Erik Bertil Karlén, born on February 22, 1912, in Sundbyberg, Sweden, and passed away on March 26, 1991, was a renowned Swedish architect and designer. He graduated from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm in the 1930s and began his career in 1940 as an architect at the Kasernbyrå of the Fortifikationsstyrelsen.

One of his most notable projects was designing the buildings of Svea Livgarde in Sörentorp, Solna, completed in 1946. Karlén focused on simple yet refined architecture, primarily using red bricks for the facades.

In the 1950s, he contributed to urban planning in Stockholm's suburbs, including Hökarängen, Vällingby, and Hässelby, in collaboration with the city’s urban planning office. He also co-founded the architecture firm Bertil Karlén & Ralph Wikner Arkitektkontor, creating numerous buildings around Stockholm. Alongside Josef Stäck, he designed the "Radiohusen," a set of 32 row houses in Hässelby strand, completed in 1958, named after the many radio personalities who lived there.

Beyond architecture, Karlén designed furniture, primarily seating pieces, produced by his company Firma Rumsinteriör in the 1940s. His rare creations are highly sought after by collectors today.

We had the privilege of restoring one of his most iconic pieces: a rare small sofadesigned by Karlén and produced by Firma Rumsinteriör in the 1940s. This vintage sofa has been fully renovated and reupholstered in curly white sheepskin by Norki, preserving its original elegance while adding a refined modern touch.