Michael Aram

Michael Aram Wolohojian (1963) is an American artisanal metal-ware designer. He launched his first collection in 1989 after taking a trip to India where he began working with traditional artisanal techniques. He set up a self-named boutique in Manhattan in 2007.

Biography

Wolohojian was born in Providence Rhode Island, and grew up in an Armenian family in Scarsdale, New York. After graduating from High School, he obtained a degree in Art History from Bates College. He studied fine-art in Florence, Italy at the Studio Art Center International and the University of Florence. In New York, he attended the New York Art Students League. He later worked for the Metropolitan Museum of Art designing books and posters in the editorial department.

Michael Aram studied the handcrafted metalwork which was being produced using older methods such as sand casting and hand forging while in India. He began learning metal-craft techniques and working with local craftsmen.

Aram currently lives between New Delhi and New York City with his partner Aret Tikiryan and their two children, Anabel and Thadeus.

Design

Aram designs home furnishings and tableware which reflect the natural world. In addition to the Michael Aram flagship store located at 136 West 18th Street in New York City, there are Michael Aram “shop-in-shops” in Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and some Macy’s stores. The Michael Aram Export Company (M.A. Exports Pvt. Ltd.), which operates out of Delhi, India employs over 200 artisans in its workshop.

Collaborations

Michael Aram also collaborated with Waterford Crystal, under the brand “Michael Aram for Waterford”, designing porcelain and crystal. He also designed the “Michael Aram for Hartmann” line of luggage, and launched a new brand called “MADhouse” (Michael Aram Design house) which produces paper products and melamine giftware.

Awards and recognition

Michael Aram has received numerous recognition and awards in his career, including:

• Metropolitan Home’s “Design 100” (1994)
• Designer of the Year Award by Elle Décor India (2003)
• The Overall Excellence in Design Award, New York International Gift Show (2003)
• Retailer Excellence (2011) and Gift for Life Industry Achievement Award (2011)
• Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2012)
• The EDIDA (Elle Décor India Design Forum) Award (2013)
• Michael Aram was credited as a lifestyle expert on Martha Stewart radio (2013)
• Formally received by Armenian Prime Minister for Aram's 25th anniversary of activities (2014)