JOHANNA VUORIO
I AM WOMAN
Johanna Vuorio graduated from Helsinki University of Technology (now Aalto University) in 1999 before spending the following decade working alongside Professor Yrjö Kukkapuro at Finnish furniture company Avarte. In 2009, she joined Nikari as Managing Director, and in 2010 became the company's majority shareholder, succeeding founder and award-winning master cabinetmaker Kari Virtanen.
Today, Vuorio continues to uphold Nikari's philosophy of combining exceptional craftsmanship with contemporary design and sustainable values—something she describes as "an inspiring example of ultramodern, meaningful furniture production." She is passionate about preserving traditional craftsmanship by providing apprenticeship opportunities for young cabinetmakers, while continuing to collaborate with internationally recognised designers including Jasper Morrison, Louise Campbell, Alfredo Häberli, Harri Koskinen and Nao Tamura.
Few people understand Nikari's philosophy and approach to craftsmanship better than CEO Johanna Vuorio. We sat down with Johanna to discuss sustainability, timeless design and the values that continue to shape one of Finland's most respected furniture makers.
What inspires you to design?
I think that a well-made object usually lasts time and is cherished by the user for a long time, thus reducing the amount of waste. Hopefully we could concentrate on creating high-quality, sustainable products that you never want or have to throw away – this is one of the core ideas of today's design to me.
How did you develop your style?
I don't know the answer to this question – I'm not so sure if I have a certain style. However, I have had the privilege of working with very talented and wise people whose opinions and thoughts have had a big effect on my thinking. Probably travelling and living abroad have made their mark, too. It is also quite special to work in an environment like Fiskars Village. You see art, beautiful nature and great craftsmanship every day – after experiencing that you begin to see and appreciate things a little differently. Pure, simple and natural things usually inspire me most. And light – it is important here in the north.
What do you think is the biggest challenge in the industry today?
Not to give in to the temptation of making (or buying) things cheaply and easily and, in the process, losing sight of the bigger ideas. We don't need more stuff in the world; we should aim to find ways of making a living by creating long-lasting objects and reducing the amount of waste.
What gets you through the day?
My days are so different from each other that I usually just feel curious about what will lie ahead. You never know how the day will go – it's unbelievable.
Are you a tea or coffee person?
Mmmm… I'm a chocolate person.
What do you think is the greatest invention of all time?
The human voice – and the languages that give us the tools to communicate, including music.
What is something you can't live without?
Water, air, nature, my family!
What is your favourite brand at the moment?
It's impossible to choose one favourite, but today I would mention Marimekko – always creating refreshing and inspiring work. They're a brand I continue to admire.
What is your favourite place to eat?
Helsinki's restaurant scene is brilliant – the city is filled with wonderful places to eat. It's always lovely to catch up with friends at one of its beautiful restaurants, although it's challenging to find time to visit all the interesting newcomers. In the end, though, I would still choose an intimate dinner at home with friends and family.
What product excited you the most recently?
We visited a wonderful Swedish leather factory recently. I still can't stop thinking about the incredible quality of the leather saddles and riding equipment we saw there. Superb craftsmanship in every detail is always such a pleasure to experience.
What's your favourite colour at the moment?
I have loved all the shades of grey – the colours of stormy seas, smooth stones on the beach and cloudy northern skies – for as long as I can remember.
What is the greatest thing you've learnt through your career?
You can't underestimate the power of a great team – more minds, better results. And your intuition is usually right.
What achievement are you most proud of?
Please ask me again in a couple of decades…
What methodologies, systems or routines do you have in place to make sure you are productive every day?
I try to write everything down so I don't need to stress about remembering something in particular. It also helps to have a "main theme" for different weekdays so I know what issues to prioritise and when. Above all, it's important to recognise that you stay more productive and focused if you can take even a few minutes to yourself during the busiest weeks. Hiking with my dog in the woods or along the beach is a necessity.
If you could give one piece of advice to young female designers, what would it be?
Trust yourself, enjoy this one life you have and never forget to keep learning.