Rick Lee is a renowned industrial designer based in San Francisco, celebrated for his innovative approach to modern design. Born in South Korea and of Chinese descent, Lee moved to the United States as a teenager, where he later pursued a degree in industrial design. His early career took off in Chicago, where he worked for prominent furniture manufacturers and design studios. However, it was his time in Milan that had the most significant impact on his artistic style. There, he embraced the minimalist principles of Bauhaus and combined them with the playful, avant-garde influence of Studio Alchimia, a design collective known for its irreverent approach.
Lee’s work is marked by a vibrant fusion of form and function, drawing inspiration from nature and everyday objects. He designs pieces that are both whimsical and minimalist, ranging from the Feliz Accent Chair by American Leather, to the Liquid Tables by Thayer Coggin. His ability to blend diverse materials like cast aluminum, wood, and wool keeps his designs fresh and unexpected.
Over the years, Lee’s creations have garnered international acclaim, appearing in museums, on movie and television sets, and in the homes of celebrities like Connie Chung and Bruce Willis. His collaborations with his wife, fashion designer Colleen Quen, have produced standout pieces such as the Colleen chair, a candy-pink aluminum chair in the shape of a daisy, demonstrating his ability to merge playful creativity with practicality. As an ever-evolving designer, Rick Lee continues to push the boundaries of modern design while staying true to his unique aesthetic vision.
