Secto Design — A Talk with Designer and Architect Seppo Koho
As the world becomes increasingly conscious of sustainability and mindful living, more and more individuals are seeking ways to incorporate these values into their everyday lives. One area where this has become particularly evident is in the field of design, where eco-friendly and sustainable materials are being used to create beautiful and functional products that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.
In this article, I had the pleasure of speaking with Seppo Koho, the visionary designer behind Secto Design, a Finnish company known for its iconic wooden lamps. With a career spanning over three decades, Seppo has established himself as a pioneer in sustainable and innovative design, crafting timeless pieces that are celebrated worldwide for their minimalism, functionality, and elegance.
In this interview, Seppo shares his insights on his creative process, the philosophy behind Secto Design, and the challenges and rewards of designing sustainably. Join us as we delve into the mind of one of the most renowned designers of our time and gain a deeper understanding of the power of design to shape our world for the better.
Hi Seppo - lovely to meet you! How would you describe your design philosophy, and how has it evolved over the years since you first started creating lighting fixtures?
“Over the years, there haven't been much changes in my design philosophy. I'm still aiming to have a strong idea and trying to create new things with a slogan ”less is more”. I notice again and again that my designs are created using clear basic shapes, like squares, circles and triangles, which I like to multiply into a circular shapes.”
What role does Finnish culture, tradition, and nature play in your design process and the aesthetics of Secto Design products?
“I have recently started to understand that the lighting conditiond here in Finland have affected the kind of light I wanted the lamps to create. Low sunlight angle and the long shadows it creates have left a mark on my subconscious, following which the idea for Secto lamps was born.”
Octo Small 4241 pendant lamp
What are some unique or unconventional materials or techniques you have experimented with in your designs, and how have they influenced your work?
“My works, more or less, are made by using traditional materials and techniques. I'm still as interested in wood as a material as I was at the beginning of my career. We need to understand that the most important thing in the field of design is the design itself. Materials should always support the design idea. And I truly believe that by using wood as a material and working with it in a tradional wood workshop, many new ideas for lighting and furniture can still be developed.”
Can you share with us a memorable experience or a specific project that had a significant impact on your personal growth as a designer?
“Hard to say anything specific, but after a longer period of time I can very well notice how my own understanding has developed as the plans progress. It's similar to climbing stairs, where you rise to higher level when an idea is born and move forward while you develope your idea to be ready.”
Can you tell us about the process and design philosophy behind the Teelo table lamp?
“The idea of the Teelo table lamp is at the meeting point of two different pieces. I have always admired Vigo Magistretti's Atollo lamp, which has a masterfully solved connection of two different pieces with an almost non-existene attachment point. I wanted to try to solve the same problem in my own way.”
And last but not least: As a successful designer, what piece of advice would you give to aspiring lighting designers who look up to your work and want to make a mark in the industry?
“The most importanr thing is to find your own way of working and learn to trust your own ideas so that you can choose the most developmentable of your own ideas. It's good to study modern classic lamps, why they have become classics, but under no circumstances should you copy them.”
As our conversation draws to a close, Seppo Koho leaves us with a final thought: "Design is a continuous journey of learning, exploring, and reinventing. It's about pushing boundaries, embracing new technologies, and staying true to your values”. So, to all the aspiring designers out there, never stop questioning, never stop dreaming, and never stop creating. The world needs your unique perspective and your ability to make a difference.
