For three generations, Mehraban has brought a sophisticated spirit to rugs, proving the best design moment might be underfoot. Today, the Iran-born, Los Angeles-based brand is overseen by brothers Sammy and Soheil Mehraban. Below, the duo share how their lifelong partnership paves the way for a new era of rugs.
Sammy and Soheil Mehraban
When was the company founded and by whom?
Meir Mehrabanian established Mehraban in 1945.
Tell us about the family connection?
Mehraban is a third-generation company that began in Tehran, Iran, and moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s. The original founder was our grandfather. Now, we work side-by-side daily and share the responsibilities equally.
Mehraban Showroom in West Hollywood
Why is this the business your family is in?
We’ve never known anything else from the time we were young. It has supported generations of families through immigration, establishing a presence in Los Angeles, and navigating the complexities of modern American commerce. So much has changed in the way it’s done these days, but its core remains a collaborative exchange between artisans overseas, and design talent working with very prosperous clients. We don’t know how we got into this, but we stay because every day offers something new and we meet amazing people.
What is the best part of being involved in your family’s business?
Being able to share the worry and the joy in equal parts. The excitement of innovation and discovery. We share a passion for creation in this particular medium: Coming up with new textures, designs, and applications.
The Fortuna Rug, Erinn V. Collection. Photographed by Meghan Bob
Cherished family business milestone…
It has been important for us to be honest and straightforward in all our dealings. We are most pleased with the trust and confidence of our suppliers worldwide. The relationships that began 80 years ago have only been strengthened over the years. The same is true of our clients. Often, we are furnishing rugs for the grandchildren of our original clients.
Lunch breaks together or separate?
Generally, together. Interestingly, food is a big part of our day. We have a gourmet Jenn Air kitchen where we prepare food and drinks daily. Sometimes, Sammy comes with a delicious Persian dish prepared at home. Other times, Soheil brings in bowls of fruits, including melons he has prepared the night before. And sometimes we just order delivery from one of the restaurants in our neighborhood. The point is, we love to eat.
The Sands Rug, Claudia Afshar Collection. Photographed by Meghan Bob
Vacations together or separately?
Definitely separate. Fourteen years are separating Sammy and Soheil. Sammy recently returned from an extended trip to Italy, Croatia, Holland and Czechoslovakia. Soheil vacationed in Ibiza.
Ten years from now we hope our family business will …
Of course, we want to be bigger and stronger. We are growing our business into other markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. We would like to see that continue. In the past five years, we have become known for designing ahead of the market and setting the standard for fine design. We would like to continue to create beautiful rugs and exceed the expectations of our long-time clients.
Header photo: Design by LALA Reimagined; Photo by Roberto Garcia.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.