In recent years, the Indian furniture market has seen a resurgence of interest in high-quality, locally crafted wooden furniture. Alankaram, founded by architect and urban designer Anupriya Sahu along with her husband and marketing professional Dhwanit Parmar is recognized as a leading luxury furniture design studio.

Alankaram, which translates to “the art of decoration or ornamentation” in Sanskrit, embodies a philosophy that intertwines indigenous design elements with contemporary aesthetics creating wooden furniture pieces that are timeless, sustainable and personalized.

“I wanted to create a brand that not only offered beauty and comfort but also stayed true to our cultural roots,” says architect and designer Anupriya Sahu. “Our designs are inspired by traditional Indian motifs and styles, yet they’re adapted for the modern lifestyle.”

Alankaram began as an interior design studio in 2013, but by 2015, the founders shifted their focus exclusively to furniture manufacturing. The duo saw a gap in the market for high-quality luxury furniture made from sustainable materials with authentic craftsmanship.

“There was a significant shortage of skilled artisans in the industry and we wanted to change that by offering furniture that was not only beautifully designed but also held up to the highest standards of craftsmanship,” Sahu explains.

Today, Alankaram is celebrated for its distinctive design approach which marries Indian teak and white oak wood with sophisticated joinery techniques. “Every detail matters to us,” Sahu shares. “Our handmade solid wood furniture pieces are meticulously crafted to enhance both aesthetic and structural integrity. We believe that furniture should last for generations, and that’s why we use time-tested joinery techniques like mortise and tenon and dovetail joints.”

Craftsmanship Meets Technology

Alankaram’s unique production process combines traditional handcrafting with modern technology, resulting in pieces that are both authentic and innovative. “We use CNC machines for precision cuts, but we rely on skilled artisans for inlays, hand-carving, and finishing. This combination allows us to maintain the high level of detail that characterizes each Alankaram piece,” she explains.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is a core principle at Alankaram and the studio primarily uses premium teakwood known for its durability and rich grain as well as ethically sourced white oak. “We work with suppliers who follow sustainable practices, like FSC-certified sourcing and government-regulated harvesting. For us, sustainability goes beyond the use of materials; it’s about creating a product that respects natural resources and has a minimal environmental footprint,” Sahu emphasizes. One of Alankaram’s hallmarks is its dedication to customization, allowing clients to co-create pieces that align with their personal style and functional needs.

In line with this philosophy, Alankaram also employs waste management practices that ensure every part of the material is utilized. “Our commitment to zero waste is very serious. Small wood offcuts are repurposed, fabric waste is used in hidden layers for sofas, and we even have a rainwater harvesting pond and a solar plant to reduce our dependency on non-renewable resources,” Sahu explains.

Customization and Client-Centric Design

“Our clients are as much a part of the design process as we are. They can choose from different wood types, finishes, upholstery, and dimensions. This flexibility enables us to create a truly unique piece for each customer,” she adds.

Alankaram’s customization options range from teak, ash and beech wood to a variety of finishes and upholstery including eco-friendly materials. “Customization is key in our market,” Sahu says. “Our clients want something that’s tailored to their space and taste. Every piece we make is like a personal statement that reflects the individual style of our client while staying true to Alankaram’s design principles.”

Redefining Luxury Through Craft and Comfort

While luxury in furniture is often associated with opulence, Alankaram seeks to redefine it through quality, craftsmanship and comfort. “Luxury, for us, is about thoughtful design and attention to detail. Our furniture isn’t just meant to be looked at; it’s meant to be lived with. Every element, from the wood finish to the joinery, has a purpose. We focus on creating pieces that people will cherish for years,” Sahu shares.

Like any pioneering venture, Alankaram has faced its share of challenges, particularly in upholding its high standards while scaling operations. “Scaling up without compromising on quality has been our biggest challenge,” Sahu admits. “But we’re proud of the system we’ve developed—a robust factory infrastructure, a dedicated quality control team, and our skilled artisans, all working in harmony.”

Alankaram’s focus on quality has been key to its success. Sahu envisions expanding the brand’s influence globally while remaining true to its roots. The brand’s mission is to create furniture that brings a touch of heritage to modern living spaces. “We’re looking to make Alankaram a globally recognized brand that represents not just India, but the spirit of craftsmanship and sustainability,” she explains.

As Alankaram steps into its next phase, Sahu is clear about the brand’s vision. “We want to craft furniture that tells a story—a story of tradition, quality, and artistry,” she concludes.