Konstfack alumnus and colleague Peter Andersson receives this year's Bruno Mathsson Prize

Photo: Johan Knobe

The Bruno Mathsson Prize has been presented since 1984 by the Karin and Bruno Mathsson Foundation to designers in the Nordic countries. The prize recognises work created in the spirit of Bruno Mathsson, with a focus on functionalism and craftsmanship, and this year it is awarded to Peter Andersson, who graduated from Konstfack's Bachelor's programme in Interior Architecture and Furniture Design in 1999. Since then, he has run his own design practice and has also periodically served as a senior lecturer in furniture design at Konstfack and as lead tutor at Beckmans College of Design. His work is also represented at the Nationalmuseum and the Museum of Furniture Studies.

"Receiving an award like this inevitably leads to a great deal of reflection. The other day someone asked me what has meant the most to me in my career, and I answered that it must have been the day I walked, on shaky legs, to collect the letter confirming my acceptance to Konstfack. I got in! Since then, the school has been something of an epicentre for me — first as an incredibly active student, but also later as a teacher and mentor to hundreds of students who have passed through the programme, most recently as a supervisor for degree projects. Over the past few days I've received many kind words from former students. Perhaps that is what truly means the most in the end," says the proud prize recipient.

At PAS, Peter Andersson Studio, the work has primarily focused on furniture design for both Swedish and international producers, and his distinctive style is often described as "clear and precise, with a humorous twist, and as both a representative and developer of the Scandinavian design tradition". A significant part of the studio's work also centres on inclusive design — developing products for healthcare, social care, and education.

The foundation explains its choice of Peter Andersson as follows: "With the user at the centre and with subtly witty concepts, Peter Andersson designs furniture and products that enrich our everyday actions with moments of discovery. Through subtle radii, offsets, and curves, the forms clearly communicate function while also possessing artistic and sympathetic qualities. Andersson has impressively transferred this quality to the development of furniture segments within care and educational environments. These are settings with particularly high demands on ergonomics and usability, yet where the designer's contribution often remains anonymous despite its significant impact on society."

Read more: The 2026 Bruno Mathsson Prize Awarded to Peter Andersson