Following stints in engineering and R&D, Johanna Kaartinen eventually made the move into CMF, working most recently on models like the Volvo EX30, EX90 and Polestar 3.

In a move that perhaps many of us would aspire to, she took a year away from CMF – and work full stop – to reset, rediscover what matters and return with new ideas. Now back in CMF – this time as an independent consultant – Kaartinen aims to bring a fresh perspective to this field of design, challenging the status quo and cutting the bullshit from sustainability discussions.

No longer tied to a particular OEM, we caught up with Kaartinen to cover a range of issues relating to CMF, but found the discussion naturally branched off into wider topics around engineering, furniture and the relationship between different players in the value chain.

CDN: What do OEMs gain from working with an independent designer?

JK: It brings a fresh view into the team. From what I have seen, when you are not permanently in one place and have experience from other teams, building a bigger network and…