The Meroni's had a clear understanding that building a strong foundation, literally and figuratively, would be their key to success. They hired influential Italian architect, Angelo Mangiarotti, to design LEMA’s first manufacturing plant. The plant opened in 1970 at Alzate Brianza in Como, a small city in Northern Italy near Milan. Out of necessity, a second plant was built just outside of Milan in 1992. Both plants are still in operation today.
Italian design company LEMA staked its claim on global furniture manufacturing 51 years ago. LEMA was founded by Carla and Luigi Meroni in 1970, but the Meroni family had been making exquisite, handcrafted furniture for the home since the 1940’s. The Italian furniture market was immediately impacted by the inception of LEMA's manufacturing process. Combining strong principals, a forward-thinking management style, and innovative manufacturing processes, LEMA continues to adapt and improve the industry.
Photo courtesy of NEDGIS
Architect of the plant, Mangiarotti was already established in the design world at the time. In the early 1950s, he taught at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and was colleagues of Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius, and Konrad Wachsmann. His relationships with architects of such stature undoubtedly helped shape his own practice, which came to be known for its industrial process.
LEMA was ahead of the curve as the first Italian furniture company to design and manufacture integrated furnishing systems under one roof. Their system of organizing the entire production cycle from the arrival of the raw materials to the packaging of the finished product was unlike anything else offered in market at the time.
LEMA lead the way with load-bearing customized systems
LEMA was also the first Italian company to develop a load-bearing side panel system in various finishes, custom built to specification. This attention to detail and tailoring put them on top in the installation sector. Current day, LEMA's planning and development center is dedicated to researching new materials and production technologies for future innovation.
As a thought leader since its inception, LEMA has been a magnet for some of the best contemporary designers around the world, including Ludovica & Roberto Palomba, Roberto Lazzeroni and Studio Kairos, to name a few.
Piero Lissoni, photo curiosity of Golran
The brand’s art director and visionary designer, Piero Lissoni, has been at the helm of LEMA’s creative development since 1994. LEMA’s strong tradition of craftsmanship seamlessly integrates with the most innovative technologies, reflecting in every project and every piece of furniture the extreme commitment to quality.
Sistema LT40
Designed by David Lopez Quincoces, the LT40 is a fully customizable modular system of containers and wall elements available in four configurations: floor, sideboard, wall-mounted and panelling. Ideal in any room of the house, the four configurations can be liberally combined and supplemented with a series of additional elements: double side containers, benches and storage solutions for multimedia equipment, tops in marble and stone, box containers in wood or glass and an integrated LED lighting system.
Haute Living is extremely proud to carry the venerable LEMA brand, and we’re very pleased and excited to announce the arrival of the following dynamic LEMA LT40 Modular Storage System now exhibiting in our Chicago showroom.
To view the newly installed LEMA products in-person, simply make an appointment by writing to [email protected].
To find out how our pieces can enhance your design project, please contact us at 312.329.9000 for Chicago or 212.262.9000 for New York or email [email protected]. Haute Living's design professionals are ready to assist your needs in every aspect of the design process - from conception and technical specification to final delivery and installation.
