Giannis Gousdovas

Upholsterer

©Stratos Zografos

Simplicity in soulful furniture

Giannis specialises in traditional upholstery techniques
His work is based on a design-driven approach
The connection between material, function and atmosphere is fundamental to him

Based in Athens, Giannis Gousdovas now runs the upholstery workshop where he first learned the craft alongside his father during his youth. This early hands-on experience that was later enriched by studies in product design shaped the way he approaches upholstery today. His is a thoughtful blend of tradition, design study and knowledge sharing. “Over time, I came to understand how being a craftsperson shapes mindsets and lifestyles. It is not just work, it becomes part of who you are. That realisation changed everything for me and gave my practice a deeper purpose,” Giannis says. Whether he is restoring a piece or creating custom-made furniture, Giannis aims to combine craftsmanship with a strong sense of function and atmosphere. "For me, upholstery is a way of connecting with people, spaces and stories," he says.

Interview

©Stratos Zografos

©Stratos Zografos

How did you first discover upholstery?: My father was an upholsterer, so I was surrounded by the rhythm of his workshop from a young age – the sound of staple guns, the smell of fabrics and the patience it takes to do things right. I gradually learned techniques and understood materials. I felt proud of what we could transform with our hands.
How does your creative process unfold?: It usually begins with listening to clients, spaces and pieces themselves. If the project is restoration, I look closely at what is already there, such as the structure and lines. If the project is a custom piece, my process starts with a conversation about how it will be used, how it should feel and what kind of atmosphere it needs to support.
Do you feel a duty to carry on a tradition?: For me, tradition is about keeping the essence of the craft alive – the attention to detail, the respect for materials and the value of doing something well with your hands. It is a kind of quiet responsibility. I learned this from my father, and I feel a duty to pass it on, not by copying the past but by adapting it to today’s world.
Do you aim to convey a message through your work?: I want my work to speak through its simplicity, quality, durability and beauty. I am not trying to follow trends, I am more interested in creating something that feels right for the person and the space. My message is that craftsmanship still has value in a fast-moving world, and there is meaning to be found in every detail.

Giannis Gousdovas is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2000 and he started teaching in 2024