Our reality is defined by a continuum
Generations learn from previous ones, grasping means and learning skills they carry along with them and then pass forward to the next ones. Styles repeat one another: the new ones are somehow inspired by the old ones, dressed in evolved ways to communicate aesthetically. Children adopt their parents’ ways like apprentices learn from their mentors. Nothing is born in a void: things are constantly changing in our world, and each change is linked to something old. Everywhere we look, there are endless chains that have roots somewhere far away in the past.
In 1967 Kari Virtanen was 19 years old and had just established his own woodworking studio in the old space of Nikkarinkoski joinery in Seinäjoki, Finland. Looking for his first jobs, Virtanen was contacted by Alvar Aalto‘s architecture studio. At this point Aalto’s works had been strongly noted and appreciated around the world. They represented modern design at its best.
The first project Virtanen had with Aalto was the parish hall of Lakeuden Risti church in Seinäjoki, to which he manufactured multiple wooden parts. Along came various other projects with Aalto, for example the library and the theatre of Seinäjoki. Together with Alvar Aalto and other makers Virtanen defined the characteristics of Finnish design and architecture that were later on printed in the books of history. Working with Alvar Aalto was a learning experience for Virtanen and guided him to deeper understand his own style preferation. Still today Nikari’s values lie meaningful, uncompromising craftsmanship and understanding of beauty.
Alvar Aalto learned his skills and understanding of aesthetics from his predecessors and peers around him – and the same way Kari Virtanen carries and passes forward the same ancient continuum of understanding, knowledge and skill.
Starting photo above: Church Lakeuden Risti at Seinäjoki, Finland.
The Alvar tray by Alvar Aalto is the oldest product in Nikari collection. The original Alvar trays are still in use in the Lakeuden Risti convention center they were made for.
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 by Kari Virtanen – Nikari
Father of modern design STORIA CHAIR, design Kari Virtanen Nikari’s father figure and founder, Kaj …

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 …

Kari Virtanen & Alvar Aalto
Our reality is defined by a continuum Generations learn from previous ones, grasping means and …

Storia stools by Kari Virtanen – Nikari
At Stockholm furniture fair we will launch a new STORIA stool by the founder of …

Nikari Skandi Table Collection by Kari Virtanen
The Skandi table collection by master craftsman Kari Virtanen epitomizes Finnish design excellence. Created in …

Biennale Solid Oak Furniture by Kari Virtanen – Nikari
BIENNALE design Kari Virtanen, 2014 The Biennale stool-table was made for the Architectural Biennale of …

The Bench Seminar by Kari Virtanen – Nikari
SEMINAR KVI3 BENCH design Kari Virtanen . 2014 Seminar KVI3 is a wider version of KVT1 …

Arkipelago Series by Kari Virtanen – Nikari
ARKIPELAGO KVI10/KVI10T Design Kari Virtanen Arkipelago series is made to be used indoors, sauna …

Kari Virtanen
Master Craftsman, Designer, and Nikari Founder Kari Virtanen is one of Finland’s most respected master …