Pair of “Hillie” armchairs in Leather & Metal by Robin Day for L’Atelier, 1960s

L'Atelier San Paulo — one of the few South American furniture manufacturers established in the mid-20th century — marries the highest quality materials with the simplicity of form. With the minimalist aesthetic of mid-century modern shapes and the sleekness of modern lines, its furniture has a whisper of sensuality with an element of tension that has seduced devotees over decades. Combining fine materials is the essence of its practices, such as cleverly pairing premium woods with an elegant marble or sensuous leather and gleaming chrome. 

Founded by Jorge Zalszupin, a renowned architect and furniture designer, l'Atelier San Paulo designs commercial and residential pieces out of São Paulo, Brazil. Zalszupin was born Jerzy Zalszupin into a Jewish family in 1922 in Poland. He fled to Romania in 1940 to escape the Nazi occupation. He graduated from Bucharest’s École des Beaux-Arts architecture program in 1944 and emigrated to Brazil in 1949, leaving behind war-scarred Europe. After having a successful architecture firm for close to a decade, he pursued his passion for furniture design by opening l'Atelier San Paulo in 1959.

With Zalszupin at the helm, the company’s pieces were often inspired by the works of Oscar Niemeyer, Le Corbusier and Lucio Costa. A focus on local tropical hardwoods, such as jacaranda, imbuia and rosewood for coffee tables, dining chairs and bar carts, celebrates the diversity of Brazil’s forests. By utilizing Argentina’s famous carpincho leather and bright metals such as brass, chrome and stainless steel in its lounge chairs, sofas and serveware, the company’s work adds sophistication and eclectic style to any space.

On 1stDibs, find l'Atelier San Paulo tables, seating, storage cabinets and more.