paul maitland-smith
Paul Maitland-Smith, founder of Maitland-Smith Ltd. and Theodore Alexander, is a prolific curator of the eclectic design approach to elegant, high-end case goods, upholstery and accessories. As a London-based antiques dealer in the 1950s, he is rooted in the world of individual pieces and collected interiors. A brilliant engineer and manufacturer, he would introduce as many as 1,000 new products each market, some with patented designs.
A natural product designer, marketer and entrepreneur, in the 70s Mr. Maitland-Smith started producing Chippendale chairs in Asia, selling container loads in London. He turned to reproduction furniture and decorative accessories in a blend of unique materials popular in the 18th Century: bronze, brass, porcelain, wrought iron, leather, shagreen, lacquer and eggshell. Ever obsessed with the details and mixed media, he lived across Southeast Asia to teach craftsmen how to produce his intricate designs. With a new found material – faux tortoise shell and malachite, mother of pearl, fossil stone, rattan and more – he moved to the next resource and trained new artisans to do intricate finishes, marquetry, inlay, reverse-painted glass, gilding and lost wax brass casting.
A creative force, he founded Maitland-Smith in 1979 in Hong Kong to manufacture finely carved 18th Century furniture. He quickly expanded to source a perfectly curated line of home furnishings. In 1981, he built the company’s first manufacturing operation in the Philippines. He began showing at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, partnered with Henredon Furniture and eventually sold Maitland-Smith to Masco. Constantly seeking out the most talented artisans and finest materials throughout the world, Mr. Maitland-Smith was among the first to venture to Vietnam, founding Theodore Alexander in 1996. Now with more than 5,000 employees, manufacturing operations total over 1 million sq. ft.
Throughout his career, Mr. Maitland-Smith has believed in the importance of paying higher salaries to his work force. On-site health centers at production facilities ensure workers and their families have access to free medical care. He believes that personal amenities, such as shower facilities with clean towels, show his employees that their skills are valuable and appreciated.