Master Craftsman, Designer, and Nikari Founder
Kari Virtanen is one of Finland’s most respected master cabinetmakers and designers, renowned for his profound understanding of wood and exceptional craftsmanship. As the founder of Nikari, established in 1967, Virtanen has dedicated his life to elevating Nordic woodworking traditions through contemporary design.
Virtanen began his journey in woodworking during mid-20th century Finland, where he developed his philosophy that truly functional objects emerge from careful craftsmanship, resulting in both beautiful forms and lasting durability. His approach reflects the quintessential Finnish design ethos that beauty arises naturally from purpose, material understanding, and meticulous execution.
Throughout his career, Virtanen has collaborated with icons of Finnish architecture and design, including Alvar Aalto and Kaj Franck, whose influences helped establish the foundational principles that continue to guide Nikari’s work today. His designs exemplify his exceptional ability to merge traditional woodworking knowledge with contemporary needs.
What distinguishes Virtanen’s work is his unique dialogue with wood – a “wordless language” developed through decades of experience, where both the material and the maker influence the final creation. His furniture reflects balanced, functional forms with strong structures built on skillfully crafted joints that simultaneously reinforce the whole and demonstrate profound respect for the wood itself.
As a designer, Virtanen believes wooden furniture should serve as a lifelong partner, embodying not just functionality but also meaning that deepens through years of use. His pieces carry the quiet beauty and wisdom of the forest from which they originated, together with the uncompromising craftsmanship of their maker.
Under Virtanen’s guidance, Nikari continues to address the question at the heart of their practice: how to bring out the best of wood through contemporary design? His legacy lives on through the company’s commitment to real materials, sustainable manufacturing processes, and respect for heritage – all coming together to create authentic and harmonious products that remain in balance with the natural world.
Photo: Riikka Kantinkoski
More designs by Kari Virtanen:
The LINEA KVP11 – A Timeless Meeting Place designed by Kari Virtanen – Nikari
Nikari presents LINEA KVP11, an elegant meeting table designed by Kari Virtanen, as one of …
Bruno Mathsson’s prize celebrates 40 years with extensive exhibition @ Vandalorum
26 October 2024–15 June 2025 In 2024, it will be 40 years since the Bruno …
The console table called Seminar Desk design by Kari Virtanen – Nikari
DESIGN POST KÖLN x ORGATEC 2024, 22-25 OCTOBER NEWS Surrounded by the bright Fiskars autumn …
STORIA spoke-back chair which follows the long local craftsmanship traditions of the spoke-back chairs by Kari Virtanen – Nikari
STORIA CHAIR, design Kari Virtanen Nikari’s father figure and founder, Kaj Franck Design Award 2022 …
Kaj Franck Design Prize 2022: Kari Virtanen
Cabinetmaker Kari Virtanen receives the Kaj Franck Design Prize 2022. Cabinetmaker Kari Virtanen has been …
Its Nordic craftsmanship soul can be spotted in the delicate joinery details by Kari Virtanen
STORIA STOOL Design Kari Virtanen 2020 The four-legged stool is designed for both contract environment …
Storia stools by Kari Virtanen – Nikari
At Stockholm furniture fair we will launch a new STORIA stool by the founder of …
The bench’s silhouette is thoroughly clear and reduced, harmonious proportions are complemented by delicate wooden joints by Kari Virtanen
SEMINAR KVI3 BENCH design Kari Virtanen . 2014 Seminar KVI3 is a wider version of KVT1 …
Kari Virtanen
Master Craftsman, Designer, and Nikari Founder Kari Virtanen is one of Finland’s most respected master …