Jonathan Adler

Jonathan Adler
Adler with Simon Doonan (July 2015)
Born	August 11, 1966 (1966-08-11) (age 50) New Jersey, U.S.
Residence	Manhattan, New York City
Nationality	American
Education	Brown University
Occupation	Potter, interior designer, designer, business owner
Years active	1990s-present
Known for	Pottery, product design, commercial and residential design, furniture design
Television	Top Design judge (2007–2008)
Spouse(s)	Simon Doonan (m. 2008)
Website	JonathanAdler.com

Jonathan Adler (born August 11, 1966 in New Jersey) is an American potter, designer, and author. Adler launched his first ceramic collection in 1993 at Barneys New York. Five years later he expanded into home furnishings, opening his first namesake boutique in Soho, Manhattan. Now he has 30 stores and runs an eponymous design empire.

Jonathan discovered his love of pottery summer camp when he was 12 years old. He attended Brown University, studying semiotics and art history, but spent most of his time at the nearby Rhode Island School of Design making pots. His RISD pottery—Chanel inspired teapots and updated takes on Sevres urns—reflected his interests in pop culture, early hip hop bling, contemporary art, and fashion. Unfortunately, his professor encouraged him thusly: “You have no talent, you need to leave and give up on your dreams and go become a lawyer.”

After graduating, he spent three years as an assistant in the entertainment industry before realizing his pottery teacher’s approval meant nothing. He has said that “every creative person, and every craftsperson, should have a naysayer to rebel against.”

In 1990, Jonathan started teaching classes at Mud, Sweat 'n' Tears in New York City in exchange for free studio space. With those pots on hand, he cold-called the buyers from Barneys New York, received an order, and became a full-time production potter. In 1993 Jonathan Adler Enterprises LLC was born.

He started as a production potter, producing everything on his own for years. Eventually, he partnered with Aid to Artisans, a non-profit organization devoted to helping artisans in developing countries by connecting them with designers in America. While in Peru visiting pottery studios, he fell in love with South American textiles and started designing pillows, throws, and rugs inspired by the country’s soulful, handcrafted work.

Jonathan opened his first store in Soho in 1998 and today his designs are available in 30 stores and over 1,000 retailers. His designs span a myriad of categories, from the tiniest pots to the swankiest sofas. His motto, “If your heirs won’t fight over it, we won’t make it,” reflects his continued commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and irreverent luxury.