Sagist Group: From Local Craftsmanship to Global Powerhouse with $30 Million Annual Projects
- Metin Durmaz
- Jun 4
- 5 min read
Global Nexus Magazine | NEW YORK – Sagist Group, which started as a small workshop in 1978 with the aim of "producing high-quality furniture," has transformed into a globally recognized and preferred brand. With showrooms in 23 countries and distributors in 11, the company's journey from local roots to international prominence is remarkable.
Metin Durmaz, Chairman of the Board of Sagist Group, announced in New York on June 4, 2025, that the company has achieved "over three hundred percent growth in the last 10 years" and evolved into a company that executes "$30 million worth of projects annually." He emphasized, "Far from just selling furniture to homes in Istanbul, we've transcended Turkey's borders and started selling furniture to the world."
The Visionary Behind the Growth: Metin Durmaz
Durmaz attributes this success to innovation and customer satisfaction. Hailing from a family of artisans in Turkey's furniture sector, Durmaz completed his higher education at Sichuan University in China, a leading institution in architecture, where he also earned a degree in Physics.
His international breakthrough came just before graduation when he met world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid at a university conference. Durmaz joined Hadid's team for the London Aquatics Center project, which she began designing in 2004, providing him with a unique opportunity to introduce himself to the international community. Upon his return, he took the helm of his family's furniture manufacturing business.
Sagist Group's commitment to excellence has been widely recognized, including the prestigious "Europe's Best Luxury Furniture" award by Manufacturer Award Europe in 2023, among many other accolades. Among the highlights of Milan Design Week was the remarkable achievement of Sagist Group Luxury Furniture Factory, led by esteemed architect and designer Metin Durmaz, who was awarded the prestigious "Best Luxury Furniture Decoration Award 2025."
Defining Ultra-Luxury: Bespoke Furniture for a Global Clientele
Durmaz elaborated on the concept of bespoke furniture that sets Sagist Group apart: "Special-made furniture refers to pieces designed and produced specifically for the client's needs and tastes. We're talking about furniture specially designed and crafted to reflect the client's character, their standing in political or social circles, and the personality they wish to project, taking into account all surrounding factors."
This philosophy has fueled their exponential growth. "In the last 10 years, we've achieved over three hundred percent growth. We've become a company running $30 million projects annually. We've grown with a big leap. The vision we've jumped to from that day to this is immense. We've transitioned from selling furniture to homes in Modoko to selling furniture across Turkey's borders to the world. We've become the address for ultra-luxury furniture. We've changed classifications. We've moved from being a local player to a global one."
Durmaz also highlighted the company's resilience within Turkey's dynamic economic landscape. "Despite fluctuations in Turkey's economic indicators, especially in recent years, the long-term outlook is promising. As Sagist Group, we operate with a flexible and innovative approach in this dynamic environment. Turkey’s young and dynamic population, increasing urbanization rate, and strategic location will continue to offer great opportunities in the future. Particularly with our high-quality production capabilities and worldwide customer network, I believe we will continue to grow while maintaining our resilience against economic fluctuations."
Diverse Ventures: From Fatburner Coffe, Bulletproof Walls to Cat Food
Sagist Group's global reach extends beyond furniture. "The custom-made furniture market in Turkey is growing year by year, and Sagist Group is a leader in this market. We only export; we have no domestic sales. We operate in over 70 countries worldwide, serving various sectors such as luxury hotels, villas, residences, restaurants, and offices."
Beyond their core furniture business, Sagist Group has diversified its investments globally. "We have many commercial activities worldwide, including international investment consultancy, construction, cosmetics, coffee, cat food, and defense industry products like bulletproof walls."
While a significant portion of their production occurs in Turkey, they also have international production facilities for various projects. Last year, their exports were distributed as follows: "30% to the USA, 30% to Europe, 20% to the Middle East, 15% to Africa, and 5% to Malaysia and Australia."
Turkish Signature on Global Landmarks: The Brooklyn Tower and Beyond
Sagist Group has left its mark on numerous prestigious projects worldwide. "Among our most special projects are the interior decoration of one of Dubai's most famous luxury hotels, JW Marriott, and the design of a globally renowned brand's residence in New York."
Current and upcoming projects further solidify their global presence. "We have just taken on turnkey projects for the ultra-luxury villa of a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family and the complete residence works for two very famous international fashion brands in the Riyadh region. In Erbil, Iraq, we are undertaking the interior design of a residential project spanning over 5,000 square meters. In addition to this approximately $7 million project, we have ongoing active projects in the USA. Our 12-villa project in Southampton represents an ultra-luxury portfolio."
A particularly notable project is their involvement in the Brooklyn Tower in New York City, which will be the tallest building in the Brooklyn area. "We are participating in the renovation project of the 93-story Brooklyn Tower. As Sagist, we have taken on the interior decoration, design, and furniture for the floors, and we are currently on the ninth floor."
A Sustainable Future: Zero Carbon Footprint and Digital Monitoring
The furniture industry is increasingly prioritizing sustainability, and Sagist Group is at the forefront of this trend. "The use of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials is gaining prominence in the furniture sector. Additionally, minimalism and functionality are important trends. Digitalization and sustainability have significantly improved our production processes."
Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their plans. "By using digital design tools and automation systems, we increase our production efficiency, while embracing sustainability principles to ensure environmentally friendly materials and energy efficiency. To this end, we will soon move our production center in Istanbul Dudullu to a new building. The facility, which will have steel construction, will fully modernize our machine system, increase our production capacity, and most importantly, reduce our carbon footprint to near zero. It will also be a sustainable facility compatible with modern technology."
In a move to enhance transparency and customer engagement, Sagist Group is integrating technology into its operations. "The production phase of our architect's project at our US office will be closely monitored remotely at the facility. Similarly, with the software we have developed, our customers will be able to track the production of their furniture instantly."
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