Aino Aalto

1894 - 1949

Aino Aalto (1894–1949) was a pioneering Finnish architect and designer, recognised as one of the most influential women in 20th-century Scandinavian design. Trained as an architect, she worked closely with her husband, Alvar Aalto, forming a partnership that shaped both Finnish modernism and the broader field of Nordic design. Her contributions to their architectural and design practice were substantial, combining technical knowledge with a refined aesthetic sense.

Aino Aalto’s design philosophy emphasised functional elegance, simplicity, and a deep respect for materials. She was particularly drawn to creating everyday objects that were both practical and beautiful, reflecting the democratic ideals of modern design. Her most celebrated work is the Bölgeblick (Ripples) glassware series, introduced in the 1930s, which remains an enduring icon of Finnish design. The series, with its rippling surface patterns inspired by water, embodied her belief in uniting form, function, and nature.

Beyond glassware, Aalto was deeply engaged in interior design, furniture, and textiles, leaving a mark across multiple disciplines. As artistic director of Artek, the company she co-founded with Alvar Aalto, she guided the production of modern furniture and interiors that became synonymous with Scandinavian modernism.

Today, Aino Aalto is celebrated not only as a collaborator but as a visionary in her own right, whose legacy continues to inspire designers around the world.