Leaving sketches behind: Tony Sund

Name: Tony Sund
Age: 22
Hometown: Jakobstad, Finland

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I grew up in a small harbor town in western Finland called Jakobstad. I’ve always been interested in work where I’m able to use my hands and express creativity. It can be anything from drawing and painting, to making tattoos and build bikes. My previous education was in metal manufacturing with focus on welding. I’m also a big fan of all kinds of extremesports such as skateboarding and snowboarding.

What got you interested in studying furniture design?

I actually got into studying furniture design when my girlfriend was about to apply for the fashion design program at Novia and said to me, “Hey you should apply for the furniture design program at this school, I think that would suit you”. At the time I was bored of bending welding the metal pieces together day after day. I wanted to do something that allowed me to express my creativity and be a bit more artsy. With handsight, this has shown to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. The education and this line of work allows me to grow as the artist I’m looking to become.

You as a designer / What kind of jobs interest you?

I like to think of myself as quite comprehensive when it comes to design. I like to work with wood and its natural structures and patterns. Playing with colors, combining materials such as wood and metal. Basically I like to experiment. One of the reasons I got into furniture design is the freedom showing creativity and the opportunities given in this line of work, to meet people and always being able to grow as a designer and a human being. In the future I’d like to work with other people, not only designers, but also people with different expertise to develop and create products, artwork, services, and so on. One day, sooner or later when I feel ready I might start up my own business. If it’s furniture or something totally different, the future will tell.

From what angle will you be approaching the theme “Senses”?

I’ve made a pair of stools which goes by the name “OUCH!” and the main sense I’ve worked with is touch. The idea is to create a sort of “spike mat” feeling and function in a piece of furniture. I’ve also played a bit with the idea of fear and pain, how our brain learns to gives us a warning by triggering the non-traditional sense of “pain”. For example if we try to put our hand on something very hot. In this case the stools are in fact quite comfortable, the soft shapes and the eye catching colors gives a warm and inviting feeling to the stools. If I would be a spectator at the fair I would get curious of trying them out. I hope others will feel the same way.

What do you hope for or expect from Stockholm Furniture Fair 2015?

My expectations while exhibiting at the fair is to gain experience and get feedback. Networking and creating contacts with both students, designers and other businesspeople is probably my main “mission”. I’m looking forward to see what others have come up with, especially the people exhibiting in greenhouse. Basically I’m looking to have a good time.

Can you name a piece of furniture that has made an impression on you and why?

That’s a difficult question… The first one that comes to mind right now is the string shelf. I’s beautiful, timeless and simple. But I’d like to say that most of the Scandinavian design furniture and many Scandinavian designers have made an impression and inspired me. I’m most inspired by Danish and Finnish design.

Leaving sketches behind: Roy Metsi

 
Name: Roy-Wilhelm Metsi

Age: 25
Hometown: Turku


Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I have been building things with my hands since I was little. It has become a habit to think things differently. I am an open minded person who thinks that opportunity lies everywhere. If you just do things in a large scale and repeat the stuff that drives you on there might be a possibility to succeed. I love to sail. The surrounding sea gives me great inspiration.


What got you interested in studying furniture design?

I was raised in natural habitat for making arts and crafts. When I graduated from art high-school I was sure that design studies would be the last piece of the puzzle in almost life-long continuum. I was interested in arts, drawing and photographing. In high-school I started to consider a career from either, but ended up with probably more practical choice. The kind of choice which leaves more possibilities after spending four years with studying it. The with thinking as a designer probably comes from the thinking that.

 
You as a designer / What kind of jobs interest you?

I am very independent when it comes to planning and constructing a furniture. It is good to have a kind of freedom in doing things. Appreciating solitude in work it’s also convenient to have on-going response from fellow students and workers. I would want to spread my competence in design branch with some more studies. I am looking forward to set up my own design studio some day.

From what angle will you be approaching the theme "Senses"?

My view to the theme “Senses” was much related to work environment. I wanted to create a form that lightens the atmosphere in the office, while working, but still remaining playful. Office table dbord could be set as a meeting place for every one in the office. One could stop by and have a cup of coffee or stay longer to check your email, perhaps on the other end of the table. Just to make room for everyone to fit around.

What do you hope for or expect from Stockholm Furniture Fair 2015?

I see the fair as a good way to find opportunities. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, make new contacts from students to professionals. There is also a great amount of purchasing agents wandering around. And it’s of course a great opportunity to have a good time with our class and enjoy the international atmosphere.

Can you name a piece of furniture that has made an impression on you and why?

I have long admired Alvar Aaltos work (from furnitures to architectural entities)  and Artek as a company. Company’s line is very simplistic and integral. If I have to name one furniture from their catalogue, it would be this Ilmari Tapiovaaras chair from 1946: because of it’s light design, yet still heavy with materials. It is also very comfortable to sit.

The girls behind our stand

Our group at Novia in Turku focuses on designing the furniture for the fair, but for a successful exhibition you also need to focus your attention on the stand itself. Our stand is designed by a group of young women from Pietarsaari (Jakobstad), who study the Interior Design Program at Novia in their hometown.

Their studies at the Interior Design Program at Novia University of Applied Sciences give students knowledge about the functionality and layout of spaces, materials, light, color and decoration. The program comprises 240 credits and takes 4 years to complete. Students develop their creativity in the field of spatial and interior design. The studies also include creating different products like furniture and textiles in the schools own workshops.

For this project, called "mute", they wanted to create interaction between the furniture and the exhibition stand, so that they emphasize each other. They were looking for a material that is eye catching and something that people can relate to. They value sustainable development and it is something they try to keep in mind in our work.

Like us, the furniture design students, they’ve also addressed the theme Senses in their design. Egg cartons emerged from the idea of soundproofing the stand. The material meets their criteria and values.

"To plan an exhibitions stand has been an exciting project with new challenges, and we’re honored to have had the opportunity to contribute to Stockholm Furniture Fair 2015."

Leaving sketches behind: Emma Ingelin

Name: Emma Ingelin

Age: 23

Hometown: Pernaja/Pernå

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Emma Ingelin and I study Furniture Design at Novia University of Applied Science. I live right now in Turku but I am home from Pernaja. Someday I hope to move back to my hometown, but not until I am an old lady and can quietly enjoy a cup of tea while thinking that my life great. First I want to achieve my dreams and explore the world and what it has to offer me.

What got you interested in studying furniture design?

The biggest reason why I applied to Novia is so that I could work with my hands. I have always loved to paint and draw. Plus that I have a passion for furniture’s and architecture. When becoming a furniture designer means that these things are combined in the same profession. To create and invent things is something that I would do for fun, so why not make it as a future job for myself. I just love to see an idea that I’ve had transform from a thought to reality.

You as a designer / What kind of jobs interest you?

I don’t really see myself working at the same firm/company for too long. I have so much that I would like to do. Freelancing sounds nice in my ears. To get some experience before I go out and do my one thing I would like work as a designer at a bigger company. Then after that I would much like to start my one company and make it blossom.

From what angle will you be approaching the theme "Senses"?

The theme for our fair is “Senses” and I have combined it with nature. Freedom and full harmony enters the soul when spending time in the beautiful finish nature. The reason for my nature inspiration is because I feel that my senses are the most stimulated in the nature. Because of that I wanted to give my product a sense of being outdoors. Soft and hard materials in the product awakens a desire to touch it and the zippers gives away a certain kind of sound.

What do you hope for or expect from Stockholm Furniture Fair 2015?

When exhibiting my product at the Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair 2015, I really hope that it will be remembered by the visitors. Hopefully it will be considered as new and unique as well as beautiful and harmonic. It is every designers dream to be complemented on his/her hard work and maybe wake a lust for someone to buy the idea or the physical product.

Can you name a piece of furniture that has made an impression on you and why?

Growing up in Finland has made me appreciate Scandinavian design and craftsmanship. The simplicity and clean lines appeal to me. I can’t think of any specific furniture that have made a big impression on me, they all have subconsciously I guess.

 

Leaving sketches behind: Annelie Sundfors

 

Name:  Annelie Sundfors        

Age: 21
Hometown:  Nykarleby, Finland

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a practical person that need variation in what I do. I now live in Turku and study here, but after my exam I think I am ready to go and look around and find other places that will give me new impressions and more inspiration. I moved here from a small town called Nykarleby in Ostrobothnia. Before I applied for Furniture design at Novia university of applied sciences I studied at an art line at a vocational secondary school ( bildartesan/ kuva- artesaani).

What got you interested in studying furniture design?

I express myself best through different kinds of art. Somewhere in the middle of my art studies I became more and more interested in graphic design, industrial design and product design. At some point we went on a class trip to Turku and went to see the furniture design line at Novia. While walking around the school I just got that feeling that this is what I want to study. So then I applied for it and I got in. It is fun and challenging to turn ideas into reality and have it ending up in a piece of furniture, to make pieces that people find attractive and actually want to have around in their daily life.

You as a designer / What kind of jobs interest you?

I like to work by myself as much as I like to work with a engaged group of people. I would say that a job where I get to use my strong sides and get to develop as a designer is important, but further exact what kind of job that would be I can´t say yet.

From what angle will you be approaching the theme "Senses"?

I chose to work with the touching sense and contrasts of different materials. Soft fabric braids meeting hard wood. Simply because I myself like when wood meet other different materials in a little unexpected way.

What do you hope for or expect from Stockholm Furniture Fair 2015?

To meet new people in the same line of business, students as well as professionals. Have a great time with my classmates and enjoy the fact that we have the opportunity to participate. Maybe I find someone to cooperate with, if I’m lucky.

Can you name a piece of furniture that has made an impression on you and why?

That’s a hard question. But if I have to name one, it would be the genius String shelf of Nils and Kajsa Strinning. It’s so simple and clean, fits in almost everyone’s home!

Leaving sketches behind: Jonatan Svenfors

Name: Jonatan Svenfors
Age: 22
Hometown: Larsmo


Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm a Swedish speaking Finn who was born in a small county in Ostrobothnia (eastern Finland) called Larsmo. I currently live in Turku because of my studies. I have a great social sphere here in Turku and therefore I don't know what to do when I graduate. I wouldn't mind being able to stay for a few more years in Turku.

What got you interested in studying furniture design?

The main reason I decided to start studying furniture design was to be able to design and create something myself. I have always been interested in design, architecture and art.

You as a designer / What kind of jobs interest you?

I'm not sure at this stage of my career what I'm going to do in the future, but some kind of freelancing job would probably be the most interesting. It's possible that I study even further after I have graduated to be able to get some more variety in my job.

From what angle will you be approaching the theme "Senses"?

The sense I have tried to simulate is balance. To do that I have made a shelf with shelves hanging in leather straps, which makes a swinging motion.

What do you hope for or expect from Stockholm Furniture Fair 2015?

I look forward to meet new people in the design business. I also look forward to see what other people have come up with. I hope I will get some really good acquaintances at the fair.

Can you name a piece of furniture that has made an impression on you and why?

Eero Aarnio's Ball Chair is a piece of furniture that is a bit special to me. Mostly because my parents have that chair, and it was a really fun chair to sit in when I was a kid. It reminds me of my childhood. But it hasn't inspired me that much in my own designing.

Leaving sketches behind: Jenni Enbacka

Name: Jenni Enbacka

Age: 21
Hometown: Närpes, Finland

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I grew up in the Finnish country side, with a little bit dirt under my nails, never afraid of using my hands. I went to school in a small town, took my matriculation examination in 2012 and moved to Turku to study furniture design the same year.

I’ve been working summers in many different branches but design and culture are the fields I find the most interesting. I am grateful for all kind of experience though. Experience, and not only working experience, helps me build an understanding perspective on things, which is useful in my work as a designer.

 

What got you interested in studying furniture design?
 

I chose to study design because there is something very fascinating about how an idea becomes a sketch and finally a product. I want to believe that all kind of jobs are creative to a certain point, but to specific work creatively with design as a different way of making the world a better place.

When I was a child people told me I had sharp eyes, noticing details and small things, so the visual has been with me all the way. As long as I remember all kinds of crafts have been pleasant, to make something creative and useful with my hands. I find both these traits useful when designing and good design has for a long time had my curiosity.

 

You as a designer / What kind of jobs interest you? 

My designs have clean lines and I like simplicity, quite Nordic, functionalistic and timeless. I think that beautiful furniture is important, but also that it should leave space for personal touch to the room and home. Furniture is not my only interest when it comes to design though. Lamps, interior, porcelain and jewelry, and maybe services are other things I would like to design someday.

 

From what angle will you be approaching the theme "Senses"?
 

To be active and not to sit too much in everyday life is trending. Anyway we tend to want to sit if we get the chance. I designed my piece of furniture with all this in mind, and I found balance as an inspiring sense. My rocking stool activates while sitting.

What do you hope for or expect from Stockholm Furniture Fair 2015?
 

I hope to get some good advice, contacts and a lot of experience. I want to grow as a designer through feedback and thoughts shared at the fair. I would be thrilled if a company shows interest towards my design. I’m excited, a bit nervous, but I think it will be educating and fun.

Can you name a piece of furniture that has made an impression on you and why?

That’s a tricky question, but first in my mind will be the Finnish designer Yrjö Kukkapuro’s Karuselli armchair. It’s a modern timeless classic with everything well-reasoned. It’s hard work well done, both aesthetically and ergonomically. You can notice that he really has worked with the human body in mind not leaving the visual appearance behind. And I like that it’s a bit playful and fun. Try it if you get the chance!

Leaving sketches behind: Tessa Sundqvist

Name:  Tessa Sundqvist 

Age: 24

Hometown:  Helsinki, Finland

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a Swedish speaking Finnish furniture designer that was born in Sipoo but grew up in Helsinki.  Currently I live in Turku, but I don’t know where I’m going to live in the future.

I graduated from secondary school 2006, and then I traveled with bus every day from Helsinki to Porvoo for three years, so that I could become an Environment construction Artisan (Miljöbygge Artesán).

When I graduated from Borgå hantverks- och konstindustriskolan vocational school in 2009,  I still wanted to study more about design, so I applied to Novia University of Applied Sciences 2012 and will graduate 2016. 

What got you interested in studying furniture design?

My career probably started when I was 5 years old when I started to build playhouses in the forest. From that it developed into many hours of sketching fictitious furnished apartments and houses and now I’m studying to become a Furniture designer.

You as a designer / What kind of jobs interest you?

I have always been fascinated by different shapes, patterns and modern architecture. In all my designs I have gotten my inspiration from them, but also from everything that I see in my every day life.  My designs are modern and graphic, but if I design something for a costumer it depends on what the customer’s wishes are.

My dream has always been that I would get a job in an interior design agency or to someday run my own business, where I would design furniture and interiors.  That’s why I will try to get as much experience that I can get from my studies, by getting interesting internships and by putting all my effort in every project I participate in.

From what angle will you be approaching the theme "Senses"?

The sense that I have used in my table is touch, because you can feel the grain that goes in different directions and the joint between the triangles on the tabletop under your fingertips when you touch the surface.

What do you hope for or expect from Stockholm Furniture Fair 2015?

I will get the experience of having my own design displayed at a fair. And I hope I will get new contacts from my own field and hopefully find potential working partners.

Can you name a piece of furniture that has made an impression on you and why?

I have always been a huge Alvar Aalto fan. Alvar Aalto is one of Finland’s most known furniture designers. I have written at least three written assignments about him in school and I have been on an internship at a factory that produces Alvar Aalto's furniture.  I like Alvar Aalto's furniture because the furniture's shapes are clean and they are timeless.

This furniture is one of my favorites, designed by Alvar Aaalto, Stool 66.

Leaving sketches behind: Kristian Lagerroos

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Kristian Lagerroos, 26 y. of age and a fourth year furniture design student at the Novia university of applied sciences.

What got you interested in studying furniture design?

The fact that I can put my creativity and imagination into good use and also that I am able to create something concrete with my own hands using my own ideas.


You as a designer / What kind of jobs interest you?

I'm mainly interested in the design aspect of things. I wish to explore the possibilities of different materials while trying to make my products as aesthetically pleasing and functional as I can.


From what angle will you be approaching the theme "Senses"?

I will be approaching it from my own perspective. I wanted to keep things simple and minimal. While I am a rather visual person I want to portray a certain sense of direction through my piece, given that I made it during a difficult time in my personal life when I didn't know what i wanted or was supposed to do.


What do you hope for or expect from Stockholm Furniture Fair 2015?

I'm hoping to be having a good time and I am keen on meeting some interesting people at the fair.


Can you name a piece of furniture that has made an impression on you and why?

Off the top of my head I'd say that the "Nénuphar bed" by Louis Majorelle is a piece of furniture that really impresses me. Basically anything that Majorelle designed and manufactured but that one especially astounds me. I really admire the craftsmanship and the effort that went into making it considering that it was made sometime between 1902-1903. I can only imagine what it must have required to make with the techniques and equipment at the time. I can see that it's the work of a real master.