Sydney-based furniture and design business Koskela is a feast for the eyes. Here, founders and partners Russel Koskela and Sasha Titchkosky talk creativity and the everlasting appeal of Scandi style. What do you love most about running a retail business? ST: We love seeing people getting excited about the store – we often will hear people say they find it really inspiring. We couldn’t hope for a better reaction than that! We also love getting great feedback from customers about their
interaction with our team and our products.
Tell us about your store. What are the product offering and customer experience like?
ST: Our store is in a 100-year-old warehouse in Sydney that used to be a Rosella canning plant. We have a great edit of Australian-made homewares, art, furniture and rugs and great customer service. We think it’s the only way for physical retail stores to thrive.
How would you describe the Australian aesthetic?
RK: I think it has a casual simplicity with sometimes a bit of a cheeky twist. Often natural fibres and textures are used as well.
Finish this sentence. Working with your partner is like…
ST: …having your best buddy around.
RK: …not being without your right arm!
Where are your favourite places to shop in the world?
ST: Local markets. There’s nothing more exciting than the sights, smells and sounds in these often crazy and bustling places.
RK: I find it hard to go past a beautifully designed Scandinavian design store. Everything is so considered.
What do you read/listen to/watch to stay informed?
ST: Lots of things. The How I Built This podcast is a favourite of both of ours. We look at a lot of social media – Instagram, Pinterest, Dezeen.
Who are your business and/or retail heroes?
ST: Patagonia – for being such an ethical brand that is willing to stand for something. Everlane – for providing transparency around their manufacturing chain. And as far as pure retail goes, Harris Farm – for reading their customers so well and offering a different model to all the other food retailers.
How do you get the creative juices flowing?
ST: Get out in the natural environment. There’s no better way to help you to reset and change your perspective. I also love working collaboratively – there’s so much to be gained in getting other people’s perspectives.
RK: I get the best results visiting factories and talking to clients. I also love exploring new materials and talking to clients about what they are looking for or need.
Why did you decide to become a B Corp?
ST: We have wanted to do it for some time. It means a lot to us to be independently assessed and given a tick for our values and the way we do business.
If you could change one thing about Koskela, what would it be?
ST: I’d love to have more time to create more products with Indigenous art centres. This is an area where we can have a great impact.
RK: I’d like to see our products available overseas.
What’s your biggest design pet peeve?
ST: The way smartphones are not designed to be fit for purpose. It’s crazy that you need to buy screen protectors and cases in order to use them. I don’t know anyone who has not dropped their phone and cracked their screen.
RK: Companies that design products that can’t be repaired.
Describe your ideal weekend.
ST: Spending some time with our kids, getting out in nature and catching up with friends.
RK: Eating, exercising and taking time out to relax and smell the roses. Or frangipanis in our case!
