Pihla Meskanen is architect and pedagogue, co-founded Arkki in 1993 to revolutionize creative education. As CEO of Arkki International, she has expanded the program globally, emphasizing the importance of design and architecture in learning.

What inspired you to start Arkki?
The original spark came from my mother—she’s both an architect and an educator. Growing up, I saw how architecture could be more than buildings—it’s a multidisciplinary world that combines creativity, logic, empathy, and spatial thinking. I realized early on that this makes it an ideal medium for children to explore, express themselves, and develop essential skills for life.

How does Arkki’s approach differ from traditional education?
At Arkki, we don’t teach children what to think—we create the conditions for them to think for themselves. Our project-based, hands-on learning approach encourages creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. Instead of memorizing facts, children build, design, experiment, and reflect. Learning becomes meaningful because it’s rooted in experience.

Why is architecture a good medium for teaching children?
Architecture is inherently multidisciplinary—it brings together art, science, math, humanities, environment, and technology. Through architecture, children can see how their ideas take physical form, which makes learning deeply engaging and multidimensional. It allows them to understand and shape the world around them—both literally and metaphorically.

What skills do children develop through Arkki programs?
Children develop the core 21st-century skills and competencies. But beyond skills, they also gain confidence, empathy, and a sense of agency. They learn that their ideas matter and that they can be part of building better futures.

How has Arkki expanded internationally?
Arkki has grown through shared values and genuine partnerships. Today, Arkki is present in 12 countries with different cultural contexts but sharing the same pedagogical foundation.

What challenges have you faced in this expansion?
Ensuring the consistency and quality of our programs across diverse educational systems is an ongoing effort. But it’s also enriching—we learn from every new context.

Can you share a success story from Arkki?
In Thailand, students designed sustainable fashion from recycled materials, showcasing their work at Bangkok Design Week—a testament to their creativity and social awareness.

What are your thoughts on Arkki Cyprus?
I’m truly excited to see Arkki’s philosophy taking root in Cyprus. It’s always a joy to witness how different cultures bring the Arkki approach to life, especially through the passion and dedication of our trained local educators.

How do you envision Arkki’s future?
My hope is that Arkki continues to reach more children around the world, giving them tools to understand, imagine, and shape their futures. We want to stay at the forefront in holistic, child-centered creative learning.

Any advice for educators?
Be brave, embrace creativity, allow space for exploration, and don’t be afraid to go beyond the textbook. Children are naturally curious and capable—we can provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.