Can you tell us about yourself and your background?

I am an interior architect, Kristiina Kaitala. I graduated in 2006 from Lahti Institute of Design with a degree in design (Bachelor of Arts in Design). I have been working in the field for nearly 20 years.

What brought you to Kakadu, and what is your role?

After seven years as an entrepreneur, I joined Kakadu as a partner, which had been founded ten years earlier by Milka and Sanni. Our connection goes back to our time at Lahti Institute of Design, where we studied in the same class. We have always shared the same values: a desire to create meaningful and impactful spaces in the built environment, with a focus on equality and sustainability.

My current role has evolved over the years: my responsibilities have gradually expanded from interior architect to also include team leadership, client management, as well as HR and supervisory duties.

Describe Kakadu in three words

Unique, bold, constantly evolving

What inspires you in your professional role?

I am inspired when people grow and dare to try things that once seemed difficult or challenging. It is rewarding to see how I can support designers’ professional growth and their courage to observe the world from new perspectives.

I am also inspired by an individual’s endless ambition and curiosity, as well as their problem-solving abilities. In our work, we aim to bring clarity to a client’s uncertain situation. To create genuine value for the client, an interior architect must examine, question, and analyze the whole picture, considering factors such as sustainability, finances, and equality.

Tell us one fun or surprising fact about yourself

One of my passions is photography. Portrait photography, in particular, is quite an intense process for me, where the magic of the image emerges in the moment shared between the subject and the photographer – preferably in natural light. I sometimes even approach strangers on the street for a quick shoot, which means trust has to be earned quickly. The most rewarding moments are when both of us are visibly impressed by the results. Photography requires full commitment and collaboration, and it excites me in the same way as, for example, croquis drawing or running a 100-meter sprint!

What are your main responsibilities in projects?

In project work, I am involved in many different areas alongside my role as an interior architect. I act as the client contact, handle billing, prepare project plans, and participate in scenario budgeting during the definition phase, as well as in planning the overall direction, including considerations of the circular economy. I aim to broaden the perspective of the management team, steering groups, and staff toward sustainable and responsible design, and in workplace projects, I also highlight the shift from individual thinking to collective action and shared responsibility for the well-being of the work community. Company culture does not emerge from individual interior design solutions, but from people and shared ways of working. Overall, I work at the intersection of business, company culture, people, and spaces, combining practical design, change management support, strategic thinking, and sustainability.

What are the most common challenges organizations face in workspace changes, and how can they be tackled?

The most common challenges organizations face in workspace changes are often related to resource availability and culture. A lack of time from the management team or steering group can slow down project progress, and often there is no internal project owner to maintain collaboratively developed practices in day-to-day work. Sometimes the organizational culture may be unbalanced: openness to new perspectives can be tested because the root causes of challenges have not been previously addressed. An interior architect cannot solve cultural challenges alone, but we provide structures and processes that help facilitate change.

A successful workplace transformation project requires purposeful and consistent progress, balancing finances, organizational culture, and sustainability. Transparency in processes, a clear communication plan for staff, and the commitment of all parties within a positively constructive atmosphere are essential.

How can the physical work environment support a company’s strategy?

The physical work environment is not just a background factor, but an active part of implementing strategy – it creates the conditions for people to succeed and for the strategy to be realized in everyday work. A well-designed workspace enables productivity and efficiency while inherently supporting a strong organizational culture. A functional work environment can also adapt to various ways of working and professional practices without moving a single wall.



Kakadu’s office recently relocated – what excites you most about the new workspace?

What delights me most about the new office are the people and interactions, both inside the office and out in the lively cityscape. Its central location in Kamppi has brought even more opportunities for engagement, which is reflected in the energetic atmosphere of our daily work.

Let’s talk more!

Could our team assist you?
Contact Kristiina or explore our services here.

Kristiina Kaitala
Partner
Business Director
Interior Architect SIO

+358 40 572 3859
kristiina@kakadu.fi

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