Ali Sandifer grows custom furniture biz in Russell Industrial Center

Abir Ali believes a lot of architects end up designing furniture instead of buildings at one point or another in their careers for a simple reason.

"A lot of architects veer toward furniture for instant gratification," Ali says.

It's a significant reason why Ali and her husband Andre Sandifer launched their own custom furniture company, Ali Sandifer. Both are architects who appreciate the scale and size of furniture -- and how creating a piece of furniture can be done in the fraction of the time it takes to design a building.

The Russell Industrial Center-based business specializes in making minimalist furniture with clean, sleek lines that are reminiscent of mid-century moderne. The coffee tables, chairs, and benches are made of domestic hardwoods. Prices range from $1,200 to $5,400. You can check out examples of their furniture here.

"We both design very clean and simple furniture," Ali says.

Ali Sandifer has watched the demand jump for its furniture and its custom furniture commissions over the last year, so much so that the company is looking to streamline its Internet sales process and be more selective with its workload in 2015.

"We're trying to become more intentional about the work and clients we take on," Ali says.

Source: Abir Ali, co-owner & creative director of Ali Sandifer
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.