After receiving his Bachelors of Science in Industrial Design from the world-renowned Art Center College of Design, in Pasadena, California, Niu developed private furniture lines, custom one-of-a-kind pieces, mass production furniture, residential and retail spaces for corporate, private and celebrity clientele.
In 2005, Niu ventured out globally and began developing a collection of upholstered goods under the Nolen Niu brand. He was one of only a few American designers to achieve selection and awarded the opportunity to exhibit at the 2006 Salone Satellite Milan Furniture Fair where he debuted his first collection, which received enthusiastic reviews from the international community. In conjunction with his selection for the Salone Satellite, he was one of ten designers chosen to be showcased at the ICFF Studio / Bernhardt Design joint venture exhibit, a juried event aimed to support emerging talent. Niu has also completed the sixth rendition of the Annual Esquire Magazine House, where he was one of four designers chosen to design a room in a 7,000 square foot ultra modern mansion, located high atop Hollywood Hills, which hosted celebrity driven charity events for multiple organizations.
In 2011, he opened his own production facility, specializing in upholstery and carpentry, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. This makes him one of the few American furniture designers who are completely vertically integrated, with the ability to competitively design and manufacture his products all in America.
Born and raised in the Washington D.C. metro area in 1975, Niu moved to Los Angeles, California in 1996 to attend Art Center College of Design, Pasadena where he is also an active faculty member today. Niu’s corporate office is located in Beverly Hills with a private studio and production facility in downtown Los Angeles.
