Helsinki — Max Fraser

Max Fraser works as a commentator across the various media outlets that surround the design industry and, more recently, food and farming. He writes for magazines and newspapers, authors books, curates exhibitions, speaks at events worldwide and consults for public and private bodies. This diversity of output prompts people to ask him, "what exactly do you do?" This website acts as a portfolio of his work and hopefully goes some way to answering that question. Welcome and thank you for visiting.

Writing

Speaking

Curating

Consulting

31.08.2024 / Events

Talk: Habitare fair, Helsinki, 12th September 2024

I will be hosting a talk at Finland’s leading design fair, Habitare, taking place at Messukeskus in Helsinki from 10-14th September 2024.

Embracing neurodiversity in creativity, to form safe spaces, Main Arena, 2pm, 12th September 2024

The creative industry and all that it encompasses is home to a variety of people, and the diversity amongst creatives is vast. Neurodiversity and neurodivergence are terms we hear more of these days, as we learn, understand and accept that being neurodivergent is absolutely nothing to be afraid. Research has taught us that most neurodivergent people have one thing in common – creativity. This panel discussion delves into how we can embrace neurodiversity in creativity so that we’re developing safe and secure environments not only for ourselves, but for those around us.

Speakers are Henna Helander, architect at HHC and Tim Reusch, head of consulting & planning studio at Vitra.

This talk is free to attend.

02.09.2023 / Events

Talks: Habitare fair, Helsinki, 13th &14th September 2023

I will be hosting two talks at Finland’s leading design fair, Habitare, taking place at Messukeskus in Helsinki from 13-17th September 2023.

How will sustainability shape the future? Main Arena, 14:00, 13th September 2023

A panel discussion on responsible design and the importance of our actions in the fight towards a circular and sustainable future, with speakers Maria Uggla, head of colour and material at Polestar, Håkan Nordin, head of sustainability at Bolon, and Maria Klemetti Laine from NEMO architects.

Design Crimes and Icons. Main Arena, 15:00, 14th September 2023

Humans are already producing too much stuff but despite that, a vast quantity of products, buildings or services are introduced that fail to satisfactorily achieve their stated function, are badly made, don’t adequately serve their user or become irrelevant after a year or so. This panel will highlight a few examples of ‘design crimes’ as well as temper their choices with examples of design excellence.

Speakers: Antti Olin, CEO and partner at Made By Choice, Mirkku Kullberg, CEO of Paimio Sanatorium, and designer Tej Chauhan.

Both talks are free to attend.