Zdenko Bakran - Development Technician in the R&D Department
At Prostoria, every new product begins as an idea – but without the knowledge, experience, and dedication of the development team, none of those ideas would become reality. Zdenko Bakran is one of those who have been part of this process from day one – quietly, precisely, and with unwavering commitment to every detail.
Zdenko’s professional journey began at the Ruđer Bošković Secondary School in Zagreb, where he trained as a precision mechanic specialized in sewing machines. His first work experience was in the maintenance of sewing and robotic machines in industrial production, where he worked for over twenty years.
After that, his career led him to Perfecta, the then-company of Tomislav Knezović, where he was first introduced to the processes of making mattresses and upholstered beds.
„That was the first time I worked on products that required a different approach – precision and functionality were central, but there was also space for development and innovation.“
When Prostoria was founded, Zdenko joined the development team from day one. Together with a small group of colleagues and the direct involvement of founder T. Knezović, they began developing the first upholstered furniture pieces. As the number of projects grew, so did the team, and Zdenko’s role became increasingly important.
„At the beginning, there were only a few of us, but we had a strong will and faith in what we were doing. Today, I work on multiple projects simultaneously – from developing new pieces to refining existing ones. The work is dynamic, challenging, and never boring.“
Zdenko continues to work in the development department, where he collaborates daily with designers and other team members on the development of new products and functional improvements. His technical precision, background in machine maintenance, and understanding of production processes make him an indispensable part of the team.
A unique aspect of his professional life is that his wife, Mirjana Bakran, also works at Prostoria, sewing covers for furniture.
„Sometimes I find out through her if we’ve set up the cutting patterns correctly in development – if something’s off, she’ll be the first to notice. That gives us an extra dimension of collaboration, both at work and in life.“
Zdenko’s journey at Prostoria is a testament to how knowledge, experience, and teamwork form the foundation of every great product. With his calm approach, persistence, and team spirit, Zdenko has contributed to the creation of Prostoria’s signature pieces for years – and looks forward to every new challenge that lies ahead.
