Carl Robinson
Wallpaper designsCarl Robinson:
Carl Robinson was born to a prominent designer in England, and his father’s father was a noted designer as well.
“I think there’s something in the genes, in the blood,” Carl Robinson says, laughing. “I remember, growing up, my father would come home from work with designs and big pattern books. And he’d often take me to work. He loved what he did, and from a very early age I found it all very interesting.”
Robinson started his career working for his father then worked at Burlington Wallcoverings and also Graham & Brown in England. By 2000, he was serving as a consultant for Wallquest, Inc., one of the world’s most innovative wallpaper manufacturers, whose brands include Pelican Prints, Fairwinds Studios, Sandpiper Studios and Printers Guild Productions. Finally, in 2003, Robinson joined the Wallquest team on a full-time basis and today is the company’s Design Director.
“I love what I do,” Robinson says. “From a business perspective, the most satisfying thing is when you know you’ve got orders. It means people are interested in what you’ve created, that they’re excited about it. And when you walk onto the shop floor and there are large rolls there, rolls with patterns you designed, and lots of them, you feel like you’ve created something special. You want people to appreciate and enjoy what you do; that’s ultimately what it’s all about. I purchase many designs from the best studios in the world and if I ever need a second opinion I turn to our talented studio personnel here at Wallquest for their input. It’s the culmination of nearly 30 years of my experience designing and manufacturing wallpaper.”
Robinson considers himself lucky to have found his niche at Wallquest. It’s a family-owned business, he notes, and they treat him like a son. Speaking from a creative point of view, he describes his position as Design Director as one of the best in the industry. “We really get to do it all, and there’s a team mentality behind everything,” Robinson says. “Unlike some of the very large, very corporate companies, there’s a fluidity and flexibility at Wallquest. We’re not held back. If we have an idea, we can pursue it. Just to have that freedom is very important. And with our size we can move fast. We can bring something to market in just three months, which is exciting.”
Carl’s mastery of the craft of wallcovering speaks to the heritage of design and legacy of family. Known for an artful approach and an authentic process, the Carl Robinson brand explores texture, pattern, scale and the natural beauty of materials.
Robinson lives with his wife, Melissa, and their young children, Harry and Adalyn in Pennsylvania.