Harri Koskinen chairs

Harri Koskinen is a Finnish designer known for his uncompromising and bold design in areas such as glass, lighting, furniture, and architecture. With a focus on a minimalist aesthetic, Koskinen creates designs that both challenge and inspire. He has established himself as one of Finland’s leading designers, with works represented internationally.

Harri Koskinen 1970

Koskinen was born in Karstula, Finland, and studied at the Lahti Design Institute as well as the University of Art and Design in Helsinki. His breakthrough came in 1996 with the famous and award-winning Block Lamp, which has since become a modern design classic. The lamp consists of a lightbulb encased in two glass blocks and has received awards worldwide.

In 2000, he founded his own design studio, Friends of Industry Ltd., which works on product, concept, and exhibition design. In 2009, he launched his first collection under his own name – Harri Koskinen Works. Between 2012 and 2016, he was the design director for the brand Iittala, and he is now Design Development Lead.

Harri Koskinen's Collaborations and Awards

Koskinen has also collaborated with internationally recognized brands such as Muuto, Iittala, and Zanat. His design collaborations with Muuto have resulted in sleek and functional products like chairs and lamps, while his work with Zanat led to the Igman collection, a set of chairs and an ottoman that combines handcrafted details with a modern aesthetic. The Igman collection features leather upholstery and a wooden frame, available in several different types of wood.

Koskinen has won numerous prestigious design awards, including the Compasso d’Oro in 2004, the Pro Finlandia Medal in 2007, the Torsten and Wanja Söderberg Prize in 2009, and the Kaj Franck Design Prize in 2014 – underscoring his significance in the global design world.

Design Philosophy

Koskinen’s design philosophy is based on the idea that objects should be user-friendly and timelessly appealing. His goal is to create products that last for many years, both functionally and aesthetically. Koskinen’s work continues to set the standard for Nordic design, where minimalism and functionality go hand in hand.