Professional design work
Professional design work from my current role as assistant designer at Tapio Anttila Design Studio.
As an assistant designer at Tapio Anttila Design Studio, I contribute to the development of a wide range of furniture projects for clients such as Tapio Anttila Collection, Fitwood, and Nordic Country Home.
I participate in every phase of the process, from initial concept development and 3D modelling to visualisations and preparing technical documents for prototyping and production. Several of these projects have already reached the market, and in this section, I present selected examples of the works I have contributed to.
I first joined the studio in spring 2023 as an intern, as part of my studies in interior architecture and furniture design at the Institute of Design in Lahti, Finland. Following a successful internship and the trust built with Tapio, I continue at the studio, where I now work as an assistant designer.
“Deme has been the best intern I’ve ever had, which is why I decided to continue the collaboration with an employment contract.”
– Tapio Anttila
– Tapio Anttila
1. Idea development
Sketching, concept generation, early-stage thinking.
2. 3D Development
Digital modelling, proportions, form refinement, CAD.
3. Visualisation
Rendering, presentation images, material and lighting studies.
4. Design for Prototyping & Manufacturing
Technical drawings, design for production, materials.
1. Idea development
These sketches were made in spring 2025 using traditional hand sketching techniques, pencil on A4 paper, and colored with markers. I’m currently looking forward to exploring digital sketching on iPad, as a complementary tool in this early ideation phase.
In many projects, Tapio already has a clear initial concept expressed through sketches. I support the process by contributing additional sketches to refine proportions, explore options, and develop the visual direction further.
When the idea is still evolving, we discuss it together and I produce new concept sketches based on those conversations, a form of collaborative ideation that often leads to sharper design intent.
In some cases, I also initiate original design ideas from scratch, which we then explore and iterate together. This early stage is where design thinking, form exploration, and quick decisions take shape. It’s where structure emerges from lines, and ideas begin to transition into material concepts.
2. 3D development
Once the idea has taken shape through sketches and discussions, I transition into the 3D modelling phase using Rhino3D, which I use specifically for furniture design. This is where I define proportions, refine geometry, explore construction options, and assess the model’s manufacturability.
Rhino is a key tool in my digital prototyping workflow. It allows me to iterate quickly, adjust designs based on feedback, and generate clean, accurate geometry for both rendering and technical development. My goal at this stage is to create a production-aware 3D model that’s clear, well-resolved, and buildable.
This is also the point where potential issues often emerge, from structural weaknesses to visual imbalance, and where I solve them. I use this stage to improve overall structure, check assembly logic, and fine-tune form before moving on to visualisation or prototyping.
3. Visualisation
With the 3D model in place, I use KeyShot to produce high-quality renderings that clearly communicate the design’s form, materials, lighting, and atmosphere. These images help translate the concept into a format the team and client can immediately understand and evaluate, an essential part of my visual storytelling process.
I refine the raw renders in Photoshop, adjusting lighting, contrast, and fine details to improve readability and visual consistency. The renders are then composed into a presentation layout in InDesign, designed not only to showcase the concept but to support meaningful client feedback and design discussion.
This stage is where the smallest decisions, from finishes and joinery to visual proportions and functionality, come into focus. The presentation becomes a collaborative tool, bridging the gap between design intent and the next step: technical development and prototyping.
4. Design for Prototyping & Manufacturing
Once the concept is approved, I prepare the necessary technical documentation to support the prototyping and production phases. Using Rhino3D and Adobe Illustrator, I create accurate 2D CAD drawings that define key elements such as dimensions, materials, joints, and construction specifications.
This stage is about turning a design into something physically buildable, efficiently and without compromising its intent. The drawings serve as a clear communication tool between the design team, manufacturers, ensuring alignment across all steps.
I focus particularly on assembly logic, material transitions, and construction clarity, often working closely with Tapio to refine design solutions and adapt them to real-world production constraints. This is where the concept takes its final, tangible step, from design to reality.
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Words from Tapio Anttila
This quote reflects both the skills I’ve grown at Tapio Anttila Design Studio and the trust we built through real collaboration. Friends and colleagues often call me Deme..
“Deme has been the best intern I’ve ever had, which is why I decided to continue the collaboration with an employment contract. I usually ideate by sketching, and Deme has been able to quickly and skillfully turn those into demanding 3D models and renderings. Our collaboration in developing and refining ideas has also worked very well. Deme has shown to be competent in producing 2D technical drawings as well.
A modern designer’s work also includes essential skills like image editing, proficiency in graphic design software, and photography – all of which are part of Deme’s skill set. He also doesn’t hesitate to pitch in when heavy sofas need to be carried to photo shoots or trade fairs.”
A modern designer’s work also includes essential skills like image editing, proficiency in graphic design software, and photography – all of which are part of Deme’s skill set. He also doesn’t hesitate to pitch in when heavy sofas need to be carried to photo shoots or trade fairs.”
Tapio Anttila, Interior architect and designer.