Nasir Kassamali, is a pivotal figure in the contemporary design landscape co-founder of Luminaire, is renowned for revolutionizing the design and home furnishing industry in the US. After emigrating from Kenya, he and his wife, Nargis, opened Luminaire in Miami in 1974, initially focusing on lighting but soon expanding to offer a wide range of design products. Luminaire grew to become a beacon of contemporary design, known for its curated exhibitions, educational programming, and efforts to make design accessible to a broader audience. The couple's unique approach to retail was revolutionary, emphasizing storytelling and education over traditional sales tactics. This approach helped build trust with European vendors and local designers, transforming Luminaire into a laboratory for contemporary design that attracted design professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Nasir's dedication to design has been recognized internationally, with both he and Nargis receiving the prestigious Compasso d’Oro Award for Lifetime Achievement from ADI. This award is a testament to their nearly five decades of transforming the design landscape in the United States and their tireless work to share timeless design with a broader audience. The 2015 Game Changers Award by Metropolis Magazine, and the AIA Florida 2021 Award of Excellence. He's also received recognition from the Italian Trade Commission, was named a Florida Design Legend by the Wolfsonian-FIU, AIGA, and has garnered multiple AIA awards for his architectural contributions to Miami, Florida.
Through Luminaire, Nasir Kassamali has not only brought the finest offerings in international design to the U.S. consumer but has also cultivated a space where design is celebrated as a vital part of enhancing and accentuating life
