"We love wood because it has always been a constant in our lives. From the forest we played in as children, to the vocation that now drives us as adults."
he story begins in the 1970s, when the Ćostović grandfather transformed his modest garage into a haven of craftsmanship. As the new millennium unfolded, his descendants expanded the enterprise, forging pieces for Dutch and British designers. Their skill caught the eye of Bosnia’s premier architect, Amir Vuk of Studio Zec, who enlisted them to outfit the Termag Hotel on Jahorina Mountain—a sleek, contemporary retreat that redefines alpine elegance.
It was during a visit to this wooden wonderland that businessman Dražen Poznanović mistook the flawless millwork for Italian mastery. Enchanted, he commissioned Zec to renovate his Dubrovnik holiday home, inviting the Ćostović expertise into his personal sanctuary. “Their work was flawless, breathtaking,” Poznanović recalls. “I realised they had the Midas touch.” Persuading Fadil Ćostović to partner was effortless; together, they launched Artisan with a mere ten employees.
Poznanović’s vision was bold: upgrade the tools, yes, but transcend mere production. “Create our own products, based on our own designs, showcasing an instantly recognisable style,” he urged. No longer content as anonymous makers for foreign labels, Artisan would carve its own path.
Today, Artisan’s aesthetic is a poetic blend: organic curves, soft minimalism, and an invitation to the senses. Designers from Bosnia and Croatia—like the award-winning team at Regular Company, who began as students—join forces with global voices: Italy’s Studio Pang, Germany’s Michael Schneider, and creators from Japan, Israel, Switzerland, and France.
“Bosnians are usually found making goods for foreign brands. Not designing them! Yet Dražen and Fadil had this crazy idea of creating a Bosnian design brand. They made us believe in our talent.”
“We simultaneously work with highly sophisticated machines and age-old tools. Our designs deserve to be explored by touch. They’re extremely tactile.”
Now employing over 250 artisans—a mix of seasoned masters and a vibrant young generation—the brand spans the globe. Convincing the world that a Bosnian label could rival European titans required audacity. Artisan rose with unique designs, impeccable service, and prices that democratize luxury—averages notably lower than competitors.
The French word artisan feels like destiny—a talisman of luck. It mirrors the Bosnians’ enduring bond with their forests:
In Artisan’s world, furniture isn’t mere utility; it’s an extension of the earth, shaped by hands that honor tradition while embracing tomorrow. Touch a piece, and feel the pulse of Bosnia’s wild heart—timeless, tactile, profoundly alive.
The Beuro is the Exclusive dealer of Artisan in Singapore & Malaysia. Find out more about Artisan here
