TIMO RIPATTI

Mr. Timo Ripatti
Email: timo(at)studioripatti.fi
Address: Studio Ripatti
Telephone: +358 50 68109
www. studioripatti.fi

Timo Ripatti, Interior Architect, SIO, MA 2002 in Furniture Design, University of Art and Design Helsinki and M. Sc. in Architecture, Tampere University of Technology

Ripatti tells about his dreams:

"As a child I dreamed about all those professions that so many little boys dream about. Being an astronaut, pilot or captain of the ship. I didn't even know that such a profession as furniture designer existed. Furniture design came to my life relatively late. I studied architecture and worked as an architect when I realized that those large-scale projects just were not for me. Then at almost thirty I went to the University of Art and Design in Helsinki to study furniture design.

I do not know how other people end up in their fields, but I must have something wrong with my head, regarding the way I dream about chairs. Maybe furniture designers are some kind of wannabe sculptors, or how does it go? At its best the work feels like making sculpture."

What is your main field of interest professionally?

"I have consciously scaled down my interests in the field of design. Nowadays I am concentrating on furniture design, occasionally working as interior architect and graphic designer. It is important to me that projects are small enough  so that they remain in my own hands.

My interest is focused on the human scale and form. I am also fascinated of the emotional and tactile aspects of spaces, objects and materials. Each new assignment confirms my design philosophy, hones my design skills, and clarifies my personal vision as a designer."

What is the vision / mission / leading idea behind your design?

"I am constantly looking for the forms and shapes. Pure form and overall aesthetics are in my main focus when working on a project. Detailing and structure are subordinate parts in the final object. Comfort and functionality are always possible to solve in a decent way. But what I am trying to generate is a self-explanatory form and a visually unbroken piece of furniture.

Good design is meaningful to its user. Good design stands the test of time aesthetically and structurally. Long-lasting and beloved products are also ecological.

The perfect piece of furniture does not exist - that is every time completely dependent of atmosphere of the current situation."

Awards / mentions

2010 Furniture Designer of the Year in Finland
2009 Furniture of the Year Award for Ellipse chair             
2009 Fennia Prize Honorary Mention for Ellipse chair