7.2.2026
SIO 2026 INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE PROJECT – the winner is
Kela work and customer service environment in Seinäjoki
Interior Architects SIO has chosen the 2026 interior architecture project.
The nomination goes to Interior design agency Sistem’s design for the work and customer service environment of the Social Insurance Institution (Kela) in Seinäjoki. The centre puts the services of Kela, the City of Seinäjoki and the South Ostrobothnia wellbeing services county under one roof. Sistem has designed the interior of the building and the entire working environment. The idea was to create a modern and communal environment that fosters wellbeing and where the premises, processes and service experience are seamlessly connected. The design solutions produce an innovative service centre that promotes a smooth daily life of employees and customers alike.
The Kela work and customer service environment meets the evaluation criteria extremely well, as the project brings together high-quality design and careful implementation resulting in a composed whole that respects the building’s architecture. The interior design solutions are based on a strong understanding of the complete project: the original concrete vaults and floors of the 1970s building have been preserved and highlighted as part of the identity of the premises which are further complemented by carefully considered wooden surfaces, natural materials and soft textiles.
The project is founded on a clear vision and a contemporary approach, bringing the existing building naturally into the present day without appearing in any way contrived. The artistic quality is apparent in the timeless, calm air and polished details of the premises. The close integration with the original 1970s architecture ensures that the interior design and the building’s structure, scale and rhythm complement one another flawlessly. The seamless incorporation of used and new furniture is very successful, demonstrating skilful design. The premises also include some subtle unexpected elements, which lighten the overall atmosphere.
Sustainability and environmental awareness are reflected in the utilisation of existing structures, the material choices and long-lasting solutions. The result is a high-quality, sustainable and humane work and customer service environment, which represents excellent, forward-looking public space design in which maximising the use of existing building components reflect the future. More than half of the furniture is recycled, and the reuse of the furniture has been carefully planned as part of the overall design.
SIO 2026 INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE PROJECT – honorary mention
In addition to the interior architect, the entire working group of Kultaranta, the summer residence of the President of Finlanddeserves recognition for the exceptionally demanding and high-quality design and implementation process during which the historically and culturally significant environment has been renovated with profound respect for the original architecture. The comprehensive management of the project has been key: the spatial, functional, technical and aesthetic solutions form a balanced and thought-out entity, where every detail serves the greater overall vision.
The artistic and conceptual quality of the project is based on subtle, timeless design that does not seek to stand out, but rather supports the dignified and distinguished nature of the granite building. The topicality and pioneering nature of the project are particularly evident in how modern functional and technical solutions have been successfully incorporated into this demanding conservation project in an unobtrusive and responsible manner, without detracting from the historical layers of the site.
The close and trusting cooperation between the architect and the entire design team has enabled high-quality solutions and an exceptional finish. Sustainability and environmental awareness are reflected in the respect for the existing structures, careful use of materials and the preservation of cultural heritage within a building adjusted for active, contemporary use. Carefully crafted details, a sense of scale and bold solutions that blend into the surrounding environment turn the granite building into an exceptional site where tradition and modern demands meet in an extremely sophisticated way.
The client for the project was the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland. The Kultaranta comprehensive refurbishment project was led by Estate Manager Anne Puonti from 2017 to 2021 and by Estate Manager Ismo Siikaluoma from 2021 to 2024. Interior design in particular continued throughout the project, and toward the final stages President of the Republic Alexander Stubb and Mrs. Suzanne Innes-Stubb contributed their own perspectives to the project. Architectural design of the buildings was carried out by the Trium Architects Ltd consortium.
The decision based on the nominations and applications was made by the representative of the 2025 Interior Architecture Agency of the Year, Kohina, Chairperson of the Jury, Interior Architect SIO Susanna Kallio, SIO ry Chairman, Interior Architect SIO Lars Räihä, Architect SAFA Tobias Tommila, as well as Aalto University Department of Architecture Assistant Professor Katrin Greiling.SIO Secretary General, Minna Borg, acted as the secretary of the jury.
We wish you a warm welcome to the awards ceremony, which is part of the Architecture and Design Event programme.
IFIN, International Federation of Interior Architects seminar THE ETHICS OF OUR PROFESSION 7 February 2026 Aalto University, Seminar Hall D, Otakaari 1, Espoo at 10am–4pm.
The nomination is announced at around 1pm.
FM Mattsson Mora Group Finland donates a €1,000 grant to the Interior Architecture Agency of the 2026 project.
Images for downloading
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/r3ldcq0i8bnywb0ocdy2e/ANPWXwxrH_e8jsAR4chIUtI?rlkey=66soci3yq1lw2if72r37yi83w&st=9sw61ukh&dl=0
Interior Architect SIO, Lisa Sund
lisa.sund@sistem.fi
tel. +358 50 363 8034
www.sistem.fi
Additional information, interview and image requests:
General Secretary SIO Minna Borg, office@sio.fi
tel. +358 (0)46 878 2573
www.sio.fi
Promoting better built environments
Finnish Association of Interior Architects SIO is a professional organisation founded in 1949.
SIO disseminates information on interior architects’ diverse expertise, and its objective is to improve the quality of our built environments and to promote cultural and ethical values and sustainable development.
SIO has more than 750 members. SIO is the largest member organisation of Ornamo Art and Design Finland.