Harri Koskinen (born in 1970 in Karstula, Finland) is an industrial designer who founded the Friends of Industry Ltd. design agency in Helsinki.
He studied at the Lahti Design Institute as well as at the Aalto-Universität Helsinki Design and in 1996 gained international recognition for his Block Lamp design. The lamp, which consists of a light bulb enclosed by two glass blocks, is regarded as a classic in Scandinavian design. Koskinen founded his Friends of Industry Ltd. design agency in 2000. For the Salone del Mobile.Milano 2009 he also launched his own label, Harri Koskinen Works, under which he produces and sells many of his own furniture designs.
His portfolio comprises a wide range of diverse products, including furniture and lamps, tableware and glassware, watches and textiles. Koskinen’s uncompromising, clear design aesthetics have brought him international acclaim throughout his career. His work is known for its functionality and strict aesthetic criteria, and he consistently strives to find innovative solutions for consumers and manufacturers alike. Harri Koskinen’s long-term customers and collaboration partners include Finnair, Hermès, Iittala, Issey Miyake, Marimekko, Muji, Panasonic, Seiko, Artek and Woodnotes. Many of his designs have received awards, including the Kaj Franck Design Prize (2014), the Torsten and Wanja Söderberg Prize (2009), the Pro Finlandia Medal (2007) and the Compasso d’Oro (2004). They also feature in the collections of numerous notable museums, such as the MoMA in New York.
