Meet the Team

ZAZU began with Zahrah and Ryan - partners in life and in craft - whose shared vision brought together two cultures, two homes, and one quiet philosophy: to create timeless furniture, shaped by hand and nature.

Zahrah leads the creative direction of ZAZU. With a background in design and a deep connection to her Indonesian roots, she shapes the visual language of the brand - from the flow of each collection to the details of styling and photography. Her work is intuitive and material-led, guided by proportion, texture, and place.

Ryan focuses on relationships and operations. A natural communicator, he works closely with our artisan partners across Central Java - visiting workshops, coordinating logistics, and ensuring each piece is brought to the UK with care and transparency. He oversees the journey from maker to home.

Declan is our SEO and digital strategy lead. With a focus on visibility, storytelling, and structure, he ensures ZAZU’s values translate clearly online - helping us reach more people who share our appreciation for natural materials and conscious design.

Together, we’ve built ZAZU as a bridge between cultures - honouring tradition while shaping a slower, more intentional future. We collaborate with a small number of independent workshops across Java. These are not factories, but spaces of skill and patience - many family-run, each with its own rhythm, methods, and specialisms in carving, joinery, and finishing.

At ZAZU, we believe the people behind your furniture matter. That the hands and minds involved in its making are just as important as the form itself.

ZAZU began as a bridge between two cultures - an idea shaped by shared values, quiet design, and the beauty of natural wood. Our story begins in Java and continues in Norfolk, where each piece is guided by care, connection, and time.

Our Story →

“The best design is the one that allows the material to speak.”

- David Trubridge

Working closely with artisan workshops means embracing a slower, more intentional way of making. Sustainability is part of every decision - from where our wood comes from to how each piece is crafted, finished, and shipped.

Our Sustainability Approach →