Reflection of the present – adaptability and purpose in design
Insights – Sanni Seppälä
Global challenges and the situation in the domestic market have caused significant disruption in the design industry in recent years. Rising project and budget pressures are prompting both designers and clients to rethink their ways of working. Resources must be used more efficiently, and every idea carefully evaluated. This requires the ability to develop innovative solutions with limited resources, flexibility, and the continuous strengthening of dialogue with the client.
The age of adaptability calls for new thinking
The current market challenges require more precise budgeting and the continuous, critical review of plans from the very beginning of the design process. This means that design decisions are made based on actual needs. Navigating this changed environment requires skill – making the most of every resource, whether materials, furniture, or space, and making sustainable, high-quality choices for the long term.
The mindset behind design assignments has become more critical due to the economic situation. I’m actually glad about this change: it pushes us to think differently, communicate more openly, and justify our decisions more clearly.
Sanni Seppälä, Founding partner & CEO, Kakadu
Current projects increasingly require designers to adapt to uncertainty and make decisions based on preliminary information. Goals and needs are often unclear at the outset and evolve through dialogue. This ongoing conversation is crucial for successful implementation: communication between the designer and the client helps clarify what is essential, what is possible, and what compromises can be made. In this context, adaptability means the ability to tolerate uncertainty, adjust plans without preconceptions, and find new solutions shaped by the circumstances.
Moving beyond ideals: purpose-driven design in renewal
One of our core values is renewal. We aim to serve our clients by providing direction and anticipating the next steps. From this perspective, successful and sustainable outcomes are built on active dialogue, where the client’s strategic goals and business constraints guide the approach alongside their wishes. Our role is to help form a comprehensive and sustainable vision by supporting the client in decision-making and project management. This requires building a climate of trust and open communication, where both parties are committed to jointly finding the best solutions to achieve a successful outcome.
Budgeting is an essential part of design strategy. When budgets and resources are limited, it is crucial to prioritize, focus, and make deliberate choices. Resource wisdom isn’t just about saving: it’s about creative problem-solving that adds value for both users of the space and the environment. This includes carefully assessing the necessity of changes, discarding unnecessary solutions, and considering the long-term impacts. Our role is to guide the client in these decisions to ensure the outcome supports both practicality and the overall functionality of the space.
Open dialogue and adaptability create possibilities for design
The design field calls for a new way of thinking, where tighter constraints are seen not as a limitation but as an opportunity for creative and sustainable solutions. Adaptability and maintaining an open dialogue with the client are essential to ensure design meets both immediate needs and long-term financial sustainability.
Sanni Seppälä
Founding partner
CEO
Interior architect SIO