Finnish designer, Mikko Paakkanen, studied carpentry before deciding to pursue his interest in design and innovative manufacturing methods. In his work, Paakkanen uses his perspective as both carpenter and designer to make creative work that honours classic craftsmanship. Paakkanen completed a master’s degree at the University of Art and Design Helsinki in 1998, where he returned years later to teach. Working as a freelance designer since 1998, he founded his own design firm, Studio Paakkanen. He has designed products for well-known brands such as Nikari and Avarte, and has also worked as an interior architect and set designer for art projects and music videos. Mikko Paakkanen has received many awards and grants for his work, including the Finnish Cultural Foundation grant; the Muoto 2011 Award, and the Fennia Prize from the Design Forum Finland. Paakkanen’s works are housed in numerous museum collections, including the Cooper Hewitt Museum, New York, USA; Die Neue Sammlung, Munich, Germany; Röhrska Museet , Göteborg, Sweden; Designmuseo, Helsinki, Finland and Wakita Museum, Nagano, Japan.
