PRODUCT DESIGNER
JONI KAARNIITTU
MAIL // JONI@KAARNIITTU.COM
MOB // +358 504099056
LOC // 45.8107° N, 9.0852° E // ITALY, COMO
"My work is guided by Finnish heritage, German principles, and Italian cultural richness. I believe in holistic design where functionality and longevity are the primary requirements."
Joni Kaarniittu
The Name Origin
Kaarniittu comes from the old Finnish words for oat ( kaura ) and meadow ( niitty ). Surnames did not exist for working-class families in Finland back then. Instead, people took the name of the land they worked. When my great-great-grandfather moved to the Kaarniittu farm, the name became his. When the government later tried to assign new surnames to everyone systematically, he fought back and refused to give it up. He died as Kaarniittu.
Background
That same Finnish spirit shaped my own path. I grew up in the countryside surrounded by tractors, cows, and motorcycles. Before setting foot in a design studio, I spent years as an electrician wiring cruise ships, vehicles, and commercial buildings. Along the way, I launched my own furniture brand.
Eventually, knowing how things worked wasn't enough. I needed to understand the why. That curiosity led me to study Industrial Design, taking me from Finland to Germany and finally to Italy, where I collaborate with studios and clients today. I carry that same humble respect for craft, function, and heritage into every piece of work.
Portfolio
This site is my progress log, a way to share what I've found. My goal is to inspire others to bring out the best in themselves, or perhaps find a little more life in an old, dusty product.
Thank you for your time, and let's keep in touch. See you soon!