Good Life Designed was born out of the idea that we all have unlimited potential but questions like ‘what do I want?’ and ‘how do I get there?’ are often easier left unanswered. 

Mother and daughter co-founders Pernille and Sine Maria Lopez found themselves asking the same questions at very different life stages. Pernille was formulating her corporate exit strategy after a very successful career while Sine was taking the first steps to figure out hers.

The two decided to employ all of the self development tools Pernille had been given during her years climbing the corporate ladder at IKEA and double down on designing their next phases, together. The two designed an annual weekend of reflection, self-development and meaningful connection and invited friends to join. This became the first Good Life Designed retreat in 2010 that just celebrated its 10th year.

Inspired by the impact the work had on their own journey and the lives of their friends, Sine and Pernille have worked together to create the Good Life Designed concept, process and to design the brand.

Good Life Designed celebrates the potential of every person and supports growth-minded individuals on their path to their fullest lives, all in good company.

Throughout her career she has been dedicated to advancing Gender Intelligence, Cultural Inclusiveness, and empowering individuals to achieve their highest aspirations while remaining true to themselves. 

As a thought- and business leader, coach, and mentor Pernille brings a unique perspective on personal and professional development. She believes all people have unlimited potential and her purpose has throughout her life been helping people see and unlock their fullest potential.

In addition to her work with Good Life Designed she also serves on several corporate and non-profit boards, both national and international, with a focus on strategy, leadership, culture, organizational development, and diversity.

Accolades and Recognition

  • Forbes: Featured in Forbes magazine for her extraordinary leadership and business insights.

  • Harvard Business Review: Recognized for her innovative approaches to human resources and organizational development.

  • The Wall Street Journal: Profiled for her strategic vision and the transformation of IKEA's North American operations.

  • Fortune: Acknowledged as one of the most influential women in business, a testament to her lasting impact on the corporate world.

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN HER IN

Meet Pernille

Following a long corporate career, Pernille Spiers-Lopez left IKEA after 21 years with no plan B. She took a year off, wrote her book “Design Your Life” and then decided she would spend the next chapter of her life sharing her personal leadership tools, continue her love for mentoring and facilitating meaningful conversations, while focusing on her own growth as well. It was with this in mind Good Life Designed was created.


Pernille is the former President of IKEA North America and Global Chief HR Officer. Over the span of her tenure, she elevated the company to new heights and set new standards for success, both for the business and its employees. Her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to people, and exceptional business acumen have garnered international acclaim. 

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MEET THE TEAM

  • Karin Graabaek

    Co-Founder of GLD UK + Lead Facilitator

    Karin is a shining example of always designing and redesigning a life that fits her, husband and two daughters’ lives in London. Karin and Pernille were meant to meet and create great things together. The two were born in the same Danish town and both have a journalist degree from the same school of journalism in Denmark. They met in 2010 when Karin was asked to write the Danish book about Pernille’s career and life – “Hvis Dit Liv Var et Køkken” (If Your Life Was a Kitchen). That was the beginning of a great friendship and collaboration, which they decided to continue for the American version “Design Your Life” and expand with the involvement in Good Life Designed.

    Karin has also published several design books, two personal travel guides “London My Love” and “I love New York” further showcasing her passion for exploration and storytelling.

    Since 2011, Karin has been an integral part of GLD, and her role has grown to encompass mentoring and facilitation. In her yoga classes, mindful journaling workshops, and mentoring sessions, Karin marries her 30 years as a journalist, listening to diverse life narratives, with her experience at the heart of the Good Life Designed community and her insights as a yoga teacher.

    She personifies the principles of yoga and Good Life Designed, always aiming to meet people where they are. Her passion is clear: inspiring people to discover who they are and what truly resonates with them and challenge and guide them to find what works best for them.

    With her own intention to explore and live life with curiosity and presence - through ups and downs - she is always modeling how the Good Life Designed process is never done – it’s a way of living.

  • Sine Maria Lopez

    Co-Founder + Creative Director

    Sine co-founded Good Life Designed 10 years ago with Pernille. Sine is the Creative Director of the brand and creates engaging experiences that connect growth minded individuals. She is creative with a deep appreciation of personal and professional development, meaningful connection and creating space for this work to take place. Sine has used the elements of Good Life Designed to design her personal and professional life and build her career as a Los Angeles based designer and producer over the last decade. Sine currently runs Operations for a female focused travel company with a mission to redirect tourism dollars to women owned businesses operating 30+ trips a year across 5 countries.