Vision
Tõnis Kalve is a designer based in the Baltic Sea coastal town of Tallinn, Estonia
I create with my hands, my intuition, and a deep respect for materials. Before I studied interior architecture, I was a carpenter, shaping wood, understanding it’s nature—not forcing it into form but allowing it to reveal its own. That early connection to craftsmanship still defines how I work today. Design, for me, is not about control; it is about listening—letting materials, space, and time shape the outcome as much as my own intent.
I do not confine myself to one discipline. My work moves between interiors, furniture, and broader creative ventures—not because I seek variety, but because creativity itself is fluid. Some ideas take the form of objects, some become spaces, and others demand something larger—a system, a narrative, a brand. Just as a well-designed object carries a story, a brand can be a vessel for ideas that need room to grow, a platform for craftsmanship and authenticity to thrive.
Creating a brand is much like designing a space or an object—it begins with an idea, a feeling, a need for something that does not yet exist. It is about shaping an identity that feels inevitable, like it has always belonged. My interest in brand creation is not about logos or strategies; it is about building something with soul, something that stands on its own, something that invites people in. Whether through a physical object or a larger creative vision, I am drawn to the challenge of making ideas tangible, of crafting something that is not only seen but felt.
I am fascinated by the tension between design as a product and design as an idea. Can creativity exist outside the expectations of commerce? Can a brand be more than a name—can it be a philosophy, a place, a conversation? These are the questions that drive me. Whether I am shaping a piece of furniture, an interior, or something entirely new, I design not just to make, but to explore. Not just to follow, but to push forward.
Services
Interior Architecture & Spatial Design – Crafting authentic, material-driven spaces for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.
Bespoke Furniture & Object Design – Creating unique, handcrafted pieces that balance function, form, and storytelling.
Creative Direction & Brand Identity – Developing design-driven brands, concepts, and spatial experiences with depth and originality.
Material & Design Consultation – Guiding clients in material choices, sourcing, and sustainable production methods.
Experimental & Artistic Projects – Exploring design beyond function through installations, collaborations, and sculptural work.
Limited-Edition & Custom Creations – Designing exclusive, small-batch collections that embody craftsmanship and authenticity.
Construction Project Supervision & Management – Overseeing the execution of design concepts, ensuring quality, craftsmanship, and seamless project coordination.
CV index
AWARDS / MENTIONS
2025 Narva Estonian School - The Annual Award of the Estonian Association of Interior Architects 2024
Narva Estonian School - Nominee for the Annual Award of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia in Architecture 2024
2023 MUBA / Tallinn’s Music and Ballet School - The Annual Award of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia in Architecture for interior architecture 2022
MUBA / Tallinn’s Music and Ballet School - The Annual Award of the Estonian Association of Interior Architects 2022
2021 Estonian Academy of Security Sciences - The Grand Prize in Architecture of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia 2020
Estonian Academy of Security Sciences - Estonian Association of Interior Architects / annual award 2020
2018 “Juur” Restaurant - Estonian Association of Interior Architects / annual award 2017 winner
2017 FUEL / Office Space for Creative Fuel - Estonian Association of Interior Architects / annual award 2017 nominee
2016 Derelict Furniture - Derelict Furniture collection was included in the permanent collection of the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design
2014 Derelict Furniture - The Annual Award of the Estonian Association of Interior Architects 2013 - Best Object
2013 Tartu Environmental Education Centre - Estonian Association of Interior Architects / annual award 2013 nominee
SELECTED INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS:
2025 - … Private House at the island of Hiiumaa, EST
2025 -… Apparntent in Tallinn, Kadriorg, EST
2024 Narva Estonian School, Narva, EST (co authors: Ahti Grünberg and Mari-Liis Sõber)
2024 Private house in Viimsi, EST
2023 Skeleton Technologies Leipzig office and production Facility
2022 MUBA / Tallinn’s Music and Ballet School, Talllinn, EST (co authors: Ahti Grünberg / Mari Põld / Kadi Karmann / Ardo Hiiuväin / Kärt Hollo / Merje Karu / Katrin Talvik / 3+1 Architects: Hanna-Liisa Mõtus / Markus Kaasik)
2022 Appartment in Pärnu, EST
2022 SKANK / Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, Narva, EST (co authors: Ahti Grünberg / Mari Põld / Kadi Berens / Merje Karu)
2021 Tominga Office Building in Tallinn, EST (co authors: Ahti Grünberg, Mari-Liis Sõber)
2021 Skeleton Technologies space, Tallinn, EST (co Author - Mari-Liis Sõber)
2021 Private house in Assaku, EST
2018 Liha & Tapas Gourmet shop concept design in Tallinn, EST
2018 Nightclub in Tartu, EST
2017 Gourmet Restaurant “Juur”, Tallinn, EST (co author - Ahti Grünberg)
2017 Coffee People, coffee shop, Tallinn, EST (co author - Ahti Grünberg)
2017 FUEL / Creative Agency office space, Tallinn, EST (co authors - Ahti Grünberg, Mari Põld, Tomomi Hayashi )
2017 “Katla Maja” Appartment building concept design, developer Liven, Tallinn, EST (co authors - Ahti Grünberg)
2017 Skeleton Technologies office and production, Viimsi, EST (co author - Ahti Grünberg)
2016 Private house in Tallinn, EST
2016 Skeleton Technologies office in Tartu, EST (unrealized) (co author - Ahti Grünberg)
2016 Private house renovation, Tallinn, EST
2016 Restaurant Bollywood, Viimsi, EST (co author: Ahti Grünberg)
2013 Tartu Environmental Education Centre, Tartu, EST
2012 Renewal of Tallinn Bus Terminal, Tallinn, EST (co author - Ahti Grünberg)
2012/13 Baltika Group, Monton shop’s concept implementation in Baltic State shops
2011 Restaurant Bollywood in Tallinn old town, EST (co author - Ahti Grünberg)
BRANDS AND CONCEPT DESIGN PROJECTS:
2024 - … Faberhus, Creator, Parnter and designer (co partners Ines Haak, Tarmo Tamm)
2011/16 MAAST Furniture, Partner and designer (co partner and designer, Aap Piho, Ahti Grünberg)
2014 SKANO Furniture Factory, new collection proposition (unrealized)
2013/17 Derelict Furniture, Partner and designer (co parnter and designer, Ahti Grünberg)
EXHIBITIONS
2016 “Roundabout Baltic” excebition - Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design - Derelict Furniture
2014 IMM Cologne 2014, trade fair - with Derelict Furniture
2013 Baltic Furniture Fair Riga 2013 - with Derelict Furniture
2012 Helsinki Furniture Fair Habitare 2012 - Habitare Trash Hotel with Derelict Furniture
2012 “World Design Capital Helsinki 2012” main exebition „Everyday Discoveries Exhibition“ Helsingis - MAAST Furniture collection