The idea behind Scandinavian design is based on three fundamental principals: simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. The design movement has taken over western culture with its minimalistic aesthetic and innovative ideas. Many architectural firms experiment with the Scandinavian design aesthetic, resulting in incredibly crafted and thought-out buildings and residents. Here we selected some of the leading Scandinavian architecture firms.

1. JVA Norway

Photo by place photography

JVA, Jarmund Vigsnæs Arkitekter, located in Oslo, Norway was founded by Einar Jarmund and Håkon Vigsnæs in 1996. They specialize in Urban planning, housing projects, and residential architecture as well as building interiors from scratch. Above you find one of their most recognized creations, The Dune House located in Thorpeness, England.

2. C.V Møller

Photo by Julian Weyer

C.F. Møller Architects is one of Scandinavia’s leading architectural firms, with 90 years of award-winning work in the Nordic region and worldwide. Their mission is to holistically create solid, quality solutions based on Nordic values adapted to future global challenges. This they do by using innovation, quality and sustainability as the fundamentals behind their design aesthetic, as you can clearly see in the contemporary residence above.

3. AOA Architects Finland

AOA, Anttinen Oiva Architects is an Helsinki, Finland-based architectural Firm best known for their elaborate contemporary designs. A great example is the contemporary chapel on a medieval site in Vantaa. The finished structure by AOA is undeniably beautiful, subtly experimenting with the traditional preconceptions of what a religious building ‘should’ be and creates an humble shell for both grief and prayer.

4. Saunders Norway

Photo by Saunders

Saunders architecture was founded by Canadian architect Todd Saunders in 1998. Bringing together dynamic building and material experimentation with traditional methods of craft, Bergen-based Saunders Architecture has worked on cultural and residential projects right across Norway, as well as England, Denmark, Italy, Sweden and Canada. The studio is led by a strong contemporary design sensibility and believes that architecture must play an important role in creating place, using form, materials and texture to help evoke and shape memory and human interaction. The building above is the 30m2 Squish Studio located on Fogo Island and the perfect example of Saunders innovative design aesthetic.

5. Asante Sweden

Photo by Marius Rua

Asante architecture and Design is an architectural firm located in Stockholm, Sweden. Asante, which is Swahili for “Thank You” is one of the leading firms when it comes to sustainable architecture. They believe architecture and design play a very important role when it comes creating a sustainable environment, and therefore specialize in the design of minimalistic yet very efficient houses such as the 50m2 Hadars House above.