Ilmari Tapiovaara was born in Hämeenlinna, Finland in 1914. There he studied interior Industrial Design at the Institute of Industrial Arts in Helsinki. When he was still studying at the academy, he started working for Alvar Aalto. After his graduation, he worked with famous architect Le Corbusier. Many of his items are solely made of wood. This makes his work warm and pleasant. Most famous is the “Pirkka” series, which consisted of a dining table, dining chairs, bench, stool, lounge chair and coffee table. He also designed the beautiful “Maija” table and pendant lamp.