richard frinier
Richard Frinier has designed award winning furniture, textiles, lighting and accessories for over 35 years. His range encompasses modern and contemporary to transitional, traditional and exotic forms with an unmistakable essence of understated modernity blended with neoclassicism.
Best known for his passion to create authentic, relevant and memorable designs, his creations capture design details inspired from his world travels to over 40 countries across five continents. Infusing these artisan details into each thoughtfully designed and executed piece results in a sense of artistry, craftsmanship, emotion and experience.
Starting out as a student of design, he obtained a Master of Arts degree with an emphasis on crafts. Early work as an artist, sculptor and lighting designer included the creation of one-of-a-kind art objects and serial pieces, and also teaching advanced furniture manufacturing at the college level for many years. His first venture into the commercial interior furnishings arena surfaced as a bedroom collection for a California manufacturer that sold 9,000 sets - a sign he was headed in the right direction.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, he became inspired by the rich design history of Brown Jordan and joined the company as a staff designer in 1981. Compelled to carry on and become a part of the brand's design legacy, he stayed for the next 21 years evolving to become the company's chief creative officer responsible for all product design, marketing and brand ambassadorship during those years.
In 2002, he launched his own California-based design firm collaborating with legacy and lifestyle brands around the world with collections selling in 80 countries. Some of his most iconic creations are celebrating over 10, 20 and 30 years of continuous production and remain available today, including: Quantum from Brown Jordan; Orbit from Dedon - recently voted the Best Outdoor Design of the Decade; Daydream from Dedon - voted the Best Luxury Design of the Past 30 Years; Andalusia from Century Furniture; and, his Sailcloth textiles from Glen Raven Sunbrella.
Richard Frinier has created thousands of designs across hundreds of collections specified for royal palaces, fine resorts, spas, and private residences. His unique designs and dedicated professional path have garnered over 90 product design and career achievement awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Casual Furnishings Association and a Stars of Design Award from the Pacific Design Center. His work has appeared in art and trade exhibitions, film and television productions, and been editorialized internationally in design books, trade, design and lifestyle print, and the blogosphere, capturing the prolific nature of his creative contributions throughout the home furnishings industry.