Designer Pradeep Shimpi approaches his designs with the breadth of his experiences. Born in Singapore of Indian origin, he grew up with a predominantly oriental background but with a definite eye to the West given Singapore's colonial history and its ultramodern future. Completely self-taught in his craft, he came to the design world after nearly ten years in advertising, sales and marketing. As both a designer and a craftsman, Shimpi is completely involved with every piece that is created. From the genesis of the design to the production itself, he successfully crafts each piece to embody his mantra of "functional art". Designs are created to fully realize their place within the environment, not to overpower or control, but to enrich. Working primarily in hardwoods, select veneers, and metals, his furniture line combines the natural essence of the materials with sophisticated design. The classic/modern design style sets Shimpi apart as he has earned recognition from the Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun-Times, Interior Design Magazine, Fine Furniture International Magazine and the Design Journal. Shimpi received special recognition from the Chicago Tribune who named him as one of the five designers to watch in 1998. His work has been featured in Chicago area galleries, and in numerous group shows. Shimpi is committed to promoting design in Chicago, having served from 1995 to 1997 as President of the Chicago Furniture Designers' Association at a time when the association was struggling to establish itself. Shimpi continues as a Board member of the association to ensure that the furniture designers of the Chicago area receive their due recognition and to nurture the next generation of furniture designers.