From a small upholstery workshop in Murcia that began its journey in the seventies to becoming a National Design Award winner in 2024. The furniture company Sancal is part of a family lineage with a genuine devotion to innovation in the habitat industry. It is manufactured in Spain and exhibits at international fairs such as the Salone del Mobile in Milan with a “happy product” that it promotes under the motto “break the mould and be happy”. We connect with this enthusiasm radiated by its creative directors, Esther and Elena Castaño-López.

How do you assess Sancal’s 50-plus years of experience?

Sancal has come a long way since its beginnings as a small upholstery workshop. Throughout these more than 50 years, the company has maintained its commitment to quality and innovation in each project. What started as a small family project has grown to become a brand with an international presence, always faithful to our values of creativity, sustainability and design. The legacy of Santiago Castaño, founder and also our father, remains our main source of reference. He has instilled in all of us, inside and outside the family, that the best results are obtained through constant effort.

 

What have been the milestones in your business development?

One of the key moments was the internationalization of the brand, with exports now reaching more than 90 countries. Another important milestone was when the second generation joined, as it marked Sancal’s transition towards a more creative and contemporary approach, with a holistic vision of design. This is not only reflected in bold and emotional designs, but also by transferring these values to our work team and production processes.

Our presence at the Milan fair since 2009 has also allowed us to connect with international design and architecture professionals and consolidate our position as a global brand. And of course, the recent awarding of the 2024 National Design Award has been a validation of the effort and passion we put into our work every day.

What impact has the National Design Award had?

This award has been a recognition of the effort and passion of the entire Sancal team. We are proud to see that the work carried out over all these years, based on innovation and quality, has been valued at the highest level. It also encourages us to continue investing in design as a driving force for change in our company, and reaffirms our belief that, through creativity and commitment to our values, we can continue to make a difference both locally and internationally.

 

How did the concept of “happy product” recognized in this award come about?

The concept of “happy product” is the translation of our vision of design: we look for products that are not only functional, but also transmit emotion. We believe that design can change people’s moods and bring joy to their lives, and that’s why every Sancal piece is designed not only in terms of comfort and aesthetics, but also in terms of the emotional impact it can generate. We want our products to make those who see them and those who use them smile, and to be a source of well-being. Our motto “Break the mould and be happy…” invites us to be nonconformists and pursue happiness through what we do, with passion and dedication.

How can we compete internationally while maintaining manufacturing in Spain? Is this a bet aligned with the brand values?

At Sancal we believe that maintaining manufacturing in Spain reflects our identity, and at the same time, a commitment to our local environment. Competing internationally is not only about offering products that are functional and aesthetically appealing, but also doing so with a seal of social and environmental responsibility. Local manufacturing allows us to maintain control over the process, work more sustainably and ensure that each piece that leaves our facilities has the care and dedication that characterizes us.

 

How do you make a difference in a market where fast consumption has reached interior design and furniture?

We strive to offer products that, beyond fashion and passing trends, provide emotional value to those who purchase them. Our goal is not just to create furniture, but pieces that last over time and remain relevant both in terms of design and functionality. This is our answer to fast consumption: products designed to last, with a timeless design that adapts to different contexts and styles.

 

How important is the choice of material suppliers and designers to collaborate with? What characteristics do you look for in these profiles?

The choice of our suppliers and designers is key. Regarding the former, we seek alignment in terms of values and commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability. When collaborating with designers, we want them to share our passion for creativity and have the ability to challenge the boundaries of conventional design.

How does a company like Sancal manage to innovate and maintain inspiration? How do you manage to stay up to date?

Inspiration is present in many places, moments and contexts. We are very restless, with very diverse interests, ranging from history, music and cinema to literature, architecture and art. Our curiosity allows us to explore new ideas, influences and materials. Take risks, even if sometimes we make mistakes or are not understood…

For us, it is not about following trends, but about creating a tailor-made world, according to what inspires us and what we like. We like to be free thinkers.

 

In this sense, you have a multidisciplinary hub where you carry out graphic, product and interior design projects thanks to an art direction that controls the entire process. How do you rate the performance of this hub?

Estudio Sancal has been fundamental to the cohesion of our identity and to guarantee that each project, whether product, graphic or interior design, maintains the essence of the firm. Art direction plays a crucial role in integrating the different disciplines, ensuring that all aspects of design complement and reinforce each other, so that our proposals remain fresh and coherent, reflecting our personality.

 

 

What projects or products make you most proud?

Each project at Sancal has a special value, but if we had to highlight some, we would talk about those that are born from risky, sometimes extravagant ideas, and become a classic. Not only in our catalogue, but also as key pieces in the projects of our clients and friends.

I would definitely highlight CoLab, carried out together with Lucas Muñoz Muñoz, as a collaborative and sustainable interior design project. As for products, the Link designed by Raw Colour fascinate us for being disruptive and at the same time so familiar; and the Remnant armchairs by Note Design Studio, together with the entire Void Matters collection also designed by them, for the naturalness with which we made such an abstract concept take shape.