Designer and Author Michael S. Smith is considered one of the design industry's most respected talents with an international profile of residential and commercial clients. Over the course of his career, Smith has consistently developed a style that has been characterized as a delicate blend of “European tradition and American modernism.” Most recently, his work was celebrated in two best-selling books from Rizzoli Publishing; 'Elements of Style' (2007), 'Houses' (2008), & 'Kitchens & Bath' (2011).
He is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including multiple Architectural Digest’s “The AD 100” and the Pacific Design Center's West Week 'Stars of Design'. He has also been named Designer of the Year by Elle Decor. In addition, his projects have been featured in such noted publications as , Architectural Digest, Elle Decor Magazine, House Beautiful, Town and Country, Domino, House & Garden, Metropolitan Home, Interior Design, and W.
A native of California, Smith studied interior design at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. In l984, he continued his studies at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Returning to the U.S. a year later, he worked briefly under the tutelage of legendary antiques dealer Gep Durenberger before subsequently moving to New York to work with the well-known designer John Saladino. Three years later, he returned to California and opened a home furnishings store. His design firm was launched in l990. He has continued to build his business through the introduction of his signature furniture and fabric line, Jasper, which are sold exclusively in multi-line showrooms across the U.S. and the U.K. Michael own flagship showroom opened in fall of 2010 in Los Angeles.
Smith is also partnered with several manufacturers in a select number of licensing agreements including Cowtan and Tout, for whom he developed a fabric and leather collection in l997. In 1999, he began a continuing relationship with Kohler designing three successful lines for the Kallista brand, as well as a collection for Kohler-owned Ann Sacks Tile. Other licensing agreements include Visual Comfort Lighting, Mansour Modern Rugs, Patterson, Flynn and Martin Carpeting, Samuel and Sons Passementrie and Agaria Home Fragrances.
In February of 2010, Mr. Smith was appointed by President Obama to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. Smith also serves on the Board of Trustees for Otis College of Art and Design and has been selected to co-chair of the American Friends of the Olympia International Fine Art and Antique Fair.
Smith divides his time between Los Angeles and New York City.
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