03/09/2026
On 2 September, the Embassy of Latvia in Finland hosted the discussion “Encounters Through Design” as part of the satellite programme of Helsinki Design Week 2026, featuring Latvian architect, designer and entrepreneur Aldis Circenis, Founder and CEO of the furniture brand ARTICUL Articul - RKF.
Opening the event, Ambassador of Latvia to Finland Ivita Burmistre highlighted the high quality and growing international recognition of Latvian design, as well as its potential to foster cooperation internationally. Linking Latvian design to this year’s Helsinki Design Week theme, “The Encounter”, the Ambassador noted that design creates encounters between people, ideas, materials, cultures and places.
The discussion was moderated by Helsinki-born furniture designer Aino Michelsen, who explored with Aldis Circenis the role of design in everyday life – from chair ergonomics and material choices to the design of public spaces, schools and cultural institutions.
At the heart of the discussion was the excellence of Latvian design, its international potential and opportunities in the Finnish market. Aldis Circenis shared more than 30 years of experience in architecture and product design, as well as the story of ARTICUL’s development and its experience in creating furniture for a wide range of environments.
The event brought together design professionals and enthusiasts, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and experience.
The discussion was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia Latvijas Investīciju un attīstības aģentūra - LIAA, and the Latvian Design Export Alliance designlatvia.com.
Photo: Jānis Ķirpītis
Helsinki Design Week
Finnish Design Shop
