FRAN CORVI

Meet the Maker

Fran Corvi: Emotional Design from Tandil, Argentina

FRAN CORVI

"Objects that capture a part of your story, your life—becoming a daily reminder of life stories and how they intertwine to create something truly unique."

From his studio in Tandil, Fran creates objects that capture nostalgia, simplicity, and the beautiful contrasts of Argentinian culture—pieces designed to trigger conversation and keep memories alive.

The Craft

Fran Corvi creates objects that live beyond their function—pieces that become vessels for memories and catalysts for human connection. His emotional design approach focuses on the intimate relationship between user and object, crafting vessels that hold not just wine, but stories and shared moments. Using advanced concrete techniques, he transforms industrial materials into pieces that invite touch and spark conversation. The Corvi Wine Cooler, with its gem-like faceted surfaces, becomes a silent witness to celebrations and quiet evenings. His mastery lies in understanding how objects can capture nostalgia—transporting us back to family gatherings or perfect evenings with friends while developing their own patina of memories with every use.

Corvi Francisco. Champagne Cooler Concrete Chiller Cement Home Accesories Home Accents Concrete Design Luxury Exclusive

The Maker

Born in Tandil, Argentina, Francisco approaches design with genuine humility, crediting curiosity as his core influence. He describes himself as "a very simple man, in love with the little things"—someone who finds equal joy in the quiet patience of fishing and the careful craft of creating objects. This appreciation for life's simple pleasures informs his belief that meaningful objects require meaningful connections between makers. His work is built on ongoing relationships with craftsmen across continents. The Corvi Wine Cooler began with Swedish craftsmen who developed the specialized concrete formula, sharing advanced casting techniques. In Chicago, Francisco found a crucial partner in Regino Neri, a humble craftsman who has spent years perfecting the wine cooler's production alongside Francisco. These relationships represent continuous exchanges of ideas and cultural perspectives that enrich each piece. As Element Made's first partner designer since 2013, Francisco's collaborative philosophy has shaped our ongoing relationship. For over a decade, he has worked closely with Element Made, contributing not only new designs but essential technical knowledge for manufacturing innovative products. This long-term partnership reflects his belief that the best creative work emerges from sustained collaboration and shared learning.

Portrait Of Argentinian Designer Francisco Corvi
Woman Holding A Corvi Wine Cooler

Materials & Care

Francisco's philosophy centers on "warm, noble materials with their own textures and colors, eternal, with an important history." The specialized soft concrete formula, developed through collaboration with Swedish craftsmen, represents years of shared knowledge and cross-cultural exchange. His ongoing work with Chicago craftsman Regino Neri has refined the material's properties further. Francisco also uses wood, cast iron, and aluminum, each chosen for their ability to develop character over time. The concrete's thermal mass makes it ideal for cooling wine—remaining cold for extended periods after freezing. Each object embodies his conviction that "the best ecological strategy is to make products of such high creative quality that they can be kept for three generations." Simple care with a damp cloth maintains beauty while allowing natural patina to develop, creating objects that become more meaningful with age.