Secret Synapse

Secret Synapse co-founders Sid Kumpurinne and Ilmari Mansikkamäki were classmates at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture in Helsinki, and Lahti Institute of Design graduate Riku Tuppela joined the team later. What sets them apart from other design agencies is that each worker is also a shareholder in the company. “We work individually or as a team, whichever suits the project or client in question best. Our collective knowledge is very broad, and we each bring our own visions and strengths to the table,” explains Kumpurinne, the company’s design strategist. Part of Secret Synapse’s uniqueness is the designers’ autonomy: they have the freedom to do jobs independently and choose their own projects.