I have built my entire career in large construction and infrastructure companies, where operations are driven by factors such as cost efficiency and technical considerations. In this world, aesthetic evaluations of how things look are rarely given much attention. This has led me to reflect on the idea that if anyone is to transform the technical world, it must be the people from within the industry.
Skyline Legal is an innovative law firm that develops new ways to integrate visuality, technology, and legal expertise. Our primary focus is traditional legal consulting for energy and construction companies, but we also work on projects such as metaverse initiatives, educational solutions, and various events. Our mission is to be a unifying force that brings people together.
Design means considering not only costs and technical factors but also how solutions look and how they impact our living environment. The green transition doesn’t have to be unattractive or something no one wants in their backyard.
As a lawyer, I may have technical limitations when it comes to visualization, but my imagination knows no bounds. With new technologies, I have been able to visualize ideas in ways that were never possible before.
For me, the material doesn’t matter, but I find technical solutions problematic if their carbon footprint exceeds the problem they aim to solve. Often, durable and low-maintenance solutions are the best in this regard.
In Finland, we have a tradition of taking a dip in icy-cold seawater when we want to boost our creativity. A five-minute plunge into a frozen hole in the ice can enhance anyone's creativity. I highly recommend it to everyone!
My starting point is practicality and solving multiple obvious problems simultaneously. If we can create cooling shade, harness solar energy, charge electric vehicles with the collected energy, and at the same time create a pleasant urban landscape, we have an excellent foundation for design.
Design isn’t my main job, so I can approach it with a relaxed attitude. That’s why designing for me involves unwinding, creativity, letting my imagination run wild, and a bit of playful experimentation. Things don’t always have to be too serious—life is too short for gloominess.
My days are so busy that I usually don't have time to reflect on my feelings during different stages. Often, it's only afterward that I realize a project went pretty smoothly.
I'm not particularly harsh when judging others' or my own creations; if something evokes feelings, whether positive or negative, it has surely succeeded.
Design is largely seen as the shaping of physical objects, but in the future, virtuality and virtual objects will play a much bigger role. They aren't bound by the same constraints as the physical world, like money or size. That’s pretty exciting.
For me, exhibitions mean standing on a stage in front of an audience, lecturing about legal topics or other current themes. There are indeed several public events planned for the spring, with the northernmost destination being Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, where we’ll meet Santa Claus. It’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak to local entrepreneurs.
I live in Helsinki, Finland, on a beautiful island by the sea. My place of residence matters because I want to promote the green transition while ensuring that progress happens sustainably and in a way that respects natural landscapes and values.
I collaborate with companies from various industries in different partnerships. What we have in common is the desire to work together and succeed better as a team than we would alone.
My design process usually begins with an idea sparked in the field or on a construction site. I start developing the thought and exploring ways to visualize my concept. The technical execution is merely a means to bring to life a vision that was already formed earlier.
In our living room, we have a nearly 2-meter-tall unicorn glass sculpture, a beautiful white telescope, a piano, designer sofas, and a beautifully adorned Christmas tree.
A lawyer’s days are long but rewarding. Nobody asks a lawyer about things that are obvious or easy, so tackling various challenging questions often takes quite a bit of time. On the other hand, working in a great team makes the job both enjoyable and fulfilling.
Creativity, self-expression, and the use of imagination are definite positives. It's hard to see the downsides, but of course, if a designer's career really takes off, there might be a tough choice ahead - whether to pursue this or stick with law.
I rely solely on my imagination for brainstorming, which is the most powerful and best tool a human can have. For visualization, I use a computer and AI-based software.
It can take years to bring an idea to life, or sometimes just hours. Still, the general rule is that the faster it comes together, the better the idea usually is.
Starting and growing my own business has been an unparalleled experience. I highly recommend it to all brave individuals who believe in themselves and have the desire to achieve something great.
I’d love to put my designs into practice. Discussions with various companies are well underway, but we don’t yet have a complete concept for building the Leaf Roof project. Resolving technical and practical issues takes time, sometimes even years.
Right now, we’re in a very hectic season in the legal field, with all the major projects underway. At the moment, my design work is limited to jotting down good ideas for future use.
You can reach me through our company website at www.skylinelegal.fi as well as at trade fairs and events in Finland and Europe. Feel free to send me a message if you’d like to learn more or discuss the topic further!
Thank you, it has been a great honor to join the esteemed ranks of designers recognized by the A' Design Award. I hope that through my example, I can inspire others, especially those primarily working outside the field, to express themselves and discover the keys to a more aesthetic and functional future.
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