Shiraz Sofa

Born in Germany, Philipp Mainzer studied product design at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, and architecture at the Architectural Association both in London. In 1995 he co-founded the modern furniture brand e15. Having established the progressive, enduring philosophy and unique branding of e15, he has received international awards for many of his designs, which are identifying icons for e15 and part of several permanent exhibitions in museums. Parallel to the creation of e15, Mainzer practiced architecture in New York and continues to do so since his return to Germany in 2001. He is a member of the executive committee of German Design Council and regularly gives lectures on architecture, design, and branding.

Farah Ebrahimi is the Art Director for e15 and a vital member of the Philipp Mainzer Office for Architecture and Design's multi-disciplinary design team. She is responsible for furniture, interior, and creative brand development.

Born in Iran, Farah Ebrahimi studied art and fashion at Otis/Parsons School of Art and Design in Los Angeles, graduating in 1987. Since, she has developed a diverse career teaching design, building, and collaborating with various design and fashion brands - such as BCBG Max Azria and DKNY. She was working as DKNY's design director in New York when she met her husband and working partner Philipp Mainzer, architect and co-foudner of e15. In 2001 Farah relocated to Frankfurt, where with e15, she transformed Germany's first concept store, Bergman, into pioneering retail and show space while curating notable art and design exhibitions. More recently, Ebrahimi has developed award-winning furniture pieces such as Kerman and Shiraz for e15. In 2017 Farah Ebrahimi and Philipp Mainzer received the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany for the design of the modular sofa Shiraz and the Interior Innovation – Gold for the Kerman sofa. In the same year, Farah and Philipp became honorary members of DDC (Deutscher Designer Club), where she currently serves as an advisory board member.