A DESIGN STORY WORTH TELLING WITH SCOTT HARTKOPF

Scott Hartkopf is a veteran of the American furniture design industry, known for his sharp eye for quality and brand building. After founding Hightower and later passing the company on to his daughters, he now runs POSH Contract  Interiors – a studio focused on curating design for the architecture and design community. With a passion for sustainable, thoughtful design and a keen sense for brands that truly belong in the most ambitious projects, Skargaarden was a natural addition to the POSH Contract Interiors portfolio.

We had a conversation with Scott who shares his thoughts on design, entrepreneurship and why Scandinavian outdoor design has a clear role in the spaces of tomorrow.

You have a long and successful career in design and interiors. Can you tell us a bit about your journey and what inspired you to start POSH Interiors?
Many of my friends in the industry are always on the lookout for fresh, exciting products for their projects. Unfortunately, much of what’s offered by North American manufacturers feels overexposed or repetitive. POSH brings a sense of furniture fashion to our friends in design, curated, high-quality pieces that feel new and inspiring.

Because I’m known and trusted in the industry, designers and dealers feel confident that I’ll take care of the many operational complexities that come with working with international brands. At POSH, we make it easy for them to access great design without the typical headaches of import logistics.

POSH Interiors highlights that you “curate, presenting only the best.” What made Skargaarden earn a place in your portfolio?
Our clients are constantly approached by outdoor brands hoping to be considered for future projects. The reality is, most of these options feel redundant—derivatives of designs we’ve seen time and time again.

What drew me to Skargaarden was that it spoke a completely fresh design language. There’s a refinement and personality in their collections that immediately stood out. It’s not just outdoor furniture—it’s thoughtful, well-crafted design that feels both modern and timeless. That level of distinction is exactly what we look for when curating our portfolio at POSH.

When you first came across Skargaarden – do you remember the impression the products made on you?
Absolutely—I immediately connected with the collection. The designs felt so intentional and distinctive that I could instantly imagine many of the pieces in future projects—or even in my own home. That kind of immediate resonance is rare, and it’s what told me Skargaarden was something special.

Skargaarden has a strong Scandinavian design identity – how is that philosophy received by your clients and partners in North America?
Scandinavian design has always resonated strongly with the North American architecture and design community.Its clean, modern simplicity and emphasis on quality craftsmanship make it a natural fit for sophisticated, design-forward projects.

What truly matters, though, is confidence. Clients need to know they can specify these products on high-profile projects without hesitation. That’s exactly where POSH steps in—we ensure every operational detail is handled seamlessly, so designers can focus on creativity while we manage the complexities.

You previously founded Hightower, which you’ve now handed over to your daughters. How have those experiences shaped the way you build and lead POSH Interiors today?
Building Hightower with my daughters was an exciting and rewarding experience, and I’m proud of the success that continues today. The common thread between Hightower and POSH Interiors is a deep commitment to strong relationships—with our brand partners, clients, and internal teams.

Both companies share a passion for design and a dedication to exceptional service. Those values shaped how I lead POSH today: by focusing on trust, collaboration, and a genuine love for bringing great design to life.

When curating the POSH Interiors portfolio – what do you look for in the brands you choose to represent?
Everything starts with the potential to build a close, meaningful relationship and a shared drive toward performance that creates mutual success. Trust is at the core of any strong partnership—it’s something I deeply value in both my personal and professional life.

Of course, representing a brand that lives and breathes design and consistently brings incredible new products to market is a huge advantage. But without a foundation of trust and alignment, great product alone isn’t enough. The best partnerships are built on shared values, open communication, and a long-term vision.

Throughout your career, you’ve worked with many different design expressions – how has your personal design philosophy evolved over time, and how does it influence your decisions today?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with a wide range of design expressions—from bold and experimental to timeless and minimal. Over time, I’ve developed a strong appreciation for authenticity, clarity, and purpose in design. I’ve come to believe that great design doesn’t shout—it quietly elevates the experience of a space.

My personal design philosophy has evolved to value simplicity, quality craftsmanship, and emotional resonance. I’m drawn to pieces that have soul—designs that are not only beautiful but also serve a meaningful function and stand the test of time.

This philosophy directly influences how I curate the POSH Interiors portfolio. I look for brands that share that same commitment to thoughtful design, that care deeply about the details, and that understand the importance of both aesthetics and performance. Every product we bring in must align with that belief and contribute something fresh and meaningful to the projects our clients are creating.

Looking back, is there a project or turning point that significantly shaped how you see design today?
I’ve always learned the most from my friends who are leading architects and interior designers. Over the years, I’ve made it a point to seek out design leaders and really listen—to understand their vision for creating environments that reflect their clients’ brands and support the people who work within them. That ongoing dialogue has deeply shaped how I view design—not as a standalone aesthetic pursuit, but as a tool for storytelling, performance, and wellbeing. It’s less about a single turning point and more about the cumulative impact of those conversations and collaborations over time.

If you had to describe Skargaarden’s design in three words – which ones would you choose, and why?
Refined. Honest. Inviting.
Skargaarden’s collections have a quiet sophistication that feels elevated without ever trying too hard. The honesty comes through in the materials and craftsmanship—nothing is overdone or unnecessary. And above all, the pieces feel welcoming. You can picture them in a luxury resort or a peaceful home patio, always inviting you to relax and enjoy the moment.

What role does outdoor furniture play in today’s commercial projects, especially within hospitality?
Outdoor furniture has become a key element in creating seamless, experiential spaces that extend the interior design into the outdoors. In hospitality, it’s not just about providing seating—it’s about crafting an atmosphere that enhances the guest experience.

What’s inspiring you the most right now – in the world of design or beyond?
Right now, I’m most inspired by the intersection of technology and design. With the rapid advancements in AI, automation, and sustainability, there are so many new ways to approach design that I find incredibly exciting. The ability to create smarter, more adaptable spaces that not only serve functional needs but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable world is a huge driver for me.

In the world of design, I’m particularly inspired by how designers are embracing these technologies to push boundaries and rethink traditional processes. It’s an exciting time to see how tech can enhance creativity, improve the user experience, and make design more inclusive and accessible.

Beyond design, I’m deeply inspired by the growing movement toward sustainability and social responsibility. I believe businesses have an obligation to not only create products that are beautiful and functional but also to consider their impact on the environment and society at large. This shift toward more ethical, purpose-driven design is something that motivates me every day, both in the products I curate and in the way I approach the business side of design.

Finally – if you could share one piece of advice for someone looking to build a successful design business today, what would it be? And what have you personally learned about great design along the way?
My advice would be to stay curious and avoid complexity. Curiosity is the driving force behind innovation in design. Always seek out new ideas, explore different cultures and perspectives, and stay open to learning. The design world is constantly evolving, and the best way to stay ahead is to be inquisitive—ask questions, challenge assumptions, and always look for fresh solutions.

As for avoiding complexity, in today’s world, simplicity and clarity often stand out the most. Whether it’s in product design, architecture, or business operations, complexity can create confusion and hinder decision-making. Striving for simplicity in both design and process allows for greater impact, smoother execution, and more effective results. Great design should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also intuitive and functional, making the user’s experience as seamless as possible.

Over the years, I’ve learned that the best designs come from a place of understanding—understanding the needs of the people, the context in which the design will exist, and the story it is meant to tell. A great design should resonate with people, solve a problem, and enrich the experience. Keeping these principles in mind while maintaining curiosity and simplicity is the key to creating designs that truly make a difference.