Born in Ann Arbor Michigan (USA) in 1963, Carlson after receiving his diploma in architecture moved to San Francisco to work with architects in America's ‘New Urbanism' movement. In 1997, Carlson co-founded the Louis Vuitton Architecture Department and in 2004 established his own firm CARBONDALE which later joined by Pierre Tortrat 2006 and Pierre Marescaux 2015. His previous professional experiences include collaboration with the Architecture offices of Rem Koolhaas, Oscar Tusquets, and Mark Mack.
Carlson's design philosophy is first and foremost based on a research for the "exceptional" Commitment to the "exceptional" makes exceptional service a vital part of Carbondale's intensive collaboration with their Clients. This approach stems from the experience of working on projects of prestige that demand the combination of innovative contemporary design with outstanding materials, detailing, and craftsmanship.
Carbondale's distinctive designs are the result of a progressive architecture ideology fixed on pragmatic foundations. Today, the practice is an internationally acclaimed Architecture office and particularly renowned as the first to bring Architecture to luxury brands. Its most recognizable design (both interior and exterior) is of the Louis Vuitton located on the Champs-Élysées, Paris's 7th most visited destination and a unanimously praised example of architectural beauty.
A wide variety of projects have been designed by Carbondale, ranging in scales from Urban, Architectural to Interior Architecture and Furniture Design, within settings throughout Europe, America and Asia. His most recent creations include the BMW showroom on avenue George V in Paris, the Museum 360 (Tag Heuer) in Switzerland, the Louis Vuitton Champs Elysées building and the Celine store on avenue Montaigne in Paris as well as the LV Roppongi and LV Omotesando stores and the Celux club in Tokyo. He also designed the LV store in Nagoya and a number of Residences. Exhibitions of his recent works include "Logique / Visuelle" in Tokyo and "Inclusive" at the Aedes Gallery in Berlin and Milk Gallery in New York.
Carlson's architectural honors and distinctions include, Architectural Digest's "Best Designers of 2013," "Asia's Top 10 Best Retail Interior Design Projects" in 2013 for Hong Kong's Perspective magazine, the UK Lighting Award for "Best International Project" in 2013 and "The Rare Talent Prize" for 2009-10 for the Center for Luxury and Creation in Paris France, the Award for "The Most Beautiful Construction in Metal in 2006" for the Atrium of the Louis Vuitton Champs Elysées Building. Additionally the Seoul LV Building on the prestigious Cheongdam-Dong fashion street received the Outstanding Design Award from the Seoul Metropolitan Government in South Korea.
Truly a unique talent in the realm of luxury design and architecture, Carlson has also participated as lecturer and guest critic at Harvard University, the University of California at Berkeley, Tulane University in New Orleans and the Architecture Association in London.
