GoodWeave

Spotlight On: Lapchi

Portland, Oregon

In 2001, while working and studying in Kathmandu, Salman Khan and Kerry Smith envisioned a revolutionary approach to carpet-making, premised on the desire of customers for freedom of expression in designing their living and working environments. They named their venture Lapchi―Tibetan for "abode of creative energy"―and partnered with the GoodWeave certification program to assure customers that their highly customized design is accompanied by the best labor practices.

Until Lapchi, customers had to choose their carpets from showroom inventories, matching the carpet as well as they could with their overall furnishings, fabrics and space design. This was a time-consuming process that often meant compromises in the size, design and color of the carpet and ultimately in the harmony achieved in the room. Lapchi's attention to detail, timeliness and service produces customized handmade carpets of the very finest quality.

Lapchi's exclusive network of North American dealer showrooms features fully equipped and trained staff, who use hands-on and sophisticated website-based processes to assist designers at every step, from concept through installation. In Chicago at the Merchandise Mart, in Los Angeles at the Pacific Design Center, and in Torino, Italy, Atelier Lapchi showrooms serve the trade directly, displaying the entire corner sample collection as well as a large stock of full-size pieces available for immediate delivery.

Lapchi expresses its company-wide philosophy of sustainable business through its GoodWeave affiliation and its active involvement in the educational and social well-being of the Tibetan and Nepali people who help create and export its exceptional carpets.

For more information on Lapchi, visit www.lapchi.com.

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