The story of Sawdust began from the collective passion of its founders for well-crafted, good quality furniture. Individually, their shared passion for craftsmanship immersed each of them in the world of furniture even before they crossed paths. Deo M. Priyatna (co-founder & shareholder) began his journey in the furniture world while he was taking his Master’s Degree in Bauhaus, Germany, studying design philosophy while also having a formal education & experience in architecture. Eko Priharseno (creative director) is a well-seasoned veteran in the Indonesian furniture industry, having 20 years of experience working in the field of furniture. Over the years, Eko & Deo often partnered on various furniture & interior projects, expanding their portfolios in the industry.

That was before the pair met with Logan Komorowski (co-founder & shareholder), an Auckland born furniture designer who’s currently residing in Bali, Indonesia. With decades of experience working as a furniture designer and creative director in various international furniture brands, Logan is well-versed in woodwork and the supply chain aspect of furniture business. Logan saw the potential of the Indonesian furniture market and was looking for Indonesian partners to establish a furniture house. Eventually, he met with Eko and Deo; it was through this encounter that the foundation of Sawdust was laid.

Drawing from their extensive careers, knowledge, and hands-on experience in the furniture industry over the span of decades—from the design, manufacture, and marketing aspects—they all arrived at a shared observation: the limited availability of accessible yet well-crafted furniture in Indonesia. They saw that there was a significant gap separating the affordable, entry point furniture, and the exclusive, high-end, designer furniture in Indonesia which is only accessible to
a very small percentage of the Indonesian market. This was the idea that propelled the establishment of Sawdust. Along the journey to establish the furniture house, the three also linked up with Jose Dima Satria (co-founder & shareholder), an art & design appreciator with expertise in the legal world whose knowledge and connection in the Indonesian—especially Jakarta—creative scene help the brand to navigate in the Indonesian furniture industry.

The name, Sawdust, serves as a unifying symbol for the founders’ shared love of craftsmanship. It conveys a sense of groundedness, something real and feels very close to the world of craftsmanship. The name also pays homage to the unsung heroes—the dedicated craftsmen working diligently behind the scenes—who ensure that every joint, design element,
and detail of the furniture are meticulously perfected before the products are made available to customers. Sawdust, as a name, encapsulates the raw materials and passion that went into creating exceptional pieces, reflecting the brand’s deep appreciation for the craft and the artisans who brought them to life.