Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Cortes.
Hi Robert, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story really starts with my dad. He was a furniture finisher and designer in New York, and I grew up spending time in his studio watching him work. Being exposed to furniture, design, and art at such an early age had a lasting impact on me and naturally shaped the path I would eventually take.
As I got older, I felt drawn toward furniture making as a way to pay homage to the work my dad dedicated his life to. I attended trade school where I learned the fundamentals of furniture making and apprenticed under a furniture maker during that time. That experience eventually led me into the furniture industry professionally, where I gained a deeper understanding of both the craft and the business side of it.
About ten years ago, I decided to take the leap and start my own studio, Grove + Anchor. Since then, it has been years of hard work, long days, constant learning, and building meaningful relationships and partnerships that have helped shape where the studio is today. My goal has always been to create timeless pieces that feel intentional, honest, and built to last.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never a smooth road. Just when you think things are going well, there is always another challenge or obstacle that comes up, but that is part of the process. You have to learn how to push through those difficult moments and grow from them.
Over time, those experiences teach you a lot, not just about the work itself, but about resilience, patience, and problem solving. In many ways, those challenges are what prepare you for the road ahead.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Grove + Anchor is a design-led furniture studio focused on creating one-of-one pieces in solid hardwood. A lot of the work is centered around clean lines, strong proportions, and an overall sense of simplicity and permanence. The goal is always to create pieces that feel timeless and built to last.
What I enjoy most about the process is the collaboration between myself, the client, and the space the piece is being designed for. While every project is collaborative, there is still a clear design language and point of view guiding the work throughout the process.
What I’m most proud of is that after all these years, the studio has continued to stay relevant and in demand. I think what sets me apart is that I’m not just approaching the work as a fabricator. My clients place a lot of trust in me creatively, which allows the process to become much more collaborative and intentional. At the end of the day, every piece still reflects my design perspective and the identity of the studio.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories was going into Manhattan with my dad. We would spend time walking through the city going to flea markets, street fairs, and small shops, and he would give me a set amount of money to work with and let me make my own decisions on what to buy.
Afterward, he would go through everything with me and explain where I did well, where I overpaid, how I could have negotiated better, and how to recognize value. Looking back, I realize he was teaching me much more than just how to buy things. He was teaching me how to communicate with people, read character, understand business, and think critically.
At the time it just felt like a fun day with my dad, but those experiences ended up shaping a lot of how I approach both business and relationships today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Groveandanchor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groveandanchor/
