Easy living in a vibrant city
The simplicity of everyday life, affordable living, and distinct seasons convinced award-winning glass artist and designer Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen to stay in Kuopio.
Counted among Finland’s most respected designers, Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen arrived in Kuopio in 1974. Having completed her studies at the University of Art and Design Helsinki, she embarked on her professional career.
“I began as a designer at the Kuopio-based company Piretta, after which I moved to Turku as head designer for Silo. Eight years in Southern Finland later, I returned to Kuopio for work,” Pohjalainen recalls.
Her return felt like coming home. Having grown up in Raahe, Pohjalainen appreciated the slower pace of life and the authenticity of human connections.
“When I first came here, it felt like coming home. The nature surrounding the city is incredibly beautiful, and the people are warm-hearted. Piretta’s CEO, Koponen, treated me like his own daughter.”
Pohjalainen enjoys not only the scenery and people in Kuopio but also the peace and ease it offers for daily life.
“My home is by the lake, providing the quiet I need for my work. Living in Kuopio is convenient. I can drive to the Matkus Shopping Center in minutes or reach the city center via the highway in ten. In four minutes, I can be at the gym for a workout, even during a workday.”
She also values the city’s cultural offerings and has collaborated with venues like the Kuopio Music Center. The annual Kuopio Dance Festival is a highlight for Pohjalainen’s friends who live elsewhere.
Nature as a Source of Inspiration
Fifteen years ago, Pohjalainen’s family built a summer home across the lake from the protected Pisan luonnonsuojelualue. The area is a striking example of Finland’s lake-dotted wilderness, with largely untouched forests and rugged hills.
“A one-hour drive to the cottage brings us to a haven of mushroom and berry forests, as well as excellent fishing waters.”
“Nature inspires me, and my best ideas come when I can immerse myself in my thoughts.”
Nowadays, Pohjalainen and her husband enjoy these outings together, as their children have long since left home. While they maintain connections to Southern Finland via road trips and remote communication, Pohjalainen prefers to live in Kuopio.
“Life is more affordable here, and it’s easier to get around without traffic. Kuopio’s lower cost of living and rich natural diversity make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a new home. Here, it’s still possible to find a lakeside plot for building a detached house,” she explains.
Text: Maiju Korhonen
Photos: Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen
The article was written during the Future Savo project in 2020-2021.
