Charles Kalpakian

Lebanese designer Charles Kalpakian (b. 1982 in Beirut) is known for his geometrical designs that alter our perception of space and volume.

Kalpakian launched his eponymous design studio in 2011. Since then, Kalpakian has been developing his own projects and quickly collaborated with numerous French and Italian manufacturers by the likes of Bespoke Edition, Habitat, Nemo, La Chance, Collection Particulière, Christophe Delcourt, and Haymann Editions.

Kalpakian's designs take shape through the reinterpretation of motifs derived from the decorative arts; in a sense, they are sharp yet flexible almost like the strokes created by a calligraphy brush. With projects ranging from product design to interiors, his ventures always highlight the richness of his origins combined with the elements of Western modernity.

In 2012, Kalpakian had his first Solo show at Galerie BSL where he debuted his Cinetisme wall cabinet collection, ultimately making a name for himself. Since then, he has also been working with many international brands, galleries and private clients and it develops and design with talented craftsmen, from watches, furniture, and sculpture for projects across the world. In 2018, Kalpakian collaborated with Gebruder Thonet Vienna at Wallpaper Handmade with the Infinite Wallbars at Salone del Mobile; and led a design workshop for the Tumo Foundation in Armenia.

At the moment, Kalpakian is in the progress of several collaborations, including a large sculpture for LeMerdien Hotel in Riyad, as well as a design for House Of Today design biennale in Beirut in December 2018. He is currently represented by Galerie BSL in Paris and Joy Mardini design gallery in Beirut.