The Scandinavian Design Embassy—a bold new initiative uniting Nordic nations in a shared mission to elevate the global presence of Scandinavian design—makes its official debut during NYCxDESIGN. Starting in New York, this dynamic collaborative will spotlight leading Nordic companies through immersive activations hosted at embassies and consular residences around the world. Rooted in the region’s hallmark values of innovation, sustainability, and design excellence, the Embassy is poised to deliver meaningful cross-cultural dialogue, elevating the international conversation around Nordic design.
Building on the success of the Finnish Design Embassy, active since 2022, the concept now expands to include neighboring countries—creating a unified Scandinavian front for design diplomacy. “Nordic countries have decided to strengthen their forces in the field of design export,” comments designer Ilkka Suppanen, Creative Director of the Finnish Design Embassy. “Through this partnership, we reinforce and celebrate the design principles that define the Nordic region.”
Scandinavian design has long stood for democratic ideals, simplicity, and functionality—principles first brought to global attention in the 1950s and still central to the movement’s enduring appeal. “Scandinavian design remains a strong and widely recognized international brand,” says Caline Heiroth, Senior Project Manager at Svensk Form, Sweden. “The movement’s core values continue to shape both Nordic and global design narratives.”
The initiative also offers a powerful platform for small and mid-sized Nordic companies to engage directly with international audiences in high-visibility settings. “Companies can learn a great deal from one another when entering new markets or strengthening their presence in existing ones,” remarks Ragnhild Grytten, Marketing Manager at the Norwegian Design Industry.
NYCxDESIGN Launch: A Spotlight on Scandinavian Design
Showcasing five Nordic visionary brands, the Embassy will celebrate its inaugural launch with an exclusive “Meet the Makers” event at the Residence of the Consul General of Sweden—supported by the Consulates General of Finland and Norway. This special gathering will offer an intimate setting for press, buyers, cultural leaders, and design professionals to experience Nordic innovation firsthand and connect with standout regional brands from Sweden, Finland, and Norway. Participating brands include Swedish woven flooring pioneer Bolon; contemporary design collaborative Design House Stockholm of Sweden; modular furnishings company Mizetto of Sweden; Finnish furniture innovator Made by Choice; and sustainable outdoor furniture leader Vestre of Norway.
Additional Scandinavian Design Embassy pilot events are planned in 2025 at Nordic embassies and consulates worldwide, marking a new era of international engagement and collaboration for the Nordic design community.gage directly with international audiences in high-visibility settings. “Companies can learn a great deal from one another when entering new markets or strengthening their presence in existing ones,” remarks Ragnhild Grytten, Marketing Manager at the Norwegian Design Industry.
NYCxDESIGN Launch: A Spotlight on Scandinavian Design
Showcasing five Nordic visionary brands, the Embassy will celebrate its inaugural launch with an exclusive “Meet the Makers” event at the Residence of the Consul General of Sweden—supported by the Consulates General of Finland and Norway. This special gathering will offer an intimate setting for press, buyers, cultural leaders, and design professionals to experience Nordic innovation firsthand and connect with standout regional brands from Sweden, Finland, and Norway. Participating brands include Swedish woven flooring pioneer Bolon; contemporary design collaborative Design House Stockholm of Sweden; modular furnishings company Mizetto of Sweden; Finnish furniture innovator Made by Choice; and sustainable outdoor furniture leader Vestre of Norway.
Additional Scandinavian Design Embassy pilot events are planned in 2025 at Nordic embassies and consulates worldwide, marking a new era of international engagement and collaboration for the Nordic design community.
Header: Vestre Tellus Oslo, photo: EinarAslaksen
