ALEXANDER PEYKAR
Alexander Peykar, co-chairman and co-founder of Nourison Home, expanded the horizons of the rug industry by popularizing the idea that the floor could serve as a key element for artful expression in a room. A lover of art with a natural talent for design, Peykar pioneered wholesale programs, thereby introducing consumers to original designs for affordable handwoven, hand-knotted and machine-made area rugs from India and China.
Trained as an engineer, Mr. Peykar joined his brothers Paul and Edmond in launching Nourison in New York City in 1980 after building a strong foundation in the retail flooring segment. Armed with first-hand knowledge about the challenges of importing that retailers faced, the third brother, Steven, joined to help build a new wholesale source for quality, Persian-style rugs. In 1982, the company became the first U.S. importer to introduce hand-knotted, Oriental-style rugs from China. With his view of rugs as a fashion-forward work of art, the entry into the machine-made rug business opened the door for the industry to produce a new range of choices in the design, styles, size, color, yarns and price of area rugs.
In 1988 a licensed collection inspired by the paintings of Vasily Kandinsky, was introduced at the Guggenheim Museum. Building on this success, partnerships were forged with celebrity designers including Calvin Klein, Kathy Ireland, Michael Amini, Barclay Butera, Christopher Guy and others. Based in Saddle Brook, N.J., the company now offers original designs and styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary for area rugs, custom rugs, and high-end wool broadloom carpet for hospitality and commercial projects as well as pillows, throw blankets and other decorative accessories.
Born in Iran, Mr. Peykar is a strong believer in helping others by supporting health care organizations including Mount Sinai Hospital, North Shore University Hospital, and a health clinic in Bhadohi, India. He has served on the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Board of Directors.