Knoll, a leader in workplace and residential furnishings, recently announced its acquisition of wool design purveyor FilzFelt and its plans to acquire outdoor furniture company, Richard Schultz Design, Inc. (RSD) expanding Knoll’s already vast portfolio. These new additions will further Knoll’s renowned design legacy by continuing to add progressive and relevant products to their already extensive line of offerings, enhancing Knoll’s position as a comprehensive one-stop shop for design professionals and consumers alike.
FLIZFELT
FilzFelt is a purveyor of German-milled 100% wool design felt as well as felt floor coverings and architectural applications for the residential, hospitality and contract office furniture markets.
Says Andrew B. Cogan, Knoll CEO, “The acquisition of FilzFelt reflects our strategy of building sales in our high design, high margin specialty businesses which appeal to both commercial buyers and consumers worldwide. FilzFelt has built a spirited reputation in the design community for its range of felt products and custom applications as well as its founders’ commitment to sustainable design. We look forward to working with the FilzFelt team to expand the FilzFelt brand and market presence.”
FilzFelt distributes German-milled 100% wool design felt in 58 colors and five thicknesses and offers a wide range of felt products and full custom capabilities. A biodegradable and renewable material, wool felt is naturally moisture resistant, self-extinguishing, non-directional, available in lightfast and water resistant colors, and provides thermal and acoustic insulation.
Kelly Smith and Traci Roloff, the company’s founders with over 20 years combined architecture and product design experience, will continue with executive roles at FilzFelt. FilzFelt maintains a marketing and design studio in Boston.
“Throughout our careers we’ve admired Knoll for its design legacy and dedication to progressive and relevant products,” says Roloff. “We look forward to expanding the FilzFelt product portfolio and reaching a far broader audience.” Adds Smith, “When I began working with this German felt in product design, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. We’re excited to continue collaborations with architects and designers and push the envelope of what can be done with this unique material.”
FilzFelt, purveyor of eco-friendly German-milled 100% wool design felt in 58 colors and five thicknesses, ushers in a vibrant color palate with architectural applications that benefit designers-allowing them to tap a greater creativity with felt in the residential and commercial arenas. This new level of artistic freedom bolsters the production of the innovative and beautiful furnishings Knoll is known for.
RICHARD SCHULTZ DESIGN
Richard Schultz Design, Inc., is designer and manufacturer of outdoor furniture for the residential, hospitality and contract office furniture markets. Says Andrew B. Cogan, Knoll CEO, “The acquisition of Richard Schultz reflects our ongoing interest in remixing our business with high design, high margin specialty offerings which appeal to both commercial buyers and consumers worldwide. Richard Schultz began his career as a designer with Knoll and co-founded his company with his son Peter in 1992. Together, they have built an international reputation for exploring new materials and forms for outdoor furniture. We look forward to the continuous success of the Richard Schultz brand.”
The company, which maintains a flagship showroom in New York’s D&D Building, sells the iconic 1966 Schultz Leisure Line and 1960 Petal Table Collection, originally designed for Knoll, as well as contemporary outdoor furniture designs. Its designs are included in the collections of The Museum of Modern Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Says Peter Schultz, “Our award-winning designs in the modern tradition are a perfect complement to the Knoll portfolio. We look forward to our products joining the KnollStudio Collection of residential and workplace furniture.”
Richard Schultz Design maintains a marketing and design studio in Palm, Pa.
The acquisition is expected to close on or about March 1.
ABOUT KNOLL
Knoll is the recipient of the 2011 National Design Award for Corporate and Institutional Achievement from the Smithsonian’s Copper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. Since 1938, Knoll has been recognized internationally for creating workplace and residential furnishings that inspire, evolve and endure. Today, our commitment to modern design, our understanding of the workplace and our dedication to sustainable design has yielded a unique portfolio of products that respond and adapt to changing needs. Knoll is aligned with the U.S. Green Building Council and the Canadian Green Building Council and can help companies achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED workplace certification. Knoll is the founding sponsor of the World Monuments Fund Modernism at Risk program.
