OUR STORY: The Parnian Legacy

55 YEARS OF LEGACY & TRUST

Our Beginnings

The Parnian story begins in 1969, with founder Abdolhay Parnian — an accomplished architect and artist with a vision to reimagine the relationship between architecture and furniture. At the age of 24, he designed a revolutionary living room set that included a sofa, four chairs, a coffee table, and two side tables — all of which could fit into a car.

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Abdolhay and Parvaneh in their Architecture Master’s program

His architectural background and innovative problem-solving quickly caught the attention of leading companies. One of Parnian’s earliest major commissions came from American Express, who sought a custom cabinetry solution for their Phoenix headquarters — a design challenge that had remained unresolved for years.

This elegant fusion of simplicity, function, and artistry captured attention quickly. But when an unexpected flood destroyed Abdolhay’s first showroom just days after its opening, many urged him to give up. Instead, he rebuilt — by hand — setting the tone for Parnian’s unwavering dedication to resilience, innovation, and excellence.

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The first prototype of the knock-down chair 

Establishing a Legacy in Arizona

In 1977, Abdolhay and Parvaneh Parnian planted roots in Arizona with their two young children, bringing with them a vision for design excellence and a commitment to craftsmanship. Starting from a modest 1,000 sq. ft. warehouse, Abdolhay began building custom furniture and cabinetry — a practice that would soon transform into a full-fledged design studio. Parvaneh, his wife and business partner and also an architect, brought her support as well as interior design talent to the Parnian brand.

His architectural background and innovative problem-solving quickly caught the attention of leading companies.

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Article in Scottsdale Progress, 1986

One of Parnian’s earliest major commissions came from American Express, who sought a custom cabinetry solution for their Phoenix headquarters — a design challenge that had remained unresolved for years.

Abdolhay delivered a breakthrough concept in just two weeks, earning the trust of executives and establishing Parnian as a rising force in Arizona’s design landscape. This early success laid the foundation for what would become a decades-long reputation for visionary work, handcrafted excellence, and unmatched client satisfaction.

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Magazine spread featuring hand-painted Parnian Porcelain Signature Collection

Where Design Meets Art

By the 1980s and 1990s, Parnian was pushing the boundaries of high-end furniture design. Each piece was crafted not just for function, but as a work of art — infused with architectural detail, sculptural form, and meticulous craftsmanship.

His architectural background and innovative problem-solving quickly caught the attention of leading companies.

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Parnian’s signature collection includes:

  • Organic, bold silhouettes inspired by nature and architecture
  • Hand-applied lacquer finishes, with up to 35 coats per piece
  • Intricate wood inlays, porcelain details, and custom artistry
  • Made-to-order, handcrafted entirely in Arizona
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Another example of the Parnian Signature Porcelain CollectionThe press took notice. Publications and critics often asked:“Is it furniture, or is it art?”The answer has always been — both.

Landmark Showroom

In 1994 the Parnians purchased land on what is now Frank Lloyd Blvd. Abdolhay envisioned an innovative showroom that he then designed. In 1995, Abdolhay and Parvaneh unveiled their 15,000 sq. ft. flagship showroom and production facility in Scottsdale — a landmark building recognized for its bold, modernist glass façade and architectural presence. A second, state-of-the-art workshop soon followed in Phoenix, reflecting the brand’s continued growth and unwavering commitment to quality.

Parnian became a mainstay in many top designer showrooms across the country, from Los Angeles to Miami, celebrated for craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design.

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A Family Legacy, Reimagined

Today, Leila Parnian leads the next generation of the Parnian brand, bringing a bold and creative new perspective to the company. With a background in art, and a Masters in urban planning — and a lifelong immersion in architecture and design — she has expanded the brand into large-scale public art, one-of-a-kind pour art furniture collections, and sculptural home accessories. Her signature pieces fuse high design with expressive color and form, offering clients custom works that function as both furniture and fine art — extending the Parnian tradition of craftsmanship into new, contemporary territory.

While Leila represents the creative energy and forward momentum of the brand, Abdolhay Parnian remains actively involved in all aspects of the business. With over 55 years of experience, he continues to oversee production, design, and operations — ensuring Parnian’s legacy of excellence and 100% customer satisfaction lives on.

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The family’s long-standing dedication is reflected through the contributions of:

  • Ali Parnian, who played a pivotal role in the company for over 12 years, bringing his financial acumen to drive growth and national expansion.
  • Parisa Parnian, the eldest sibling, whose creative insight and branding support continue to uphold the values of artistry and storytelling that define the Parnian spirit.

Together, this multigenerational leadership ensures that every piece, project, and experience at Parnian reflects its enduring commitment to design integrity and client care.

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