LEON ROSEN - THE PACE COLLECTION

The Pace Collection, founded by Irving and Leon Rosen in 1960, was a high-end contemporary furniture company based in New York City. Known for offering luxury furniture and services to the contract interior design trade, The Pace Collection quickly set itself apart with its distinct and innovative designs. Located on East 62nd Street in Manhattan, the company's showroom became a go-to destination for designers looking for unique, high-quality furniture. The Rosens’ focus was on creating pieces that would stand out from those offered by competitors like Knoll, Herman Miller, and Steelcase. The brand's emphasis was on refined materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and sleek, modern aesthetics.

One of the hallmarks of The Pace Collection was its use of rich, exotic wood veneers, polished to a high-gloss finish and often accented with polished stainless steel trim. This distinctive style gave Pace furniture an unmistakable luxurious feel that appealed to high-end clients and architects alike. The company specialized in desks, tables, cabinets, and a variety of seating options, all designed with a focus on sophistication and functionality. Their collection also included accessories and shelving, making it a comprehensive line for high-end interiors. The Rosens patented many of their designs, securing their position as innovators in the modern furniture industry.

In 1985, the partnership between the Rosen brothers ended, prompting Leon Rosen to take The Pace Collection in a new direction. Seeking to further elevate the brand's presence, Rosen commissioned acclaimed New York architect Steven Holl to design a new showroom. In 1986, the new Pace Collection showroom opened on the corner of Madison Avenue and East 72nd Street. The striking design by Holl won the prestigious American Institute of Architects (AIA) award for best architectural design in New York that same year. The new showroom gave the brand even greater visibility and attracted a broader audience, as Leon Rosen remarked, “I wanted high visibility. I wanted this showcase to serve as a reminder to our regular customers, and to expose our company to new people.”

In addition to designing the showroom, Holl also collaborated with The Pace Collection to create several furniture pieces, which were patented under the company’s name. These collaborations further cemented The Pace Collection's reputation for cutting-edge design and artistic innovation.

For over four decades, The Pace Collection stood out as a luxury furniture brand that catered to the tastes of elite clientele, offering limited-edition pieces and custom creations. Their bold use of materials and attention to detail earned the company a lasting place in the world of high-end furniture design. However, despite its success, The Pace Collection closed its doors in 2001, leaving behind a legacy of iconic, modern furniture that continues to be admired and collected today.

With its combination of artistry, functionality, and exclusivity, The Pace Collection remains a significant chapter in the history of contemporary furniture, remembered for its ability to elevate modern interiors with timeless elegance and innovation.