In an interview with InteriorDaily, Mickey Bertram Jeppesen Jensen, a Danish furniture designer and cabinet maker behind MadeBySatelite, shared his story of an extraordinary six months; from graduating in April to launching his company in October, and soon after being featured on a giant screen in New York's Times Square.
'Graduating felt like opening a door, but I didn't expect to walk through so fast,' Mickey said with a smile. 'I started MadeBySatelite just six months after finishing school, and the response has been incredible.'
© MadeBySatelite
Mickey's last schoolproject before graduation in April 2025
A legacy rooted in family craftmanship
Mickey's journey is deeply rooted in family tradition. 'My grandfather built boats, as did four generations before him. I spent a lot of time in his workshop as a kid. He taught me that craft is the language of art,' he recalled. The company's name reflects this legacy: 'Satellite was the name of the boat my grandfather built in 1954. I sailed it with my grandparents, and now I'm carrying that heritage forward.'
Mickey shared a deeply personal moment that shaped his path. 'When my grandfather was on his deathbed, I promised him I would become a boatbuilder like him,' he recalled. 'But he looked at me with a gentle smile and said, 'Don't become a boatbuilder. Become a cabinetmaker first, if you want to learn the craft the way I did.' I promised him I would. He then laughed softly and told his nurse beside him, 'My grandson will be a cabinetmaker, he will learn the craft like me.'" Ten years later, Mickey fulfilled that promise. 'That moment became one of the deepest roots of my life and of MadeBySatelite — rooted in legacy.'
© MadeBySatelite
Mickey Bertram Jeppesen Jensen, Founder & Designer at MadeBySatelite
Design with emotion
His debut collection includes the Deer Chair and the Dobermann Chair; pieces that resonate personally. 'The Deer Chair is a tribute to my grandmother. She took me to the woods as a child, and after she passed, I wanted to honor her memory. The chair's form represents strength and serenity,' Mickey explained. 'The Dobermann Chair reflects loyalty and protection, qualities I identified with during tough times.'
Mickey designs digitally but brings each chair to life with his own hands. 'I start with drawings inspired by nature, then create high-resolution renderings,' he explained. 'But the real magic happens when I move from the screen to solid oak, shaping each piece by hand.' For Mickey, it's not just about form or function, it's about emotion. 'I want people to feel something when they see or use my furniture. It's about more than aesthetics; it's about the story and the feeling inside each piece.'
His approach blends a minimalist yet powerful expression with a deeper connection to tradition and personal meaning. 'Every curve, every joint is meant to convey strength and spirit, like the deer's antlers or the loyal stance of a Dobermann.' This careful balance of craftsmanship and feeling is what sets his work apart.
© MadeBySatelite
Deer chair (left) and Dobermann chair (Right)
A bright future marked by milestones
Mickey received the invitation for the Time Square feature on October 4th, and the piece was shown on November 2nd. 'Seeing my work on a giant screen in New York blew me off,' Mickey said. 'It's opened doors, brought new opportunities, and magazines are reaching out. It makes me confident I'm on the right path.'
Mickey hopes to grow MadeBySatelite while preserving its artisanal soul. 'I love making by hand, but if the brand grows, I'll need help to scale production. Still, I want to keep the spirit of craftsmanship alive.'
His story is a reminder that behind every piece of furniture lies a narrative of family, memory, and passion. 'I hope people will see my story and appreciate the craft and feeling inside each piece,' he concluded.
Mickey is currently participating in the prestigious LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize 2026, an acknowledgment of his dedication to traditional craftsmanship infused with contemporary design. This milestone further marks him as a rising star in the international design community.
Looking ahead, he remains open to collaborations and invitations from galleries and design platforms, eager to bring his unique narrative and artistry to new audiences around the world.
More information:
MadeBySatelite
[email protected]
@madebysatelite
+45 5379 5520
