CB2 Line Honors Ackermans - Page 2

The Aerial View tapestry, now in the permanent collection of the Milwaukee Art Museum, was reimagined as a rug in neutral, luxurious tones to work as a grounding piece under furniture.

"Inspired by the 'aerial view' of the ground below from his window seat on a flight [in an airplane]," Ackerman-Shaw says, her father created the initial concept of the design. Together, the couple worked out refinements and color schemes for a handwoven Aerial View tapestry that was originally 44-inch by 70-inch, which was the largest size the looms of the craftspeople in Mexico could weave.

Ackerman-Shaw, whose Eichler is in Mountain View, remarks that when she and her husband purchased their Claude Oakland design years ago, she had no idea that her parents actually knew Joe Eichler and that he had tried to get them to purchase a house in the Bay Area in the early 1950s.

"Joe told my parents," recalls Ackerman-Shaw, "that he would sell a ceramic piece to each house he built."

It's wonderful to see the work of these artists continuing to influence contemporary design. "The collection with CB2 is a natural continuation of that experimentation and, much in the way my parents did," she says. "We have developed new interpretations by applying designs to different materials and products, working with trending colorways, and repurposing patterns to create new looks."

Indeed, there is an uplifting quality to these master artists that is timeless and resonates with people all over the world. "At the heart of my parents' narrative is a love story—for each other and design," says Ackerman-Shaw. "They were true partners in their life and business, and I think that they would be very proud to see their lifelong collaboration expand in this way."

This is the first time that CB2 has selected a couple for their 'Design Legends' series.

"September 12, 2023 was my parents' 75th anniversary, and I cannot think of a more fitting way to celebrate that milestone and honor their legacy than with the launch of the inaugural Ackerman Modern collection," says Ackerman-Shaw. "Partnering with CB2 feels authentic and is a special way to honor their enduring love story."

Plans are in the works for additional Ackerman designs to be added to the 'Design Legends' collection in 2024 and beyond, with accessories, wall décor, ceramics, pillows, and rugs already in the works. For now, here are the initial entries into CB2's Ackerman Modern collection.