JKMM Architects wins the Helsinki Design Award 2026
Helsinki Design Week and the City of Helsinki have awarded the 2026 Helsinki Design Award to JKMM Architects. The award recognises JKMM’s holistic and ambitious approach to design and the studio’s active role in advancing Finnish architecture and design culture.
The Helsinki Design Award highlights topical and socially relevant phenomena and the people and organisations driving change. The jury commended JKMM for its ability to bring together architecture, interior architecture, urban design, furniture design, graphic design and art into a holistic approach to design.
Founded by four architects in 1998, JKMM has grown into a studio of nearly 80 designers. Its work is characterised by ambitious public projects, active participation in architectural competitions and a growing international presence. The studio has been awarded prizes in more than 100 architectural competitions, winning over half of them.
“We are especially delighted to receive this recognition because of its strong connection to our home city of Helsinki and the internationally renowned Helsinki Design Week. For us, design is always holistic and rooted in dialogue. We believe that meaningful, enduring architecture emerges through collaboration between experts from different fields, clients and users. At its best, architecture enriches urban culture and creates shared spaces where people can come together and feel a sense of belonging to their city. This award therefore belongs to the entire JKMM team and to all our partners with whom we have had the privilege of building a better Helsinki together,” says Asmo Jaaksi, Founding Partner and Architect SAFA at JKMM.
“JKMM is known for its many ambitious and insightful public buildings and spaces. Helsinki residents have already fallen in love with the playfulness of Lasipalatsi Square and Amos Rex beside it. The extension of the National Museum will open in 2027, and in the future JKMM’s design will be seen in the new Museum of Architecture and Design,” says Hanna Harris, Chief Design Officer of the City of Helsinki.
The 2026 award jury comprised Hanna Harris, Chief Design Officer of the City of Helsinki; Laura Aalto, Director of Communications at Aalto University; and Sanna-Kaisa Niikko, Chief Marketing Officer at Marimekko. The jury was chaired by Kari Korkman, Founder and Director of Helsinki Design Week.
Helsinki Design Week and the City of Helsinki have presented the Helsinki Design Award since 2022. Previous recipients include Päivi Raivio, Arabian peruskoulu, Reaktor and Aalto University’s Designs for a Cooler Planet.
Helsinki Design Week takes place across Helsinki from 28 August to 6 September 2026.
More about the award helsinkidesignweek.com