EMMI PENTTINEN

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Emma Penttinen is a multidisciplinary designer and architect based in London, with a background in classical music and visual arts.

In 2009 she founded Penttinen Schöne design studio with Phillip Schöne, a New Zealand born architect. Together they work on a wide range of design projects ranging from Interior design, architecture and mobile design such as an inflatable space called Home Sweet Dome providing a focal point for community activities in Basildon. Whether the work is residential, commercial or community-based, they aim to bring a bespoke design approach to every project.

1. What drives you?
I get my inspiration from different things everyday. Recently I've been very into rough lux, mixing old and new, construction sites and imperfection. Conversations with different people I meet inspire me as well as living in London.

2. Where do you do your best thinking?
I do a lot of thinking when I'm cycling around London, walking around in my neighbourhood in Fitzrovia or running in Hyde Park. Best design ideas come from working with my business partner Phillip Schone when we discuss concepts and ideas.

3. Who would you love to collaborate with?
I would love to work more in retail, with designers such as Julia Lundsten. We could create really special pop up retail spaces overlapping fashion and architecture.

4. What is the biggest challenge in today's society?
I think biggest challenge we face is how to achieve more equality in general. For designers I feel it's all about sustainability and energy efficiencies as a fundamental part of the design process.

5. Where would you like to be in 2020?
In 2020 I would love to be a successful designer and developer and live between London and Helsinki. Also I'd like to work in Africa and spend time travelling and working with different people from all around the world. By the year 2020, I would like to have build myself a big house and have it full of friends, family and animals.

More info: Penttinen Schöne