Finnish Focus: Three Finns Talk Architecture, Design and Culture
Finnish architects Michael Nieminen of Kliment Halsband Architects and Raija Clar of HMC Architects chat with fellow Finn and Editor-at-Large Robert Nieminen about how their Scandinavian roots inform their approach to design, why Finns remove their shoes before entering a home or school and other fun facts about Finland.
About our guests:
Michael has developed finely tuned methodologies for the evaluation of historic sites. His projects include Yale University Sterling Divinity Quadrangle, The Rockefeller University Welch Hall Library, and University of Chicago Neubauer Collegium for Culture & Society.
Michael is a member of the National AIA Committee on Architecture for Education and will serve as the 2021 Committee Chair.
She is involved with K-12 and higher education school project managing architecture and interiors. This year she is celebrating her 20th year with HMC Architects.
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About the Author
Robert Nieminen
Chief Content Director
Chief Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Chief Content Director of three leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.
He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.
Known for his sharp editorial vision and data-informed strategies, Robert focuses on audience growth, engagement, and content monetization, leveraging AI tools and SEO-driven insights to future-proof B2B publishing.