NINA KAUPPI

Nina Kauppi is a product and industrial designer with an extra ordinary expertise when it comes to small scale objects, tactility and attention to details - whether it comes to furniture, lighting design or jewellery. Since 2016 she runs the award-winning design studio “Kauppi & Kauppi”, based in Malmö south Sweden.

Photographer Johan Kauppi.

Describe yourself in 5 words?

Dedicated, executive, independent, passionate, curious and humorous ... oh, that was six words!

What’s a cause that is important to you ?

Equal rights!

How has the Pandemic changed you?

I believe everyone has changed to some extent. I would actually like to point out one of the good things this challenging situation has given us – a new refreshed ability of appreciating things we normally would take for granted.

What is the quality you most like in another person?

Whether it is a person or a collaborating company it is actually the same qualities I value, the capability of being devoted and focused, with a laughter.

What’s the best learning experience you have had?

The experience that dreaming and goal setting, combined with hard work and grit - can take you almost anywhere! If someone else has been able to achieve something - it is a sign that the dream is feasible and possible. Applying for an “almost-out-of-reach” in-house designer job at Tiffany & Co in New York ten years ago, without any personal contacts on the “inside” or in the city, and to finally acquire a position was mind-blowing form me. A position that gave me the fantastic possibility to work with some of the most talented and knowledge sharing individuals I have met.

How does design imbue your life day-to-day ?

I feel fortunate that being a designer has become more of a lifestyle than having a job title. Every day of the week I get the opportunity to create and question; shape, ergonomics, colors, materials, textures, surfaces, curves, functionality and durability. Together with fantastic collaboration colleagues in different fields, we look into what is needed, how it can be improved and how to achieve sustainable aesthetics.

I Am Woman was designed to inspire the future of women in business, so with that in mind, if you could you give one piece of advice to young females, what would it be?

I strongly recommend everyone to connect with a mentor, an advice I wish to give professional individuals on all levels - senior positions included. “The dream job” doesn’t exist, it needs to be reinvented every day. In conversations with others, we learn new things and gain fresh perspectives.

If you ran the world for a day .. what three things would you implement/change?

One of the most important question to implement in every corner of the world, is education for everyone. Knowledge brings awareness and perception, which leads to better decision making. On personal levels, community levels and global levels. It is only with awake eyes and with an understanding mind set we truly can make a change and evolve. As conscious individuals, we will be able to change intricate issues - whether it is in our own daily lives or as a united global group acting on crucial matters like climate change or equal rights.

How do you spend time outside of work ?

Our beloved office dog Glimma, the design studios “HR-manager,” will make sure we get enough fresh air and long walks in nature. The Scandinavian coastline offers beautiful sceneries, and when we visit Lapland (our 2nd home) we love to hike in the austere mountains. Added to those activities there are few things that bring me more pleasure than trying to figure out the essence of a course that was served at a professional chef's table!

What city fits your style and aesthetic most?

New York, for it’s permissive “walk your own way” versatility styles. This city has taught me that whatever your style is - it is yours and you wear it with pride and that is more important than trends.

What trends are you loving at the moment whether it be fashion, interiors, beauty or food.

A trend that I love and seriously really hope is more than a trend – is the importance of durability as a core value, when bringing new products to production. When it comes to interior designs, I feel strongly for biophilic elements in our offices, restaurants and homes. I am probably a bit bias, being a gardener’s daughter. I literally grew up in a greenhouse jungle.

In this rapidly changing world, how would you improve sustainability globally?

Make sure we reduce, reuse, recycle, re-invent and being responsible.

If you woke up tomorrow as the leader of your country, what are the top three things you would address?

Enhance local food production, what we eat everyday should not necessarily have traveled the world before it is served on our plates. Even though my experience in management positions has been successful, I would not be able to point out the right direction for Sweden - so after the morning coffee, I would replace myself with the elected “real” leader.

If you didn't end up in your career what other job would you have done and why?

My interest in cooking would probably developed me into a chef. I have a fascination for the texture, scents, colors, and taste of the ingredients. What happens when you mix and present it – well it sounds actually a lot like working with design, but tastier!

Do you have any upcoming projects or events you want to share with us ?

I am hopelessly boring when it comes to sneak peeking or revealing the unrevealed. Secrets are safe with me until time is ready! Lots of captivating projects fills our studio days - some are very large, others fit in the palm of my hand. Until we have pushed every curve that needs to be pushed and taken the concepts as far as possible together with our companions – the designs will always be safely concealed.

We would love to know which two products from KFive+Kinnarps are your favourite.

The Rocca stool by Materia designed by Alexander Rehn, is a very nice example of simplicity meeting functionality and uniqueness - instant love. When it comes to using resources wisely and at the same time manage to transform recycled plastic into an aesthetic statement, I believe that the Tinnef table with the new white marble-looking top is truly seductive. A great design by Charlotte von der Lancken for Skandiform.

What woman in your life would you like to thank and why?

Thank you Grandmother Elsa, for being the coolest role model, best storyteller and for teaching me to make delicious Swedish meatballs!