The Future Of The Furniture Industry: Expert Viktor Sobolevskyi’s View On Emerging Trends

Undoubtedly, the topic of the future of the furniture industry and emerging trends is now in the spotlight of both the professional community and discerning consumers. At the forefront of these discussions is Viktor Sobolevskyi, a true “unicorn” of the furniture industry, an entrepreneur and visionary whose extraordinary expertise in furniture design and manufacturing has earned well-deserved international recognition.

Standing at the cutting edge of the industry, Viktor, through his unique developments and the EcoForm Modular System project honored with the prestigious Global Luminary Awards 2025 in the Innovation in Sustainable Furniture Design category has literally broken through the wall of traditional perceptions of sustainable design, adaptability and production efficiency.

His approach is inspiring, opening a new direction for the furniture industry where innovation meets environmental responsibility and technology aligns with human scale. Viktor’s path is an example of how personal vision, reinforced by dedication and conviction, can transform an entire industry from within.

Your Path Into The Furniture Industry Wasn’t Straightforward. It Began In Construction, Where You Worked Your Way Up From A Labourer To A Foreman. What Prompted Such A Radical Career Change And How Did Your Construction Experience Influence Your Unique Perspective On Furniture Manufacturing?

My interest in both construction and carpentry goes back to childhood, my grandfather introduced me to this craft. After vocational school, I became a certified electrician and spent almost fifteen years in the construction field from 2003, working both for companies and independently.

During that time, I progressed from a labourer at Kyiv’s “Evropa Bud” to a crew leader within a year and later became a construction site manager.

Over time, I developed a strong allergy to construction dust, which became the catalyst for moving into the furniture field. This cleaner, more meticulous craft had always appealed to me and I felt it was time to take that step. My construction experience toughened my character, taught me to keep a “cool head,” and to find unconventional solutions.

These qualities became the foundation for my work in furniture manufacturing, where precision and attention to detail determine success.

Your Startup Mebelshik.Pro, Offered Fast Turnaround Times For Custom Furniture Just One Week. Tell Us About This Project And The Unique Technology That Made Such Efficiency Possible?

Mebelshik.pro was truly my brainchild, the quintessence of years of experience and observation. After working as Head of Quality Control at the “Cappuccino” studio, where I thoroughly studied furniture fittings including Blum systems, and later managing production at Vitroom, I founded Mebelshik.pro in 2020.

The main idea was high-quality custom-made furniture with the shortest possible production times. Together with a design partner, we spent three years refining a unique modular construction based on the Lego principle. All furniture was assembled in the workshop in one day and installed at the client’s location the next day.

Our products were supplied not only in Ukraine but also abroad. Clients in the U.S. and Europe assembled the furniture themselves using our diagrams. Even my nine-year-old daughter could do it, there’s a video on my YouTube channel “The Life of a Furniture Maker” (50,000 subscribers).

Although there were attempts to buy out this technology, I won’t sell it: years of work, trial, and error went into it. It’s part of my philosophy, efficiency can be elegant.

Your Journey Continued, Culminating In The Ecoform Modular System Project, Recognised With The Global Luminary Awards. What Is The Philosophy And Innovation Behind This Project?

 Winning the Global Luminary Awards confirmed that the path I chose is truly relevant. EcoForm is my answer to the global challenges of overconsumption and environmental strain.
The philosophy is simple: adaptive, personalised and durable furniture solutions made from eco-friendly and recycled materials.

The unique glue-free modular connection technology allows pieces to be assembled and disassembled multiple times. It’s not just furniture, it’s a systemic rethinking of the entire “creation–use–recycling” cycle.

The jury noted the bold integration of sustainability principles into an aesthetic and technological product. For me, this recognition became motivation to move forward and expand the boundaries of responsible design.

At A Recent Exhibition In Las Vegas, You Said That Furniture Hardware Technology Has Reached A Plateau Of Maturity. What Development Directions In The Furniture Industry Do You Consider Promising?

Indeed, market leaders like Blum, Hettich, and Häfele have brought the quality of mechanisms to the highest level. The development vector is now shifting toward new materials, sustainable manufacturing, and personalisation.

EcoForm precisely reflects this shift. The innovation lies in the concept: modularity, recycled materials, and waste minimisation.

As for the future, I see three key directions: sustainable development. no longer a trend but a necessity; deep personalisation, unique spaces for each client; and the intellectualisation of furniture, integration into digital ecosystems, “smart” features and automation, but in harmony with aesthetics.

You Are Currently Working In The U.S., At Ucon In San Diego And Plan To Open Your Own Production. How Do You Assess The Prospects Of The European Approach In The American Market?

The American market is enormous, but it lacks high-quality, well-thought-out furniture. Clients appreciate the European approach: durability, design, and attention to detail.

Working at Ucon, I see daily how highly valued these principles are. Of course, there are challenges: logistics, certification, competition with the mass segment. But this is where I see opportunities; the U.S. is open to innovation and willing to pay for quality.

My goal is to create production focused on the highest standards both in quality and sustainability. I am confident I have no competitors, because I offer a different level of product.

Over The Years You’ve Witnessed Transformations In Both Construction And Furniture. Which Changes Have Been The Most Significant And How Have They Influenced Your Professional Path?

I would highlight three fundamental changes. First, the digitisation of processes: today, design and quality control are impossible without software and automation systems. Second, customer expectations have grown exponentially.

If earlier furniture was seen merely as a functional item, today it’s part of a lifestyle, a reflection of personality. And third, globalisation. We can no longer work “the old way”; the market dictates standards that bring us closer to global practices. These challenges, instead of slowing me down, pushed me to seek new solutions, integrate the best methods, and thus develop my own distinctive style.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Leader In An Industry Where Competition Is Fierce And Success Often Depends On Nuances?

Leadership in our field isn’t measured only by production volume or client count. For me, it’s primarily about responsibility, responsibility for the people who work alongside you, for the quality of every detail that leaves the workshop, and for the reputation of the company as a whole.

A true leader must be not only an organiser but also a visionary, someone who sees what others don’t and anticipates client needs before they’re voiced. And personal involvement is key: I don’t hide behind an office door, I’m present at every critical stage, from concept development to final installation. That’s the kind of leadership that builds trust and long-term success.

Viktor, How Do You Envision The Furniture Of The Future In 5–10 years?

It will be furniture that interacts with humans, adapting to lifestyles, easily transforming, and being fully recyclable. The ideal product combines eco-friendliness, adaptability, technology and aesthetics.

The furniture of the future is not just an object but part of an intelligent and sustainable way of living.

What Advice Would You Give To Young Professionals Who Dream Of Leaving Their Mark On The Furniture Industry?

 Don’t be afraid. Learn, make mistakes, try new things. Everything starts with practice and genuine interest. Love your craft and be honest with yourself and your clients; the results will follow.
Our industry needs fresh perspectives and bold solutions. Those who work today with passion and respect for the craft will shape the face of the industry tomorrow.