MEET ULKONA DESIGN – OUR NEW PARTNER IN FINLAND

Based in Finland, Ulkona Design is a newly established landscape design agency specializing in carefully curated outdoor furniture and design brands. Founded by a team with backgrounds in landscape design, architecture and project sales.  The agency focuses on connecting high-quality design with architects, designers and private clients across Finland. As Ulkona Design launches its new platform and operations, we are excited to begin a collaboration that will bring Skargaarden’s outdoor furniture collections.

A Conversation with Ulkona Design x Skargaarden

Could you briefly tell us about Ulkona Design and the vision behind your agency?

Ulkona Design is a design studio specializing in landscape and outdoor design, complemented by a carefully curated selection of outdoor furniture such as Skargaarden, which strongly aligns with our values. Our vision is to create a harmonious and nature-conscious connection between people and their surroundings. We believe that a connection to nature is a fundamental human need, and we strive to strengthen that through our work. At the same time, we have a deep appreciation for aesthetics and high-quality design — which makes Skargaarden a natural choice for us.

What does the name “Ulkona” mean and how does it reflect your perspective on design and outdoor living?

Ulkona simply means “outdoors” in Finnish. We appreciate that the name works well internationally while still carrying a clear Nordic identity. For us, the word doesn’t define or limit what an outdoor space can be — rather, it represents something open, inclusive, and full of possibilities.

What made you take the step to start Ulkona Design and commit to it full-time?

We met while studying landscape design and quickly realized that we worked very well together. After pursuing separate paths for a few years, we both found ourselves sharing the same vision of building something of our own. When the timing felt right, we decided to take the leap and fully commit to creating Ulkona Design together. Our experiences and skill sets complement each other naturally, which has been a strong foundation for our collaboration.

Could you tell us a bit about your own backgrounds and how your skills complement each other?

Johanna brings a strong background in architecture and design, shaped by years of sales and client-facing work. This has given her a deep understanding of client needs, project management, and the business side of design. She is a landscape designer and horticulturist specializing in the built environment, known for her creative and curious approach. Miia is a landscape and environmental designer who creates spaces where people and nature meet in balance. With a background in the visual arts and a holistic approach to design, she brings a strong sensitivity to space, atmosphere, and the changing seasons. Together, we share the same values, vision, and way of working, forming a strong foundation for our collaboration. Our strengths complement each other naturally — Miia contributes deep design and technical expertise in landscape architecture, while Johanna brings a strong business perspective and network. We are both deeply committed to design quality, collaboration, and delivering a thoughtful and seamless client experience.

What was your first impression when you came across Skargaarden?
Beautiful, high-quality furniture with a strong Nordic identity and a brand we immediately felt we could trust. We were also drawn to the high level of design.

How do you feel Skargaarden’s design fits into the Finnish architecture and design culture?
It is a perfect match.

What types of projects and environments do you envision Skargaarden’s furniture becoming part of in Finland?
We see Skargaarden as a natural part of residential projects, hotels, spas and restaurants, as well as private companies and public outdoor environments — and also, in some cases, indoor spaces.

What inspires you most when working with outdoor environments?
Nature.

Is there a particular place or type of landscape in Finland where you especially imagine Skargaarden’s furniture?
If we had to choose one, it would be the Finnish archipelago — but also indoor spa environments.

If you were to describe Skargaarden in three words, what would they be?
Nordic, sophisticated, high-quality.

If you could invite a historical designer or architect for a coffee in a Skargaarden garden,
who would it be?
Martha Schwartz and Piet Oudolf — our personal favorites. Not entirely historical, perhaps, but highly inspiring.