The Kaj Franck Design Prize brings forth the central spirit and principles of designer Kaj Franck’s (1911–1989) oeuvre: high-quality, democratic and functional design that solves practical challenges and creates new opportunities for companies using design competence. If the winner also brings beauty and joy to everyday life and improves the quality of life, this will be counted as special merit.
The Kaj Franck Design Prize was established by Design Forum Finland in 1992 and it is funded by the Finnish Fair Foundation. In funding the Kaj Franck Design Prize, the Finnish Fair Foundation wishes to express its respect for the significant work and achievements of Kaj Franck as a pioneer of the culture of Finnish design and to extend its recognition and support to Finland’s present-day designers.
The Kaj Franck Design Prize can be awarded to a Finnish designer or team, or one that resides or works in Finland. The prize sum is 10,000 euros. The recipient is chosen by a prize jury and the prize is awarded on the basis of the whole oeuvre of the designer or team. The Kaj Franck medal, given to the awarded designers, is designed by sculptor Tapio Junno.
The Young Designer of the Year prize, the Kaj Franck Design Prize and the Fennia Prize design competition are paused in 2023. The prizes and awards are being developed to better meet with the present-day circumstances.
Photo: Mikko Ryhänen
2022 Kari Virtanen
2021 Johanna Gullichsen
2020 Ilkka Suppanen
2019 Jarkko Jämsén, Minka Koukkunen, Aleksi Kuokka, Antti Mäkelä, Aki Suvanto, Saku Sysiö – Aivan
2018 Tapio Anttila
2017 Anna Ruohonen
2016 Juhani Salovaara
2015 Markku Salo
2014 Harri Koskinen
2013 Björn Weckström
2012 Jasmiine Julin-Aro
2011 Simo Heikkilä
2010 Marja Suna
2009 Hannu Kähönen
2008 Eero Aarnio
2007 Kati Tuominen-Niittylä
2006 Olavi Lindén
2005 Hannele Bonsdorff
2004 Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen
2003 Risto Väätänen
2002 Anneli Sainio
2001 Eero Miettinen
2000 Ritva Puotila
1999 Jorma Vennola
1998 Heikki Orvola
1997 Vuokko Nurmesniemi
1996 Kerttu Nurminen
1995 Yrjö Kukkapuro
1994 Fujiwo Ishimoto
1993 Pirkko Stenros
1992 Oiva Toikka
Kaj Franck was one of the leading figures of Finnish design, the teacher of several generations of professional designers, and an influential figure in design and applied arts in his own day. He was artistic director of the Wärtsilä Group (present-day Fiskars / Iittala Oy) and artistic director and teacher at the College of Applied Arts, the predecessor of the Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architecture.
