Lapchi

In 2001, while working and studying in Kathmandu, Salman Khan and Kerry Smith envisioned an approach to carpet-making based 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® rug certification program to assure clients that their highly customized designs are accompanied by the best labor practices.

Until Lapchi, many 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. Lapchi was all about individual creativity and expression in design from the very start. Lapchi put custom color and design capability in the forefront of their company philosophy. Now, the extensive corner sample program, the custom color applications on the website, and the selection and training of the showroom staff to assist in custom work allow designer clients to create the perfect, and the personal, with ease.

Lapchi’s attention to detail, timeliness and service produces customized handmade carpets of the very finest quality. From their home base in Portland, Oregon, to Atelier Lapchi Chicago at the Merchandise Mart, to Torino, Italy, Lapchi showrooms serve the trade directly with custom capability, 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.