MARK RUZZIER, AIA
FOUNDER - ARCHITECT/DESIGNER
My son Alec introduced me to scotch. I never had an affinity for it. That sentiment changed during a trip to Scotland with him. Specifically, it was a brief stay in Inverness, a tour of Laphroaig, and visits to other distilleries on the peaty island of Islay where I was enlightened. When I saw the barrel storage facility I was inspired by the barrel shape, its texture, and color. I wanted to create a chair embodying time, artistry, and collaboration; the very elements that go into creating a fine whiskey.
In my thirty plus year career as an architect and designer, I’ve had the opportunity to create many spaces, building elements, and furniture both nationally and internationally. I find the greatest pleasure in the process that is ideation, the development of the concept and the collaboration involved through to its fruition.
ALEC RUZZIER
PRESIDENT - ENGINEER
As the youngest member of my peer group, my friends were determined to educate me in the art of drinking whiskey. Having been through their bottom shelf whiskey years themselves and at the time having graduated to more sophisticated whiskeys, they endeavored to ensure that I liked the good stuff from the start. My first sip of whiskey was handed to me with the line, “Sip this, don’t take it as a shot. It’ll taste like a burning hospital and you’ll love it.” They were right. My first taste of Laphroaig got me (and later my dad) enamored with the alchemical magic of fine whiskey. I’ve had the privilege of visiting many distilleries, vintners, and breweries. When visiting, I not only appreciate the wares of these establishments, but the processes and structures that create them.
As a mechanical engineer, I develop products from inception through the processes of design, testing and fielding. Merging my two interests, engineering and distilling, is a passion of mine. I bring these skills to Atelier Ruzzier to ensure our product is at the highest level of quality for our customers to enjoy.
