DESCRIPTION:
Hahmo Design Oy was founded in September 2003. The Finnish word hahmo translates to the following English words, which help sum up the essence of this design firm: character, shape, form, figure, sketch, outline, idea. “We are a combination of established designers, with skills in graphic, spatial, and concept design,” explains Pekka Piippo, partner at Hahmo Design Oy. “We design corporate and organizational identities, create brandscapes and visuals for special events, and plan out product launches.” As defined by Piippo, “Good design takes into account the varied needs and restrictions of the end user. Teamwork with professionals from different fields will produce identities that combine product design, graphic design, spatial design, and architecture in a more efficient and coherent way.”

VOICE:
“To be somewhat honest—and not a bit modest—our mission is to save Finnish companies from bad identity designs.” Piippo may be slightly kidding, but one thing is for sure—Hahmo doesn’t give up on a potential client.

DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS:
The designers at Hahmo are very charming. “We’re one part jetset, but hermitlike and very focused,” admits Piippo. “We’re passionate about making the clients understand that what they need is good design—made by us. And yet, clients view us as being amply flexible and easy to get along with. We are just so likeable, you know.”

HABITAT:
Hahmo’s office is located in downtown Helsinki, by the sea. “Visit our office in the harsh, cold winter months, and you’ll never want to step outside,” says Piippo in another attempt at winning you over. “Our cozy fireplace will keep you well warmed. And hey, our pleasant company, too.” It’s starting to work, isn’t it?

SPOTTED BY:
Kari Piippo, poster designer, Mikkeli, Finland: “It’s important to have dedicated young Finnish identity design firms that continue and evolve our visual traditions. Too often one sees identities made by foreign agencies that do not really relate to our cultural environment. The pure Nordic design style has been spiced by Hahmo’s fresh visual language.”

CONTACT:
+35.8.9681.8210 | www.hahmo.com

Written by Marcy Slane