Paul
Rene
Furniture

​Paul Jeffrey is more than an artist; he is the visionary founder of Paul Rene Furniture, a modern furniture company based in Phoenix, AZ. Paul Jeffrey's journey is a tale of perseverance and transformation, guided by two core themes: creating opportunities and giving back to the community. Growing up in Detroit, the automotive capital, Paul was influenced by his father, a millwright at Chevrolet, who instilled in him the importance of creating jobs rather than just taking them. Despite a detour into the Army and later studying Industrial Design, Paul initially followed a traditional career path, landing a prestigious position at Ford as a concept car designer. However, feeling unfulfilled and lacking passion for automobiles, he eventually left the corporate world. A pivotal moment came during a lecture that emphasized the need for educated Black individuals to support their communities. This reinforced his father's teachings and inspired Paul to quit his job at Ford and pursue his own path. After enduring many years of hardship, Paul decided to start his own furniture business, despite his lack of experience. Through persistence and collaboration with a Spanish-speaking crew, Paul gradually mastered the craft of high-end woodworking. Over a decade, Paul and his team honed their distinctive aesthetic, eventually garnering recognition and numerous design awards. By 2023, Paul Jeffrey was acclaimed as a leading Black furniture designer by the New York Times and Architectural Digest, celebrated for his transformative journey and commitment to creating jobs and spaces for others. Clients and collaborators, including Joel Claptick and interior designer Lawrence Lake, commend Paul's diligence, communication, and innovative use of materials. His story exemplifies resilience, creativity, and a dedication to uplifting his community.