Check Out Sara Hayat’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Hayat

Hi Sara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey in furniture design has deep roots in my family’s heritage. Our family business, M. Hayat & Bros, has been crafting furniture since the 1870s, known for impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. Growing up in this environment, I was constantly surrounded by creativity, art, and design.

Although I initially pursued a career in finance, my passion for design couldn’t be ignored. A pivotal moment for me came while watching a documentary about Chef Grant Achatz. Seeing the joy his creations brought to people inspired me to want to create that same feeling through design. That’s when I knew I needed to pivot into what I truly loved, and that’s how Sara Hayat Design was born.

I wanted my designs to honor my family’s tradition of craftsmanship while introducing something fresh and modern. My first collection was inspired by the values I learned growing up—connection, joy, and creating spaces that feel both beautiful and functional. This approach has earned me recognition, including being a finalist in Interior Design Magazine’s Best of Year Awards, Createurs Design Awards, and the Dezeen Awards. I was also honored to receive prestigious awards like the A’Design Award, SIT Furniture Award, ADC Award, and Robb Report’s Best of the Best 2022.

One of the most exciting milestones in my career was being selected for the Utopia International A’Design Award’s Ectopia Exhibit in New York City, where I was recognized as one of 40 distinguished designers for groundbreaking contributions to the world of design.

Today, I continue to work with the same artisans who have been part of my family’s legacy for decades, combining their traditional techniques with my contemporary vision. We specialize in bespoke, hand-carved furniture for luxury hospitality and residential projects, all crafted at our manufacturing facility in Peshawar, Pakistan. Through my designs, I hope to create pieces that bring joy, spark connection, and make people feel truly at home.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and one of the toughest challenges has been establishing a luxury brand. The luxury market demands not only top-tier quality but also exclusivity, craftsmanship, and a deep emotional connection with the product. It’s incredibly difficult to break into this space, especially when competing with established names that have been in the luxury world for decades. Building trust with high-end clients, maintaining impeccable standards, and continuously proving the value of your work requires relentless dedication.

Another struggle was leaving behind a secure career in finance to dive into the unpredictable world of design. That transition came with a lot of uncertainty, and while I was passionate, it took time to gain traction.

On top of that, blending my family’s 150-year-old tradition of craftsmanship with a fresh, contemporary vision wasn’t easy. Introducing new materials and methods to artisans who have worked in the same way for generations required patience and collaboration.

Managing production from our facility in Pakistan while expanding into international markets also added complexity, from sourcing high-quality materials to ensuring seamless logistics. It has also been difficult to establish my voice and credibility – especially when dealing with commercial clients.

All these challenges—especially the difficulty of building a luxury brand—have made the journey tough. But every time I see one of my designs come to life and hear the feedback from clients, it reignites my drive. It motivates me to keep pushing forward, knowing the brand can become something truly special. The passion and positive responses make all the hard work worthwhile, and remind me why I started this journey in the first place.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Sara Hayat Design, I specialize in creating bespoke, high-quality furniture that blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative, contemporary design. My work is deeply rooted in my family’s 150-year legacy of furniture making, but I aim to push those boundaries by incorporating new materials, forms, and ideas into my designs. We cater primarily to luxury hospitality and residential projects, offering fully customized pieces tailored to each client’s specific needs.

I’m most proud of the fact that every piece I create is not only visually striking but also designed to foster human connection. My pieces aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re functional works of art that are meant to create spaces where people feel comfortable, connected, and at ease. For example, I’ve designed chairs that physically encourage people to relax and open up, leading to more meaningful interactions.

What sets me apart is my focus on aesthetic force—creating designs that stop people in their tracks, make them feel something, and force them to be present. I also love experimenting with new technology, from incorporating sustainable design practices to exploring the possibilities of NFTs and the metaverse, where the boundaries of imagination are limitless.

I’m proud to have earned recognition in the design world, and will continue to work hard to bring to life new designs.

Ultimately, what sets my work apart is my dedication to creating pieces that inspire, connect, and tell a story. I design with the belief that beauty has the power to change behavior, and my goal is to create furniture that leaves a lasting impact on both the space it inhabits and the people who use it.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The furniture industry is expected to experience several key shifts over the next 5-10 years, driven by both consumer preferences and technological advancements.
1. Sustainability: Consumers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly furniture. There’s a growing emphasis on sustainable materials like reclaimed wood, recycled plastics, and renewable resources such as bamboo. Brands that embrace circular design practices—producing furniture that can be easily recycled or reused—will likely dominate the market as sustainability becomes a key buying criterion .
2. E-commerce Growth: While e-commerce has become a significant channel for furniture sales, it still only represents about a quarter of the market. This indicates huge growth potential for online furniture shopping, especially with the rise of technologies like 3D product visualization and augmented reality (AR), which allow customers to see how furniture will look in their spaces before making a purchase .
3. Technological Integration: Smart furniture is gaining popularity, with features like wireless charging, built-in speakers, and ergonomic adjustments. As IoT (Internet of Things) technology advances, more furniture will be equipped with smart features to enhance user comfort and convenience .
4. Modular and Multi-functional Designs: As urbanization leads to smaller living spaces, multifunctional furniture that maximizes space will be in high demand. Designs that can transform or serve multiple purposes, such as foldable desks or modular sofas, will cater to this need for flexibility .
5. Customization: Customizable furniture will continue to grow in popularity, especially as consumers seek personalized products that reflect their individual tastes. This trend is fueled by advancements in 3D printing and mass customization techniques that allow for tailored design solutions .
In the next decade the furniture industry will be characterized by sustainability, technological innovation, and the continued shift toward e-commerce and customization. These trends align with changing consumer expectations, where quality, eco-consciousness, and personalization are becoming top priorities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sara-hayat.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahayatdesign
• Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/SaraHayatDesign
• Other: https://linktr.ee/sarahayatdesign

Image Credits
Sara Hayat Design