• Simo Heikkilä,
• Studio Simo Heikkilä Oy
• Pitkäkatu 35
• FI-40700 Jyväskylä
• Finland
• T: + 358 (0)14 645 855
• F: + 358 (0)14 645 855
• » www.periferiadesign.fi/

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"Good furniture should have a distinct character, I like semi-finished materials such as plywood and metal tubing. Then the step from the materials to the finished product is as short as possible."

Simo Heikkilä (born 1943) is a Finnish interior designer who is carrying on the tradition of uncluttered Scandinavian design. He began his career designing shops and exhibitions for Marimekko, but set up his own studio in 1971. Simon Heikkilä is a designer who has achieved widespread recognition and won various prizes. Ergonomics, visible structures, and purity of materials are typical features of his furniture.
Heikkilä has been awarded long-term Finnish State Grants since 1989. This has made it possible for him to carry out experimental work which has brought benefits to designs of his that have gone into production. Working in collaboration with Finland's best craft workers has cultivated in him a feeling for different materials, which he has deemed important to pass on to students in his teaching work. He is currently head of the wood studio at the University of Art and Design Helsinki.As well as furniture design, Simo Heikkilä has carried out numerous interior designs including Joensuu Library. However, he is particularly well known as an exhibition designer. Heikkilä's exhibition designs have been praised for the lightness and airiness of their structures, and the naturalness of the light and the materials.
Simo Heikkilä is known for his international activities which have given rise to an extensive network over the years. In 1995, Heikkilä was instrumental in launching the international Design for Architecture events in Jyväskylä, which are now organised by the Alvar Aalto Academy.