About Deodara
Slow by design – We follow the pace of the material, not the clock.
Deodara is an artisanal furniture studio that creates custom furniture with exceptional crafstmanship and quality. Aesthetics and functionality collide to create beds with technical joineries, live edged tables, sculptural seating and cabinetry with stories in the wood grain, with hints of rattan and metal for a contemporary vibe. With a timeless soul, a chic smile and a heart of honest imperfections intended to restore our relationship with nature.
Nothing toxic, nothing wasted. We source ethically farmed wood & our sawdust is redirected to local gardens. Community over competition – Our studio doubles as an end to end interior design studio and a learning hub where we create, laugh, celebrate success & always measure twice, cut once & bang into place!
a little bit about me...
MIKHAIL SOLANKI
Industrial Designer
Founder & CEO at Deodara
Lead Technicals & Execution Full Time Husband
Hi, I’m Mikhail — the hands, heart and brain behind Deodara. Curiosity led me here. As a kid I dismantled toys just to see how they worked. Graduated with Honours from University of Hertfordshire, UK in my youthful years. As an adult, I planted roots in Goa, started Deodara and logged thousands of workshop hours, teaching myself the nuances of grain direction, joinery and finish.
Wood captivates me—the grain, the scent, the way it patinas with time. What began as a solo workshop has grown into a small, dedicated crew crafting high-end pieces that balance raw timber with refined design for people who value authenticity and natural beauty.
I don’t do this alone. My wife, Rhea, is my support system and the creative compass of Deodara. An intuitive designer & coach - she can look at a bare room and instantly picture its best self. She shapes the mood boards, colour stories and imagines spatial concepts; I translate those dreams into reality and fault‑free execution and together we make a great team for all kinds of end-to-end interior projects.
I’m working toward a self‑sustaining campus where students, travellers and tree‑lovers can learn, stay and create. The dream? To craft signature “Made by Mikhail” pieces, mentor new makers and build an eco‑friendly home that smells of cedarwood and good coffee.
About Deodara’s Woodworking Courses
At Deodara, our woodworking courses are designed to offer a hands-on experience in working with wood — from understanding the material to building a finished, handcrafted piece of your own.
We offer three formats:
– A 7-day Artisanal Woodworking Course
– A 3-day Apprentice Course
– A 1-day Wood Carving Workshop
Each course is held once a month and is limited to only four students per batch, allowing for personalised attention and guidance throughout. Aakash leads the course, and I (Mikhail) mentor students during the week — offering support in design, structure, and areas they may need help with.
The course covers the basics of wood, safe handling of hand and power tools, and different types of joinery. Students begin with foundational practice builds and then move on to designing and building their own final project. While there is a core syllabus, we adapt it to each student’s needs and interests.
Materials for the practice builds are provided. For their final project, students purchase their own wood during a guided visit to a local sawmill — their first introduction to selecting timber. Tools are fully provided, and if anyone needs extra time to complete their project, studio time can be booked additionally.
The vibe is collaborative, casual, and hands-on — with a strong focus on safety and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a beginner, a hobbyist, or someone with some experience looking to build in a guided space, this is a chance to create something real with your hands, from idea to final polish.
You can apply for the courses directly through the Deodara website. While accommodation isn’t included, we’ll help with nearby stay options if needed.
About Aakash
Aakash leads our woodworking courses with calm dedication and a genuine love for the craft. Over the past few years, he has learned everything from the ground up — working closely with Mikhail, absorbing not just technique but also a deep respect for material, structure, and mindful design.
Careful, attentive, and always hands-on, Aakash brings a clear, approachable teaching style that encourages students to explore, ask questions, and build with confidence. He guides each student through their project from start to finish — always ready to offer technical insights or step in for a hands-on demo.
His joy comes from sharing what he’s learned, and watching students discover the satisfaction of working with their hands.