Interview with Kanttari

KANTTARI is a furniture design studio and brand based in Latvia. We focus on collectible design pieces that merge bold forms with timeless craftsmanship. Each creation is a blend of artistry and functionality, often inspired by nature, history, and contemporary culture. We work closely with skilled artisans and use sustainable materials where possible. Our aim is to create furniture that makes a statement—objects that elevate the spaces they inhabit.

Design is storytelling through shape and material. It’s the art of problem-solving with elegance and emotion. Good design should serve both the mind and the senses. It’s not just about appearance—it’s about how something makes you feel and how it fits into your life. Design, for me, is a way of shaping the future with intention.

I love designing sculptural furniture—pieces that blur the line between functional object and art. Cabinets, sideboards, and armchairs excite me the most, especially when there’s space to play with bold silhouettes and rich materials. These types of pieces allow for a strong narrative and presence in a room. I enjoy the challenge of creating something that’s practical but also deeply expressive.

One of my favorites is the Savage drinks cabinet, which recently received a Silver at the London Design Awards. It’s a bold piece, wrapped in expressive woodgrain with brutalist yet refined detailing. The interplay of raw strength and elegance makes it feel almost like a living sculpture. It also carries a sense of ritual—opening the doors feels like unveiling a secret. That emotional impact is what I strive for.

It was a minimalistic table for a residential project. The goal was to create something simple but memorable, and it taught me a lot about balancing aesthetics with durability. It wasn’t the most radical design, but it sparked my passion for furniture and started my journey with KANTTARI. Looking back, it laid the foundation for the more daring pieces I create now.

Wood—especially solid oak—is a material I return to again and again. It has a soul, a texture, and a warmth that no synthetic material can replicate. I also love working with brass accents and glass for contrast. In terms of technology, I appreciate the artisanal knowledge. There’s something irreplaceable about the craftsmanship process.

Travel sparks creativity for me—being exposed to different cultures, materials, and environments expands my thinking. I also find inspiration when walking in nature; it helps ideas flow more freely. And in Milan during the Design Week, of course.

I focus on the narrative, proportions, and material harmony. I want each piece to tell a story and evoke a feeling—whether it's mystery, elegance, or power. Every line, joint, and texture is intentional. I also pay close attention to how the design will age over time, both physically and emotionally.

The early stages feel like falling in love with an idea. There’s anticipation in seeing how it evolves. When a design clicks, there's an almost electric sense of satisfaction. It’s a very intuitive and emotional process.

There’s a deep sense of fulfillment when a design becomes reality—like seeing an idea come alive. It's a mix of pride and humility. I also feel gratitude toward the craftsmen who interpret the vision with such precision. Sometimes, there’s surprise too—how the physical presence adds new depth to what existed only in sketches. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of being a designer.

A successful design resonates emotionally and functions beautifully. It feels inevitable—like it was always meant to be that way. It also connects with people on a personal level, inviting them to use it, live with it, and even cherish it. Sustainability, quality, and originality also play a huge role. If a piece still captivates you years later, it’s a success.

Proportion and intent are the first things I look for. If the piece feels balanced and tells a clear story, it already has strength. Then I consider material quality, craftsmanship, and the emotional impact. A "bad" design often lacks coherence—it feels forced or hollow.

Designers shape culture, so we have a responsibility to create objects that last and inspire. Sustainability is critical—choosing responsible materials, minimizing waste, and valuing longevity over trends. We also carry a responsibility to reflect and respect cultural context. Ultimately, design should improve quality of life, not just visually but ethically.

Design is becoming more interdisciplinary and conscious. There’s a shift from pure aesthetics to purpose-driven design—more emphasis on sustainability, emotion, and digital integration. I believe the future lies in personalization, storytelling, and meaningful collaborations. Objects will become more reflective of individual identities, while still being crafted with global responsibility.

Our latest showcase is at 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen, where we’re unveiling new pieces in an immersive setting. It’s a space that invites people to feel the materials and experience the design beyond visuals. Our next exhibition will likely be in Paris at Maison&Objet, and in our hometown Riga as every year.

Inspiration often comes from contrasts—brutal nature and refined culture, shadows and light, silence and rhythm. Travel helps shift my perspective and notice the unnoticed. I feed creativity by staying curious and giving myself quiet time to reflect. Sketching without pressure also unlocks ideas.

Our style is sculptural, bold, and emotionally charged—each piece feels like a character in a room. I was drawn to this approach because I wanted to design furniture that speaks, not just serves. Our work often features strong geometries, natural textures, and unexpected contrasts. My process is intuitive but grounded in function. I design with feeling first, then refine with structure.

I live in Latvia, a country with deep roots in nature and craftsmanship. The rhythm of the forest, the calmness of the seasons—it all seeps into my design language. There’s a quiet strength and honesty in Baltic aesthetics that influences my work. The con is that resources or visibility can be more limited compared to larger design hubs, but that also fosters creativity and authenticity.

We collaborate closely, starting with a shared vision and open dialogue. I listen carefully to understand their needs, then translate that into a design that feels aligned but distinct. Trust and mutual respect are key. I prefer long-term partnerships where we can grow together and push creative boundaries.

Start by choosing a designer whose values and aesthetic resonate with your brand. Look at how they think, not just what they produce—good design comes from clear vision. Let the designer into your process early, and be open to exploration. Collaboration works best when both sides trust each other and stay flexible. Also, give space for creativity—it often leads to solutions no one expected.

My process begins with a feeling, a concept, or even a single texture. Then I sketch—rough forms first, like visual thoughts. Once the idea takes shape, I move to 3D modeling to explore structure and proportion. Material selection is always hands-on; I test samples, see how they react to light. The final steps involve prototyping with my craftsmen to fine-tune the design and ensure it communicates its intended emotion.

A blackened steel sculpture from a Japanese studio.
A dining table of my own design made by my brand Kanttari.
A vintage Scandinavian armchair that has aged with so much character.
A beautiful glass bowl by latvian glassware brand An&Angel
A glass wall art by artist Artis Nimanis.

Each day is a balance between silence and stimulation. Some moments are for observing, others for creating. I move between intuition and structure, always leaving space for the unexpected. Time is shaped by the rhythm of ideas, not the clock. It's not a routine—it’s a flow.

Stay curious and stay honest in your work. Don’t chase trends—develop your own language. Learn to listen: to your materials, your clients, your instincts. And always respect the hands that make your designs real. Most importantly, be patient—good design takes time and courage.

The positive is that you get to shape the world around you—every detail matters. It’s incredibly rewarding to see ideas turn into lasting, meaningful objects. The challenge is that it can be emotionally and mentally consuming. There’s constant pressure to innovate, and you often work in uncertainty. But that edge is also where the magic happens.

Design must feel. If it doesn’t evoke anything, it’s just decoration. Every line, texture, and proportion should serve the soul of the piece. Beauty is important, but presence is everything.

an eye for proportion, sensitivity to material, and a strong visual language. Persistence matters just as much as talent. And of course, being able to communicate your vision clearly, both visually and verbally.

Sketchbooks are my most valuable tool—they capture raw ideas. I use Sketchup for modeling. Material samples, handmade prototypes, and photography help me explore tactile and visual possibilities. I also draw inspiration from old architectural books, fashion editorials, and film stills. My toolbox is both digital and deeply analog.

I work in focused blocks—intense design sprints followed by slower periods of refinement. Prioritizing what stage a piece is in helps structure my week. I also delegate technical tasks to trusted collaborators so I can stay close to the creative vision. Breaks are important too; sometimes the best ideas come when I step away. Time is a material in itself—how you use it shapes the outcome.

It really depends on the complexity of the piece. Some designs take a few weeks from concept to prototype, while others evolve over months. For our collectible furniture, the process is often long and layered—refining proportions, testing finishes, working with artisans. On average, I’d say 3 to 6 months from first sketch to final product. But I never rush the emotional part—it needs time to mature.

People often ask: “Where do your ideas come from?” It’s a hard question because inspiration doesn’t follow a straight line. It’s everywhere—textures, moods, shadows, even music. I also get asked how to make a piece both artistic and functional, which is at the core of my work.

Founding KANTTARI was the most defining step. It meant total creative responsibility—from concept to execution. Every success and mistake taught me more than any single commission ever could. It also gave me the freedom to develop a voice that’s truly mine, rather than filtered through another brand’s lens.

Our clients range from private collectors and architects to luxury hospitality developers. Many come from Europe, USA, and the Middle East. They’re often people who value uniqueness and emotional presence in their interiors. Some collaborations are very personal, which makes the process even more rewarding.

I enjoy creating statement pieces—furniture that acts like sculpture. These works allow for emotional storytelling and bold experimentation. It’s incredibly satisfying to see someone connect with a piece on a visceral level, beyond function. This kind of work also allows me to push the limits of form, material, and meaning.

We’re exploring more international collaborations and expanding our presence in Asia, especially South Korea and Japan. Exhibitions and curated experiences are a growing part of our direction. Ultimately, I want to create fewer, more meaningful pieces—each with a clear soul.

The initial concept always starts with me—it’s a very personal process. But I work closely with a small, trusted team of makers, engineers, and material specialists. Their input is invaluable. Design is never done in isolation; it’s a dialogue between minds and hands.

Yes, I’m currently working on a new cabinet that plays with curved geometry and contrasting finishes. It’s inspired by the sea during winter—dark, reflective, and quiet. The structure is minimal, but the surface tells a story through texture and light. It’s still evolving, but it feels very close to my core design language.

We’re reachable through our website kanttari.com and Instagram @kanttari_furniture. For collaborations or press inquiries, there are more contact information on our site. We’re always open to creative conversations.

Just this—design is more than making things look beautiful. It’s about creating presence, meaning, and memory. At KANTTARI, we believe that furniture can be quiet poetry in a room. Thank you for the opportunity to share our vision.