Meet Pil Kallesø
Pil Kallesø is a Danish-born architect, based in Helsingør. Pil is a partner in Kallesø Architects, which she runs with her husband Martin. Pil’s work is deeply rooted in a desire to create lasting and valuable architecture, starting with an understanding of context based on tradition and culture. Kallesø Architects believes that good architecture is, in itself, largely sustainable.
2020 is the year you and Martin bought your Romer House, which needed some care. Why a Romer House - and what are your thoughts on the renovation?
"The house is listed and part of Danish cultural heritage, which was one of the reasons we bought it. We compare it a bit to having a 'collector’s item,' a vintage Mercedes that you carefully restore and polish over time. Renovation takes time for us, and we’re happy to invest that time. The listing naturally comes with certain requirements, but due to our profession, we also have a great interest in restoring the house to its original design. The house was designed in the 1950s and built in 1961, so some modernization is obviously necessary. Here, we want to add our own touch, but based on the foundation Jørn Utzon created. We believe he would be disappointed if we didn’t contribute something ourselves, so we’ve made some personal adjustments to the interior drawings."
As an architect, where do you find your inspiration, both personally and in advising clients?
"Our studio works with context, meaning we take our starting point in a given place and its local history. We believe that the best foundation for good architecture is to look at our traditions and culture and bring them into play in order to then create something new. A quote we often return to in the studio is from the Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza: Tradition is a challenge to innovation."
Does Kallesø Architects have any exciting projects in the works that you'd like to share with us?
"At the moment, we’re working on several exciting projects, but two that are particularly interesting and challenging for us are an extension to one of Jørn Utzon’s courtyard houses in Bjuv, Sweden, and an extension to a Friis & Moltke townhouse in Aarhus."
You grew up in Helsingør, returned with your husband, and started a family. Is there a special place in Helsingør that you think has something extra to offer?
"PATIO is a lovely spot. They serve many small, delicious dishes at a good price, and they have a selection you won’t find elsewhere in town. You can get coffee (really good coffee!) and cake, but if you’re more in the mood for a glass of wine and some olives, that’s also an option. I think it’s a great mix. I really like Patio because there’s a lot of heart in the place, and Sille and Nikolaj want to give something back to the town – and that’s something I always want to support."
Why i i collective?
"I greatly appreciate when someone insists on creating good design that is beautiful, timeless, and sustainable. Three values that are inherently connected and that I also work with in my own practice."
"The Jo Shirt is everything I love – elegant, practical, and cool all at once. It takes me from cozy moments at home with the kids to creative hours in the studio and meetings with clients – and yes, even to parties! The beautiful Mandarin collar and the cropped cut add a touch of Japan and minimalist harmony, which I have a deep affection for. Perfect for all of life's moments."