Eyjólfur Pálsson Receives the Honorary Award at the Icelandic Design Awards 2026
Eyjólfur Pálsson, furniture and interior designer and founder of EPAL, has received the Honorary Award at the Icelandic Design Awards 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Icelandic design. For more than half a century, Eyjólfur has been a passionate advocate for design, dedicated to raising its profile and strengthening its position within Icelandic society. Through his passion, initiative and unwavering commitment, he has created an important platform for Icelandic design and played a key role in promoting the work of Icelandic designers, both at home and internationally.
There Was No Plan B
Eyjólfur Pálsson's journey into the world of design began with training in furniture making, which at the time was a prerequisite for admission to Kunsthåndværkerskolen in Copenhagen. "I went and studied furniture making because, back then, you had to be a trained cabinetmaker or craftsman to get into Kunsthåndværkerskolen," Eyjólfur recalls.
He completed four entrance examinations, soon realising just how fierce the competition was. Of the fifty applicants, only twelve would be admitted, and his limited knowledge of Danish did not make things any easier. "My Danish wasn't good enough, and I could barely understand everything. Then I suddenly discovered that there were fifty people taking the entrance exam, twenty of whom had applied the year before, and only twelve would get in."
When the results were announced, Eyjólfur went to see the list of successful applicants. "I arrived around ten o'clock when the list was ready and started looking through the twelve names. And there it was: Eyjólfur Pálsson! What a relief! I didn't have a plan B."
From a Garage to EPAL
After completing his studies, Eyjólfur worked at a design studio in Denmark before returning to Iceland. He went on to undertake a wide range of interior design projects, including commissions for public buildings and businesses.
In 1975, he founded EPAL, initially operating from a garage at Hrísateigur 47 in Reykjavík. During the early years, Eyjólfur continued working elsewhere alongside running the business, using his salary to pay employees and finance the purchase of products. What began in a garage grew into a company that has served as an important platform for Icelandic and international design for half a century.
From the outset, EPAL's philosophy has centred on thoughtful design, quality and timeless aesthetics. Eyjólfur has always placed great importance on carefully selecting products, guided by the belief that it is better to be the best than the biggest.
Sharing His Passion with the Public
For Eyjólfur, design has never been simply about beautiful objects. It is a passion he has sought to share with others, encouraging the public to reflect on the importance of good design. "If you're constantly talking about design, you're essentially preaching your passion to the public. And that's incredibly important. It's something very close to my heart."
Over the years, Eyjólfur has built an extensive international network within the design community and has consistently sought to use his knowledge, experience and connections to support Icelandic designers.
"My passion for design is enormous, and when you have such a strong network of contacts abroad, it only makes sense to use it to help and support others," Eyjólfur says. He has also made it a priority to ensure that Icelandic designs gaining recognition internationally are celebrated at home. "When I see Icelandic designs being produced abroad, I usually try to bring them here so I can introduce them to people in Iceland."
Respect for Good Design
Eyjólfur has championed not only new design but also the importance of preserving and continuing to use well-crafted objects. He has encouraged individuals and businesses to value good design, prioritising durability and lasting quality over ever-changing trends.
Throughout his career, Eyjólfur has designed interiors and spaces that have stood the test of time. In an interview with Vísir in 2023, he recalled the pleasure of visiting the primary school in Vík and discovering that the interiors and colour schemes he had designed decades earlier remained unchanged.
This respect for enduring design has been a guiding principle throughout his career and is reflected in the philosophy that has defined EPAL from the very beginning.
Like Choosing Between Your Children
Over the course of his long career, Eyjólfur has encountered countless designers and their work, both Icelandic and international. But when asked to choose one design over another, he finds the task impossible. "People sometimes ask me what I think is the most beautiful product in the store. I always tell them I can't answer that. My classic response is that it's like asking me to choose between my children."
Looking back on his career, it is not any single design that stands out to Eyjólfur, but rather the people he has had the opportunity to work with and the chance to support Icelandic design.
"I'm proud to have had the opportunity to work with talented people and to have played a part in raising the profile and recognition of Icelandic design."
Through his passion, professionalism and tireless support for Icelandic designers, Eyjólfur Pálsson has left a lasting mark on Icelandic design history. His contribution extends far beyond the establishment and operation of EPAL, having had a profound and enduring influence on the visibility, recognition and development of design in Iceland.
The Icelandic Design Awards were presented for the thirteenth time at a ceremony held at Gróska on Thursday, 5 November 2026. The Honorary Award was presented to Eyjólfur by Logi Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education.
The Honorary Award at the Icelandic Design Awards was first presented in 2019. It recognises an individual who has achieved exceptional success in their career, made a significant impact within their field or demonstrated outstanding lifetime achievement in design and architecture in Iceland.
The Icelandic Design Awards recognise designers, architects, design teams and studios for outstanding recent projects. The awards celebrate excellence in design and architecture, highlighting projects that represent the very best in their fields. The jury looks for work that demonstrates exceptional quality and impact, creative thinking, innovative solutions, thoughtful execution, aesthetic excellence and professional expertise. Consideration is also given to user experience, originality and the project's positive contribution to quality of life, value creation and sustainability.
The Icelandic Design Awards are organised by Iceland Design and Architecture in collaboration with the Icelandic Museum of Design and Applied Art and the Iceland University of the Arts, with support from Business Iceland, the Housing and Construction Authority, Gróska, University of Iceland Science Park and Blue Lagoon Iceland.
