08/24/2014

Remembering our founder and dear friend, Eric Engstrom

We are sad to share that our founder and dear friend, Eric Engstrom, has passed away. Award-winning graphic and interior designer, founder of EDG Interior Architecture + Design, fine artist, photographer, writer, and an observer of the vernacular American landscape, Eric died after a long battle with cancer at his home in Fairfax, California surrounded by family. He was 70. He is survived by son Lars Engstrom and daughter Kate Engstrom, and by sister Anne Verre.

After receiving his BFA in Illustration from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Eric pursued graduate studies in art and design at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. He worked as a museum guide, line cook, and as a graphic designer for museums, rock promoters and architects in the Boston area, and some of his iconic rock posters for bands like the Who are now collector pieces. Eric relocated to Honolulu in 1972 where he developed a passion for interior design with graphic flair, and moved to San Francisco in 1978, working with several architects until 1987 when he founded Engstrom Design Group in Marin County, California. Over the next twenty years, Eric and his business partner Jennifer Johanson developed an acclaimed design firm with restaurant and hospitality projects around the globe. Eric retired in 2007 to devote full time to his artistic pursuits, photography, travel and writing.

During his design career he was honored by membership in the Hospitality Design Magazine Platinum Circle and as a Fellow of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Eric also served as a member of the board of trustees of RISD and as international president of IIDA.

In 2001 Eric began exploring the original highways of the U.S. Route 66, the Lincoln HIghway, and Route 6 (The Grand Army of the Republic Highway) - he was inspired by the abandoned farms and bypaseed towns to create a series of mixed-media art pieces which celebrate the fading American byways. A prolific artist, he was most recently associated with Gallery Route One, a collaborative gallery in Point Reyes Station.

His spirit, creativity, and passion live on in his art, and in the hearts of his many friends and colleagues. We are lucky to have known you Eric. You will be missed.