Don Garvan launched Totem Road in 2015, following a vision to create purposefully designed furniture that honoured the natural environment. Don was committed to the idea of sustainable consumption – a challenge to society’s throwaway culture and wanted to minimise the impact caused by it. Growing up on a farm on the South Island of New Zealand, Don developed a deep connection to nature and natural materials.
His appreciation for simplicity and authenticity would eventually be woven into a signature collection that embraced timeless design and sustainable living.
“There is little point in having a product made from sustainably sourced raw materials if the finished product ends up in landfill within 2 to 5 years. A lot of furniture on the market has a very short lifespan and is often disposed of after only a few years. In part, a disposable culture is the underlying cause of this, however poor quality and design obsolescence is also a major factor. If you are going to be a part of the solution you need to be producing, and purchasing products that take into consideration all aspects of sustainability,” says Don.
This is why each Totem Road piece is made using only responsibly sourced materials and the commitment to sustainability goes beyond the FSC certified solid oak itself. It includes a chain of custody from forest right through to the finished product; Totem Road products are packaged and arrive to your homes in 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging; and the manufacturing process itself has one of the lowest wastage percentages in the industry. Totem Road also provides a safe and positive working environment for all employees and suppliers across the globe. In 2021, Totem Road took the next step in its sustainable journey and became B Corp Certified.
Totem Road products further support the brand’s mission. Relaxed but refined, the product range takes inspiration from both Scandinavian and Mid-Century influences with the belief that it can work back seamlessly with any interior style or space. Timeless not trend-driven, Totem Road is designed to be appreciated beyond a single lifetime.
To learn more about the brand's philosophy or B Corp Certification, click here.