Animation by Katrīna Sadovņikova

This week, the winter application period for the National Design Award of Latvia 2025 is open. One of the selection jury members is designer and architect Reinis Leo Miķelsons, co-founder of the design studio Gateris Works. Together with graphic designer Eva Abduļina, he explores Latvian form, translating it into everyday objects, and creates contemporary and colourful interiors and environmental design projects. In the Nice Touch section, Reinis shares the story of how a quick fix to a problem became a trademark of Gateris Works.

Nice Touch Editorial February 14, 2025

«In the busy everyday life, not having to think about something relatively simple and mundane, like what to wear, is a relief. For some time now, the blue work shirt has been an integral part of my daily routine. Initially I bought it out of desperation when I dumped a full coffee mug in my lap on the way to the photo shoot of our first furniture collection. With the first photo shoot, the blue workwear has also become our unofficial studio uniform. As we are also involved in the production process as much as possible, blue collars suit us more than white ones. The versatile cut, the simplicity of the cotton fabric, and the bright accent of the blue colour make this shirt perfect for everyday wear, whether sitting in the studio and helping with installation, or going out to dinner and attending other social events.»

Reinis Leo Miķelsons is a designer and architect, co-founder of the design studio Gateris Works. He has previously worked at SZK architecture studio and Annvil interior architecture studio, participated in the interior design of Zunda Towers, managed the interior design project of Zuzeum Art Centre, as well as several hotel and restaurant interior design projects in Norway. Together with his peers, he founded the emerging designer platform Home Ground.

 

Gateris Works’ first furniture collection and furnishings for the Ziedonis Museum (created together with Overpriced) were shortlisted for the National Design Award 2024, and this year, Reinis is one of the jury members for the National Design Award 2025.