37. Beyond Trends: Creating Timeless Design with Nelli Hegi

37. Beyond Trends: Creating Timeless Design with Nelli Hegi

From Behind The Design by Camilla Ingall

April 1, 2026 · 43 min

About this episode

Nelli Hegi discusses creating emotional and story-driven furniture design while finding her creative voice.

“Design doesn’t need to please everyone. Designers like McQueen, Schiaparelli, and Margiela showed me that discomfort, exaggeration, and vulnerability aren’t flaws—they’re tools.” In this episode of Behind the Design, I talk with Nelli Hegi, founder and creative director of Hegi Design House, about creating furniture that’s more than functional, it tells a story. Nelli blends furniture, art, fashion, and architecture into bold pieces meant to spark emotion and conversation. We explore her journey of finding her voice, why she stopped chasing validation, and the lessons haute couture taught her about creativity and risk. As Nelli says, “Evolution isn't a lack of direction, it's part of finding your voice.” What You learn in this episode: → Finding and trusting your creative voice → Drawing inspiration from fashion, art, and couture → Making furniture that’s emotional and story-driven → Balancing craft, collaboration, and sustainable business → Connecting with clients through storytelling For anyone interested in expressive, personal design, this episode is full of insights on creating work that truly reflects who you are. Follow Nelli Hegi…

People in this episode

Host: Camilla Ingall

Guest: Nelli Hegi

Topics covered

  • timeless design
  • creative voice
  • furniture design
  • storytelling in design
  • haute couture influence
  • sustainable business

Keywords

  • timeless design
  • Nelli Hegi
  • furniture
  • storytelling
  • haute couture
  • creative process
  • sustainable design

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hegi Design House

More episodes of Behind The Design

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Behind The Design podcast page.