Mikko Laakkonen
Mikko Laakkonen comes from Espoo, Southern Finland. Having trained as a musical instrument builder, Laakkonen later studied design at Kymenlaakso University of Applied Sciences. He also has a Master’s degree from Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architecture. After several years at various design and architectural agencies, Laakkonen founded Studio Mikko Laakkonen in 2004. The company provides product design services, with an emphasis on everyday utility articles. Laakkonen’s works are minimalistic, practical, and functional, while at the same time showing lightness and sensitivity. Laakkonen designs products for homes and public premises from wood, metal, glass, and plastic. Mikko Laakkonen has received several design prizes such as the Furniture Designer of the Year (2014), Dot Best of the Best Design Award (2013), the Red Dot Design Award (2012), Chicago Athenaeum’s Good Design Award (2010) and the Young Designer of the Year (2009). His works have been displayed in various exhibitions in Europe, the United States, China, and Japan. Currently, Laakkonen works on multidisciplinary projects with various Finnish and international companies. In addition to Innolux, his cooperation partners include Marimekko, Inno, Isku, Martela, Offecct, Bosa, Casamania, and Covo.