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The Origins of Birmingham Design Studio
Nearly 21 years ago, Kamran Karimpour began to import handwoven Oriental rugs to metro Detroit. The unique mix of antique and new, all handknotted, was an immediate success. Soon after he set up shop in Birmingham as Woven Treasures—a name that reflected his mission of searching out the most beautiful and unique handmade rugs from across the Middle East and Asia. Business flourished because he catered to discerning buyers who wanted better value than what could be found at typical rug stores. Fast forward 17 years: Kamran, together with wife Kristi, expanded into the furniture business with the opening of Maison, also in Birmingham. Then in 2008, the two businesses—Woven Treasures and Maison Furniture—were combined to create the new Birmingham Design Studio. The mission was the same: Provide a unique, highly selective assortment of fine furniture at a good value. They found success as independent merchants of fine furnishings that buyers wouldn’t see everywhere else they looked. In fact, it underscores their approach to customer service: Listen carefully to what a customer says, and then find the right pieces to help homeowners express their individual style.
