Hi.

My name is Sami, and am a 0 to 1 design operator. I create value through visionary leadership, creative strategy and hands-on delivery.

Currently I am working as the Head of Design at In Parallel. We build advanced AI tools to give modern managers superpowers to do their job better.

Before, I co-founded Nordkapp, Finland’s leading strategic design consultancy. There I held several roles, including strategic designer and creative director. Over the years, I’ve contributed to several successful scale-ups and startups, including Oura, Supermetrics, Beddit (acquired by Apple), and Umbra 3D (acquired by Amazon). I’ve also worked with numerous large international corporations and created a strategic foresight toolkit widely used by organizations like Google and UNDP.

Prior to founding Nordkapp, I worked at Nokia Design and freelanced across a wide range of industries and media. Over my ~25-year career, I’ve contributed to several firsts, over thousand projects that have earned more than 40 design awards, secured several patents, and served on boards, juries, and both local and international design organizations. Currently, I’m expanding my knowledge and skills by pursuing an MBA in organizational strategy.

In my downtime, I clear my mind by lifting heavy weights, riding and skiing steep hills, or simply enjoying a great cup of coffee.

See what I'm up to and connect at Bluesky, Instagram and Linkedin, or get directly in touch by email, sami.niemela@gmail.com or by phone +358 50 528 9265 (time UTC+2, Whatsapp preferred).

Photo by Anton Sucksdorff 2024. For events and PR, download it here.