FAQs

1. Who is behind norden.studio?

norden.studio is led by Tobias Gaertner, a brand strategist and creative director with over a decade of experience. Previously Head of Brand at the award-winning Casa Cook Hotels, Tobias brings deep industry insight into hospitality, design, and customer experience. He’s supported by a curated creative network including architects & interior designers, graphic designers & photographers, and other collaborators as needed.

2. What kind of clients do you work with?

We work with boutique hotels, hospitality groups, lifestyle brands, real estate developers, and creative entrepreneurs - typically in the luxury and design-forward hospitality space. Whether launching a new concept or elevating an existing brand, we partner with clients who value quality, strategy, and emotional connection.

3. What services do you offer?

We offer three core service modules:

1. Brand Creation
- Market & target group analysis
- Brand concept & positioning
- Naming
- Tone of Voice
- Visual identity
- Strategic workshops & alignment
- Commercial & Marketing strategy

2. FF&E Design & Interior Styling
- Moodboarding & concept design
- Custom furniture sourcing
- On-site styling & hotel opening support
- Costing & supplier coordination

3. Content, Website & Communication
- Imagery & videography production
- Website creation, design & UX direction
- PR, press kits, and influencer campaigns
- Social media directions & campaign planning
- Brand collateral creation (i.e. F&B menus, signage, templates, etc.)

4. How is working with norden.studio different from working with a large agency?

With norden.studio, you get direct access to the person behind the ideas. Every project is personally led by Tobias, ensuring consistency, clarity, and deep creative involvement from start to finish. There are no handoffs, no fluff - just focused, strategic, high-quality work tailored to your project.

5. Do you work alone or with a team?

Each project is led by Tobias, who collaborates with a tight-knit network of trusted professionals - from graphic designers to interior stylists, photographers, web developers, PR specialists and more. The team is always shaped around the specific needs and scale of your project.

6. Do you only work on complete branding projects?

Our strength lies in holistic brand development - building everything from the strategic foundation to the visual and experiential details. That said, for returning clients or in very aligned cases, we can support with individual services like content production, styling, or campaign development.

7. What’s the process like?

Our process is highly customized, but usually follows this structure:

1. Discovery & Vision - site visit, workshop, and strategy sessions

2. Brand Concept & Design - positioning, naming, visual identity

3. Production & Development - interior styling, photo/video production, web

4. Rollout & Support - launch preparation, content assets, PR, opening styling

We stay deeply involved throughout, ensuring alignment and quality at every stage.

8. How long does a full project take?

It depends on the scope and the complexity, however a comprehensive brand concept typically takes 12 – 24 weeks. Adding website development, content production, or other assets can extend the timeline. We'll always outline a detailed roadmap after the initial workshop or assessment.

9. What do your services cost?

Each project is unique, and so is the pricing. We tailor every proposal based on the project's scope, timeline, and ambition — whether you're launching a global hotel brand or refining the identity of a boutique property. After an initial conversation to understand your needs, we’ll send you a clear and customized proposal.

10. How do we begin working together?

Start by reaching out via tobias@norden.studio. We’ll schedule a short intro call to discuss your project, goals, and timing. If there’s alignment, we’ll propose a scope, timeline, and approach that’s right for you.