studio ARGUS

27/03/2026

The renewed main building of Tallinn University of Applied Sciences ✨

The symmetrical architecture of the building, completed in 1953 (during the Stalinist period), is stern and academic. It stands as a symbol of its era, carrying deep ideological messages and expressing admiration for the empire. Stalinist architecture deliberately sought to oppose the rise of modernism in the West. Nevertheless, the architecture of that period, inspired by neoclassicism, is also beautiful in its abundant high columns, cornices and spacious interiors.

The new interior architectural solution seeks to break up the building’s strict geometry. Long, narrow and dark corridors have been opened up with glass partitions, allowing light to pass through classrooms into the corridors. Colourful seating niches, restrooms and details introduce contrast and a sense of youthfulness to the otherwise formal university environment. White interiors create a sense of openness, complemented by black accents.

Photos: Karl Kasepõld

24/03/2026

The rooms of the Bank of Estonia Museum are gradually revealing their historical layers. Students from the Painting Restoration Department of the Estonian Academy of Arts are restoring the ceilings of the historic bank building’s hall.

In the room known as the “Peasants’ Hall,” as the name suggests, people of lower social status—so-called peasants—were served there. During the restoration of the ceilings and walls, beautiful paintings featuring dandelion motifs were uncovered.

The students were supervised by Hilkka Hiiop and Heli Tuksam.

20/03/2026

Private Manor Spa House in Viljandi, South Estonia

Located in a charming Art Nouveau–style manor stable building—once used as a horse stable—this cozy private spa house offers a unique retreat with a swimming pool, sauna complex, and sleeping quarters. Renovated using sustainable and eco-friendly methods, the building has been given a new life. Nestled on the edge of a romantic mill pond, it warmly welcomes the manor owners and their guests for a peaceful and intimate escape.

Architecture and interiors: studio ARGUS
Photos: Terje Ugandi

09/03/2026

Studio ARGUS has developed a transformation concept for the Bekker Water Tower into a loft-style apartment. Through minimal interventions, the design introduces contemporary comfort while preserving the tower’s authentic industrial character.

̃hjatallinn

06/03/2026

We were invited to participate in the interior architecture competition for Lennusadama 7 and 9, part of the continuing development of Tallinn’s Noblessner waterfront district.

The project is located within the historic Elling Park, a protected shipyard landscape shaped by the legacy of the former submarine industry. Our proposal responded to this maritime-industrial context by balancing robust materiality with a calm and contemporary spatial atmosphere.

The interior palette introduced warmth through natural oak veneer, softening the crisp seaside setting. Black quartzite elements were paired with light microcement surfaces, creating a restrained yet tactile material contrast. Custom-designed chandeliers acted as sculptural focal points, adding rhythm and vertical emphasis to the space.

Architecture: Kadarik Tüür Architects
Interior: studio ARGUS - Mariia Korolova, Margit Argus
Developer: Kodusadam

27/02/2026

05/02/2026

Park Rae will be a new development near Tallinn that combines logistics and light industrial buildings with office spaces as well as dining and recreational areas, creating a cohesive, people-centred working environment. In the first phase, a 32,000 m² building and its associated outdoor areas will be constructed. Approximately 1,200 m² of the building will consist of office space, which can be expanded according to tenant needs.

Architecture: DAGOpen
Interior architecture: studio ARGUS
Contractor: Nordecon

28/01/2026

Narva Alexander’s Cathedral extension and renovation project, developed in collaboration by studio ARGUS and Lumia.

Built in 1884, Alexander’s Cathedral is an active church and a multifunctional space designed to host concerts. The project introduces essential supporting functions — rehearsal and dressing rooms, visitor facilities, and ticketing — while preserving the historic architecture.

All additional functions are placed underground, separate from the church volume. The entrances are marked on ground level by small, geometric glass pavilions, allowing the cathedral’s architecture to remain fully visible from all directions.
In the future, the cathedral will host both religious services and concerts, with seating capacity for up to 1,000 people.

Design team: Margit Argus, Karina Kerstinov, Katariina Teigar, Margit Aule

13/01/2026

Bekker Water Tower was built in the early 20th century as part of the Bekker shipyard and harbour in Kopli, the water tower played a key technical role in supplying the rapidly growing industrial port area of Tallinn. Its massive brick structure reflects the industrial architecture of its time — functional, durable, and free of excess ornament.

Studio ARGUS has developed a transformation concept for the Bekker Water Tower into a loft-style apartment. Through minimal interventions, the design introduces contemporary comfort while preserving the tower’s authentic industrial character.

Desing team: Margit Argus, Mariia Korolova

̃hjatallinn

07/01/2026

At the end of last year, a new permanent exhibition, “Lyndanise. Reval. Tallinn. Urban Life Through the Centuries”, opened at the Tallinn City Museum. We were excited to be responsible for the exhibition design of this rich and engaging story.

The history of Tallinn as a city began in 1219, when Danish King Valdemar II established a centre of power on Toompea. At the foot of the limestone hill, a settlement of merchants and craftsmen emerged. The Lower Town was named Reval after the ancient Estonian county of Rävala, while the local population came to call it the Danish town – Tallinn. The exhibition tells the story of the city as it has been shaped, carried forward, and preserved by generations over the centuries. Exceptional artefacts from the museum’s collection bring this layered narrative vividly to life.

The exhibition design is immersive and boldly colourful – echoing the vibrant and multi-layered history of Tallinn itself.


Location: Vene 17, Tallinn
Area: 350 m2
Status: completed 2025
Client: Tallinna Linnamuuseum
Exchibition design: Margit Argus, Celine Cathy Raaga (studio ARGUS)
Exhibition production: Pult OÜ
Graphic Design: Pult OÜ
Photos: Tõnu Tunnel