Harri Koskinen was born in Karstula, Finland, in 1970. He later moved to Helsinki, where he studied at the University of Art and Design until 1998. Shortly afterwards, he founded his own design studio, Friends of Industry Ltd.
Harri Koskinen achieved his international breakthrough in 1996 with the legendary "Block" lamp, which he designed for Design House Stockholm. Awards followed in quick succession. In 2000, he received the coveted title of "Young Designer of the Year" in his home country of Finland. Since then, he has received several international awards (including the Red Dot Award 2001, the iF Design Award 2002 and Design Plus 2002).
His furniture and design objects have long attracted great interest beyond Finland's borders. As a "friend of industry" – as he calls himself – he aims above all to create solutions that are innovative for both manufacturers and consumers. In his work, he tries to combine strictly rational requirements with a free, intuitive perspective.
With its uncompromising focus on functionality, his sober, monumental design has earned a firm place with companies such as Arabia, Iittala and Danese Milano.
