Featured Designer:
Brian Keaney

Irish born Brian Keaney (b. 1974) is the founder and Managing Director of the Finnish design brand Tonfisk Design Ltd. Tonfisk Design's WARM tea & coffee series has become a classic of Finnish design since its launch in 1998 and now Tonfisk Design's products are selling in roughly 20 countries worldwide.

Brian Keaney studied Industrial Design at NCAD Dublin before moving to Finland in 1996 to study at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki (now part of the Aalto University). Keaney was awarded the Ilmari Tapiovaara award in 2007 for his work in the development of design in Finland. In 2007 he also received the Ornamo Design Award.

1. What drives you?
Theoretically just the desire to do something good. However it could well be that the bank manager has more influence on me.

2. Where do you do your best thinking?
Cafes and bars generally are good for getting ideas. It is good to be relaxed and open to different thoughts when coming up with ideas and somehow bars and cafes create that sense for me. Detailed thinking works better in the studio where there is more peace and possibilities to try things out.

3. Who would you love to collaborate with?
All the young talent within Finland. This is a vast resource, which is not yet being fully taken advantage of.

4. What is the biggest challenge in today's society?
Creating a sustainable society socially, politically and environmentally where there are only few with very strong and powerful interests to prevent this from happening.

5. Where would you like to be in 2020?
Doing more design and less administration

More info: Tonfisk Design