We are launching a new series dedicated to designers whose work goes far beyond classical design - from furniture to lighting to entire public and private spaces. In the first episode, we look at Karim Rashid, a designer whose work is in the permanent collections of the world's most important museums, including MoMA in New York and Centre Pompidou in Paris. Born in Cairo in 1960 and raised in Canada, Rashid experimented with color, form and materials from an early age. His designs combine functionality with an expressive visual language, minimalism with sensuality and emotion.
Born in Cairo in 1960 and raised in Canada, Rashid experimented with color, form and materials from an early age
© Karim Rashid Inc.
Early years and education
Karim Rashid was born in Cairo as the son of an English mother and an Egyptian father, an abstract artist. At the age of five, the family moved to Canada, where Rashid began to develop his creative interests. As early as high school, he experimented with form and color, sewing a pink satin suit for his own graduation, which became the first public expression of his creativity.
Table by Karim Rashid © Karim Rashid Inc. 
Karim Rashid graduated with a degree in industrial design from Carleton University in Ottawa, and then furthered his knowledge in Italy, studying under Ettore Sottsass in Naples and working at Rodolfo Bonetto's Milan studio. Even at a young age, he experimented with form and color - his creativity was clearly evident even in his school projects. These experiences became the foundation of his later style, which combines precision with visually and emotionally expressive form.
"Monark Chair" with rounded shapes in black and pink
Career - from everyday objects to design icons
He began his career in Canada, designing medical equipment, everyday tools and objects for the home. In 1993, he opened a studio in New York, which became the focal point of his work. Early designs, such as the "Garbo" wastebasket and the "Oh Chair" chair for Umbra, quickly gained international recognition, combining functionality with an experimental approach to form and color. Interestingly, the "Oh Chair" was usedin an episode of the Enterprise series titled "Twilight" as part of the design of Archer's bedroom in an alternate future in which the destruction of Earth has occurred. Rashid has consistently emphasized that design should affect the emotions of the user, and that spaces and everyday objects can inspire and engage the senses.
A pink lamp designed by Rashid
© Karim Rashid Inc.
Style and design philosophy
His philosophy, described as "sensual minimalism," is based on the psychology of color and form. Pink is meant to evoke a sense of energy and positive mood, lime green in kitchens promotes comfort in dining. Rashid designs for people who want futuristic, emotionally engaging spaces, where functionality is combined with aesthetics and experience. He has also experimented with forms of presenting his designs - in his "Design Dialogues" series, he answered questions solely through drawing, showing the creative process in its purest form.
Photo of the designer
© Karim Rashid Inc.
For a long time, design existed only for the elite and within a narrow, closed culture. Over the past 30 years, I have worked intensively to make design a subject accessible to the general public
- emphasizes the designer.
Recent projects - furniture, interiors and public spaces
Rashid has recently completed several important projects that perfectly illustrate his current vision of design. One of them is the "Fluid Realities" collection created in collaboration with the KARE brand. Some sixty furniture and lighting designs combine futuristic elegance with functional transparency.
The "Fluid Realities" collection
© Karim Rashid Inc.
Rashid was inspired by the DNA of the KARE brand and the courage of its founders to create items with a distinct character and a modern color palette of white, pink and techno tones. The collection demonstrates his design philosophy for people who want spaces that are inspiring, full of sensuality and minimalism.
"Fluid Realities" collection.
© Karim Rashid Inc.
Another project is the redesign of the bar and lobby of the Nhow Berlin hotel, completed in February 2025. Rashid transformed the space into a dynamic center for meetings and cultural events, combining functionality with an aesthetic experience. The iconic cyan "blob" bar, illuminated bottle display and flexible seating arrangements create both a visual focal point and a space conducive to social interaction. Custom acoustic panels, uniquely patterned floors and lighting bring guests into a space where music and design become an almost material experience.
Redesign of the Nhow Berlin hotel's bar and lobby.
© Karim Rashid Inc.
His furniture designs should not be overlooked either, such as the Zenith chair, another example of his consistent development of an emotional and engaging design philosophy. Zenith is a sculptural chaiselongue that redefines the boundaries between leisure, art and sustainable design. Unveiled at Milan Design Week, it is no ordinary seat or mere sculpture - it is a gesture ahead of the future of design. The chair was created using modern technology: it was 3D printed entirely from recycled plastic, giving waste a second life in the form of a radically beautiful object. The chair's silhouette is in keeping with Karim Rashid's signature language of "sensual minimalism," combining function with philosophy: it is a place to rest, reflect and gain a new perspective - both in indoor and outdoor spaces.
Zenith chair
© Karim Rashid Inc.
The Zenith special edition exudes innovation and energy. The color symbolizes movement, transformation and a fresh perspective on design - the chair becomes not only a utilitarian object, but also a manifesto of creativity and collaboration between the Nagami brand and Karim Rashid. Each of these projects demonstrates Rashid's consistent redefinition of the everyday - regardless of scale, from a single piece of furniture to entire public spaces.
Sketch of the Zenith chair
© Karim Rashid Inc.
Legacy and influence
Karim Rashid remains one of the most recognizable designers of the modern world. His work demonstrates that design is not limited to functionality, but can shape spaces, emotions and user experiences. Through his designs and international productions, he proves that any object, interior or public space can become a manifesto of modern aesthetics - sensual, inspiring and expressive.
