About
Industrial Designer with over 13 years as an in-house designer at VA-Varuste since September 2012 – a manufacturer specializing in marine soft goods. Working directly at the factory means daily contact with production: from material selection to final assembly. I regularly visit boat manufacturers to test and fit the products I design, ensuring everything works in real-world conditions.
When I started, projects were simpler - traditional boat cushion sets. Today, the work has evolved dramatically: complex upholstery systems, sofas and sunbeds with integrated mechanisms, and complete interior packages for clients ranging from small boat manufacturers to leading boat brands. The company has grown alongside - we now operate from two locations: Kuopio, Finland and Suwalki, Poland, with daily collaboration across both sites.
My strength is problem-solving. I can quickly identify potential issues in product designs - essential when development cycles are fast and solutions need to be locked in at the CAD stage. I thrive on managing complexity: my recent work includes the interior and deck upholstery for the Saxdor 460 GTC – cabin mattresses, bow cushions, sunbed cushions, wheelhouse sofas, pilot seats, and aft deck seating – from concept to production coordination.
The variety keeps me motivated. Projects range from simple cushions to complex canopy systems with custom frames and mechanism-driven furniture. Beyond upholstery, I create technical drawings for subcontracted parts – CNC-cut foam, laser-cut metal and wood, plastic components, and welded tube and sheet structures. I've also designed PUR foam molds and molded plastic parts. Sometimes even marketing materials, websites, and vehicle wraps.
I combine traditional design skills with programming to create smarter workflows. Using Python, C#, and Grasshopper/Rhino, I build custom tools that automate repetitive design tasks while maintaining quality and flexibility.
Graduated from Kuopio Academy of Design in 2010. Currently pursuing a Master's degree at Savonia UAS, developing automated modeling software for boat canopy production – always looking for smarter ways to work.