I'm proud to be Australian, but I'm equally proud to call Denmark home. Becoming Danish would mean a great deal to me.

ABOUT

Paulette Simone Christophersen is Partner and Interior Designer (MDIA, MDD) at PLH, where she has led workplace strategy and design since joining in 1999. Born in Australia and educated at RMIT University, Melbourne, she has spent over 30 years shaping office spaces for organizations including Maersk, AP Pension, Bech-Bruun, DSV, PensionDanmark, and twoday. She believes great workplaces help both people and organizations thrive – and that good design starts with listening and open inquiry.