In the world of high-quality furniture, Tectona Grandis stands as a paragon of crafting timeless designs. Named after the renowned teak tree, this Ahmedabad-based brand seamlessly fuses timeless elegance with modern innovation. Drawing from the enduring strength of reclaimed teak, Tectona Grandis crafts pieces that are both sustainable and striking. Each creation, crafted from decades-old wood and expert artistry, embodies the brand’s dedication to quality and sustainability. The pieces are more than just furniture; they are enduring works of art designed to enhance your living spaces for generations.

About Founder

In 2001, Dhruvkant Amin embarked on his design career after studying at NID Ahmedabad. Fueled by a passion for timber, he founded Tectona Grandis Furniture in 2014, blending modern design with Ahmedabad’s rich heritage through his work on the historic Navjivan Trust. Partnering with Jalpa Amin, who contributed her marketing expertise, they opened a display studio in 2017. Tectona Grandis gained significant recognition with the Ripple center table at the 2018 Raw Collaborative exhibition. By March 2019, the brand celebrated a major milestone with its first experience center.

In this conversation, Dhruvkant Amin, the founder of Tectona Grandis, delved into crafting timeless designs and philosophy, sparking considerable interest and prompting a deeper exploration of the brand’s vision and journey.

1. What was your initial vision behind creating this brand and has anything changed now? 

Initially, we did not have a clear vision; we simply started and adapted as we grew. Over time, we recognized the evolving market in India and the rising demand for innovative product and furniture design. This realization led us to formalize our concept and establish a vision focused on catering to the Indian market. When we launched the brand, our primary focus was on crafting timeless designs. However, as we evolved, we adapted our approach to develop new designs that could be produced in multiples, allowing us to serve a wide range of designers across India effectively. 

2. How did the aspiration to explore unconventional design concepts influence your approach, and what challenges did you encounter during the selection process?

Around 10 years ago, we started Tectona Grandis, though our journey truly began 7-8 years ago. Initially organic, we soon adopted an enterprising approach to promote our brand within the Indian design community. From a small workshop, we’ve expanded significantly in the past 5-7 years. Our success is due to the robust systems and SOPs we implemented, helping us sustain and grow. I advise young designers that while initial success with a few products is encouraging, long-term success requires constant innovation and meeting market demands. This challenge has been constant, but we’ve persevered and continue to strive for excellence daily.

3. How has Tectona Grandis maintained its focus on furniture works, consistently adhering to a particular scale, without diversifying into other areas?

When we started Tectona, we were clear about our goals and have always maintained a focus on them. Our aim has been to establish Tectona as a brand synonymous with distinctive and timeless designs. When people think of Tectona, they should immediately visualize our unique design language and the look and feel of our furniture. While we occasionally adapt to market demands, we consistently promote our strengths and stay true to our brand identity.

4. Every designer has a project or product which changes the course of their practice. Could you describe a significant product or project that made a major impact on your practice?

We strive to align our designs with client preferences rather than adapting to their specific requests. With over 300 designs in our portfolio, we can cater to various styles, but we also create custom solutions for larger projects. While we don’t focus on individual items like chairs or center tables due to economic constraints, we’re transparent about our capabilities and limitations. With a skilled and well-equipped team, we are committed to delivering the best results within our scope. Addressing common industry challenges with professionalism, we ensure timely and reliable service. Our extensive experience has enabled us to develop effective solutions to market issues, further enhancing our brand’s reputation and effectiveness.

5. How do you integrate adaptability and sustainability into your designs while addressing the challenges posed by globalization? Additionally, How do you use sustainable practices to positively impact the environment?

As a furniture designer and manufacturer, sustainability is central to our approach. We use reclaimed teak wood for about 80% of our products and prioritize natural finishes over synthetic ones. Although we use PU finishes when necessary, we opt for water-based options to minimize harm to our team. Our new state-of-the-art production facility, set to launch this month, focuses on reducing dust and process time to further enhance sustainability. We also incorporate local stones into our designs and strive for simplicity in our aesthetics to ensure that our products remain appealing and relevant for decades. This approach ensures that our timeless designs blend seamlessly into their environment and continue to be valued over time.

6. How do you balance ergonomics for different age groups in bespoke furniture and effectively communicate the need for detailed craftsmanship to clients? 

Ergonomics can be challenging due to individual differences in body size and comfort preferences. To address this, I focus on designing furniture with universally accepted proportions. While it’s difficult to cater to every specific body type, we can customize dimensions for particular age groups or needs if required. Our goal is to offer ergonomic solutions that broadly accommodate diverse users while providing flexibility for specific adjustments.

7. How do you blend historical styles with modern mass production techniques in a way that preserves stylistic integrity and contextual relevance?

We offer customization within our standardized frameworks, which balances flexibility with sustainability. Clients can choose from our predefined options, allowing them to make adjustments while staying within our production guidelines. This approach benefits both parties: it supports our sustainability goals and ensures clients get a design close to their preferences without needing to compromise entirely. Once our standards are established, the process is smooth, and clients generally find this approach effective and agreeable.

8. What role do you believe social media plays in the design industry, particularly for emerging designers? How significant is it in fostering connections within the design community, and what is your perspective on the impact of social media on the industry as a whole?

Documenting our work primarily through our website has been effective, but I believe a more convenient method might be available. While we haven’t fully invested in paid media, opting instead for organic reach, we do acknowledge the potential value it offers. Our approach to social media is straightforward—our content is genuine and focused on showcasing new developments and designs without unnecessary embellishment.

9. You stated the fact that “The furniture designed by Tectona Grandis is neither under designed nor over designed, but just rightly designed.” What does this mean for non- designers? 

We often emphasize that simplicity is often the most challenging design achievement. This philosophy, which I articulated a few years ago, reflects how we approach our designs. We strive for designs that are perfectly executed and appreciated for their form and shape. Our focus is on achieving purity and minimalism in details, which forms the core of our product’s success in the market.

10. As we wrap up, could you give us a glimpse into the future of Tectona Grandis?

We are committed to preserving the essence and expertise of our craftsmen while integrating advanced technologies and machinery. By combining our rich heritage with modern innovations, we aim to shape the future of Tectona Grandis. We continually adapt to global trends and position ourselves as trendsetters, driving progress and innovation in our industry.

Tectona Grandis has firmly established itself as a leader in the high-quality furniture industry by blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Their unwavering focus on sustainability, commitment to heritage preservation, and dedication to crafting timeless designs have set them apart in the market. As they continue to evolve, embracing new technologies while honoring their rich legacy, Tectona Grandis is poised to shape the future of furniture design, offering pieces that are not only beautiful but also enduring.