When Tameron Grahn and her husband Peter Haralambous were looking for perfect piece of furniture to fill a space in their home, they had four criteria: it needed to be both functional and beautiful and custom made from wood. When they couldn’t find what they were looking for they decided to make their own, which is where the idea behind Eco Furniture Design took root.

As an environmentally conscious couple the idea of using second hand, discarded wood was appealing and, after sourcing the word, they designed and built a table that no only fit the space perfectly, it had a smaller carbon footprint. The result triggered the belief that they could extend this experience to others.

Peter and Tameron trained and guided Lucky, a young man with no previous woodworking experience but was a naturally gifted artisan and from the garage of their home made tables that were sold to family and friends.

Inspiring feedback made them realise that a gap existed in the market for custom made, solid wood furniture that was well priced and accessible by people from all walks of life. They found premises in Philippi, purchased more tools as sales increased and the business steadily expanded until they were able to hire and train Tolbert Boesak, who had a basic background in wood working.

They will soon be hiring a third person. Tameron and Peter believe in helping people from the ground up by identifying those who, either unskilled or partially skilled, have reasonable abilities and a willingness to learn and helping them develop and grow.

Each piece in their growing range is unique and crafted by hand using basic hand tools. Only recycled wood is used and nothing goes to waste; all off cuts and unused pieces are used as firewood for cooking or to keep others warm.

The Eco Furniture Design basic range includes rustic wooden headboards, coffee, dining and café tables and sets, storage chests and toy boxes, beds and bases, office desks and trestle tables, bookcases and shelves, dressers and pedestals, display tables, flower boxes, restaurant tables and benches and more.

Tameron’s and Peter’s business was not a result of years of planning; it arose out of a practical need for a specific item and their commitment to the environment. Its viability and sustainability is confirmed by the continued interest and enthusiasm by people looking for affordable, eco-friendly and custom made furniture.

But perhaps an equally important reason for their success is because of who they are: two people who value their staff members and acknowledge how essential each is to the business, and taking great pride and pleasure in watching them grow daily into skilled individuals able to provide for their families.

Find the Eco Furniture Design showroom at shop 2, Dover House, Orange Street Cape Town (where a limited number of items are on show).

Alternatively, visit their website, www.ecofurnituredesign.com,
phone 021 801 6612 / 084 514 6964 / 083 327 4497,
or email info@ecofurnituredesign.com