KIILA Dining Chair-Upholstered Back

I was born in Oulu, Finland in 1976, moved to Turku, Finland, started my design studies at Lahti University of Applied Sciences in 1997, graduated from Aalto University in 2010, founded my own design company in 2001, and have been working with various companies in Japan and Europe. In my work, I always enjoy challenges of finding new solutions to a wide variety of design problems ranging from small structural details to spatial design. The shape of my design sometimes develops intuitively due to the nature of the material, which is true especially when I work with wood which is my favorite material. Modern technology and new manufacturing techniques, woodwork techniques, and skilled manufacturers have created new possibilities for the design of wooden stuff. I’m still learning and working on wood, which is an exciting and challenging project that will last a lifetime because wood is a natural material with unique characteristics. Wood work always demands me a process of trial and error and teaches me something new every time. In my opinion it is important for a designer to keep an open mind and to be willing to listen to the views of other professionals involved in a design project. I think a designer’s job is to gather and combine all the relevant information to be used as a basis for an optimally durable, sensible, functional, and aesthetically pleasing design. Whenever I create something new, I try to take materials, ergonomics, and ecological perspectives into consideration at an early stage and to construct a functional design based on these principles. A product which is beautiful, well-crafted, well-designed, and made in a sustainable way will have a longer life. After all, this should be everyone's concern in this day and age.

CondeHouse, established in 1968, is a Japan-based contemporary furniture manufacturer dedicated to creating spaces that foster comfort and relaxation in daily life. With a deep gratitude for nature, the company's core values prioritize reliability, durability, and sustainability. Using wood sourced from Hokkaido's lush forests, CondeHouse crafts furniture designed to endure for generations, employing traditional techniques alongside modern technology at their Asahikawa factory.