Sarandi’s story is rooted in resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurship—across continents and through hardship. It’s a tale shaped by history, ingenuity, and the ability to keep moving forward in a changing world. That spirit of perseverance began early. As a child, Grandfather Sarandi was made a pariah among classmates for refusing to wear a Communist tie—an act of defiance that led to his expulsion from school. Losing access to education was a devastating blow. But while others may have accepted defeat, Grandma Sarandi penned an appeal to Moscow. To everyone’s surprise, a reply came back—offering him a choice: return to his old class or begin an apprenticeship. He chose the only path that led forward.
Though he had hoped to pursue fine art, Grandfather Sarandi and his father reached a compromise: an apprenticeship in furniture and later plasterwork. Often overlooked, plaster is the foundation of architectural ornamentation—responsible for egg-and-dart moldings, floral sprays, pilasters, and gilded cornices. It was artistry in service of structure, and it marked the family’s first formal step into the world of craft.
As the years passed, the family’s skills evolved. They relocated to Siberia, a region known or its dense forests and booming timber trade, where they shifted naturally into woodworking and furniture part production. The transition reflected their ability to recognize opportunity and adapt their expertise.
That adaptability would be tested again after the fall of the Soviet Union. As the economy destabilized, demand for Western-style goods soared while supply remained scarce. Grandpa Sarandi began sourcing fabric, and soon the entire family—including himself—was seated at sewing machines, turning bolts of cloth into fashionable jeans, skirts, and jackets for sale.
Eventually, the Sarandi family brought their hard-won skills to the United States. Their first workshop was a modest 1,200-square-foot former gas station. From there, they restored heirloom furniture for American antique dealers—pieces ranging from Neoclassical to early Modern. Each project required a different discipline: curved forms, intricate veneers, measured symmetry. What set their work apart was not just technical ability, but the capacity to honor the spirit of each piece.
That same reverence for form and detail now shapes Sarandi’s approach to architectural millwork. What once defined heirlooms now defines built environments._ Today, that same philosophy shapes Sarandi’s approach to architectural millwork. Every element is crafted with the same care once reserved for pieces created to mark significant chapters of life. At Sarandi, we believe craftsmanship and beauty are essential—meant to be enjoyed, to please the eye, and built to last. Each project shown here reflects the values that define Sarandi: precision built on craft, communication grounded in partnership, and a standard of care earned through trust.
