Nikari

Heritage

Nikari was established in 1967 by cabinetmaker Kari Virtanen, who grew up in the South Ostrobothnia region of Finland and started his own workshop at the age of nineteen, after learning woodworking from elder master cabinetmakers and working as a pattern maker. The one-man studio began in the former Nikkarinkoski joinery in Seinäjoki, and its early assignments included work for architect Alvar Aalto and designer Kaj Franck. In 1993 Nikari moved to Fiskars, an old ironworks village, drawn by its rich selection of tree species; the workshop sits in Finland's oldest machine works beside the Fiskars river rapids.

Philosophy

Nikari describes itself as a wood design studio and furniture manufacturer known for its expertise in solid wood. Its guiding question is how to bring out the best of wood through contemporary design, answered with real materials, sustainable manufacturing and respect for heritage. The company aims to make furniture that withstands the test of time, with changeable upholstery, natural oil, wax and soap finishes, and joints tested for centuries.

Iconic Works

Nikari's collections include Seminar, Skandinavia, Arkitecture, Linea, Periferia and the 12 Designs for Nature project of 2012, which produced pieces such as the December chair by Jasper Morrison and Wataru Kumano. Its designers include Alvar Aalto, Kari Virtanen, Jasper Morrison, John Pawson, Cecilie Manz, Harri Koskinen and Alfredo Häberli.

Today

Nikari works from its studio-workshop and showroom in Fiskars, Finland. It uses certified wood from Northern Europe, mostly supplied by the sawmill next door, and the workshop runs on 100% renewable hydroelectric power from the neighbouring rapids. Products are available FSC® or PEFC certified on request.