It’s time to get to know the Open House Tallinn team. This time, volunteer coordinator Heddi Jaeski shares her thoughts.
Who are you and what do you do on a daily basis?
I’m a person with a creative and constructive nature, inspired by constant self-development and the challenge of pushing beyond my own limits. On a daily basis, I work in a field where aesthetics, practicality, and the careful management of buildings come together.
How did you find your way into architecture, urban space, or design? What fascinates you most about architecture?
As a child, I was already creating spaces and interiors out of anything – whether it was a snow fort or a structure built from tree branches. So, studying interior architecture was a natural step. What fascinates me most about architecture is how space shapes a person’s well-being and everyday life.
Which place in Tallinn always makes you reflect on the city anew?
It’s hard to highlight just one place – Tallinn surprises me in different ways at different times. Sometimes it’s a small courtyard or an unexpected view that makes me reflect on the city, and sometimes it’s a new development that changes the entire feel of its surroundings.
Which space or building has inspired you recently?
I’m most drawn to buildings where the overall concept clearly extends seamlessly from exterior to interior. One example is the Rietveld Schröder House in Utrecht, created by Gerrit Rietveld together with Truus Schröder, and now a museum. It’s a genuine example of holistic spatial design, where every detail is carefully considered.
If I think about historical buildings where I’d like to live or work, I’d choose a place where architectural value and human scale are connected, allowing for everyday use and dialogue with the present.
What change would you like to see in Tallinn’s urban space in the future?
I’d like to see more transparency in how decisions about urban space are made – whose needs are being considered when spaces are designed.
Which building or tour would you definitely recommend visiting this year, and why?
The Nõmme Elevator is fascinating because it brings together an old industrial building and new life – the former grain storage giant is soon to become a residential building with commercial spaces.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs may look modest from the outside, but inside it hides real architectural treasures. The halls surprise with their dignified atmosphere and elegant details.
