Orhan Niksic

Through Zanat, Orhan fosters community growth by training young artisans and embraces sustainability and cultural preservation, ensuring each handcrafted piece enriches both living spaces and society.

Orhan is a former World Bank manager, who left Washington to revive his family’s legacy in Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Together with his brother Adem, Orhan co-founded Zanat, a company that merges centuries-old woodcarving techniques with contemporary design. Their mission is not only to create beautiful, high-quality furniture but also to breathe new life into the UNESCO-listed “Konjic woodcarving” technique.

The foundation of Zanat goes back to their grandfather, Gano Nikšić, who mastered this ancient method of hand-carving. Today, Orhan’s leadership continues the tradition, expanding the business into a global luxury furniture brand that collaborates with internationally acclaimed designers such as Monica Förster, Harri Koskinen etc., blending modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship.

BIKE BELL “Skopje”

Our idea was to create something both practical and symbolic. Each ring of the bell tells the city’s story. This bell not only enhances safety but also adds cultural identity to bicycles across the city.

The product combines functionality with artistry. Featuring hand-painted motifs inspired by the culture of Skopje, such as iconic landmarks like the Stone Bridge, the historic Kale Fortress, and traditional Macedonian patterns, the bell encapsulates the spirit of the city.

These designs not only celebrate Skopje’s architectural heritage but also highlight its vibrant cultural identity, making the bell a unique piece of art. Whether showcasing the intricate details of ancient motifs or the bold colors of local traditions, each bell serves as a miniature canvas that brings a touch of Skopje’s history and charm to the user.


PIAO CHAIR

The PIAO CHAIR is made from multiple layers of fibrous paper, laminated together by hand to create a lightweight yet remarkably strong structure. The edges of the paper are left raw and uneven, highlighting the material’s natural origins and the craftsmanship involved in the chair’s production.

The chair’s form evokes the silhouette of Ming-dynasty horseshoe chairs—an iconic element of Chinese furniture history. The choice of material is inspired by the traditional paper umbrella-making techniques of the Yuhang District in Hangzhou, where PINWU Design Studio is located.