The world changes when it is designed to be better. Design Union is building a future where design expertise helps create even better products and services, and where design thinking leads the operations of more and more businesses and organisations. At the same time we are creating fundamentally sustainable growth and a more beautiful world.
The Kuopio Academy of Design and Design Union are run by Kuopion Rouvasväenyhdistys, which is a significant cultural organization in Kuopio that was founded in 1860. Waking up to take social action, inspired by nationalism, was behind the creation of the organization.
The Kuopio Academy of Design has a great tradition of teaching crafts and design for over 130 years. Our first craft school was founded in 1884 and a new craft school, the current Design Academies, in 2014.
Anyone interested in good design and craft education can study at our Design Academies. The teachers are professionals of crafts and design, and our teachers also feature visiting domestic and foreign teachers. Teaching also includes various tours and visits to places of interest. Our curriculum follows the history of Finnish design; the module that discusses design from the Stone Age to the future will be taught over three years.
Our teaching facilities are located in the beautiful Piispantalo, built in 1856, near the center of Kuopio.
Kuopio Academy of Design has groups for children, young people, adults and seniors.
Eija Tanninen-Komulainen
Executive Director
tel. +358 44 731 8000
eija.tanninen-komulainen (at) designunion.fi
Armi Kulmakorpi
Design Manager
+358 44 731 8008
armi.kulmakorpi (at) designunion.fi
Oona Santala
Communications Manager
+358 44 731 8004
oona.santala (at) muotoiluakatemia.fi
Kuopio Office
Design Union
Piispankatu 8
70100 Kuopio
Riitta Kärkkäinen
Project Manager
Salme Salokannel
Project Manager