Bio and Company History
Company founder and designer Roger Foggia, hailing from 3 generations of craftsmen that brought their skills from the villages of southern Italy, is among an elite group of designers and builders who have mastered the complex geometry of curved staircases, cabinetry and furniture.
One of 5 children, Foggia trained in the family business under the tutelage of his father, Demetrio Foggia, an immigrant and master builder in his own right, learning residential construction from the ground by apprenticeship. The combination of Demetrio's perfectionist tendencies and an idyllic period of time, just before the introduction of cordless drills, nail guns and chop saws, dictated that much of the work was performed with hand tools - at a pace that fostered craftsmanship.
In 1978 Foggiare opened its doors to architects, designers and a clientele looking for more than the standard offering. Foggia's enthusiasm and passion for the work, at times led to a client receiving even more than they bargained for, he once created a curved staircase where the client had opted for a less expensive straight version. Although an unusual business model, the approach created a loyal clientele eager to recommend his services - while simultaneously developing an enviable portfolio.
The 1980s brought a number of exciting projects to Foggiare, including a role in the construction of the Grand Pavilion in the acclaimed Japanese Gardens of Portland Oregon. Other notable commissions include the year-long remodel and restoration of Portland's historic Alameda districts' oldest structure; and, the turn of the century styled dining room for Portland's 110 year old landmark restaurant, "Jake's Famous Crawfish".
The 1990's were about growth for Foggiare. Setting up shop in a fashionable warehouse district set the tone for a decade of expansion. An 85 year old brick building spanning more than 100 ft in each direction - with soaring 25 foot ceilings - proved the perfect facility. Foggia created a first rate production facility to handle fabrication and finishing details, then set up offices and a showroom for planning and meeting with clients and other designers - complete with a glass area to view works in progress.
As Foggiare's reputation spread, commissions in neighboring states were generated by referrals and the press. It was at around this time that Foggia began a long and successful working relationship with one of the Northwest's leading interior designers, Howard Hermannson, ASID. Executing many of Hermannson's high end residential projects would further Foggiare's reputation for unusual and high quality work.
In 2001 Foggia moved operations to New York City; setting up shop in a pre-civil war Pier building on the New York City harbor - a block from the Queen Mary's moorings and in view of the Statue of Liberty. From this location Foggiare honed its skills by producing ultra custom residential installations around the country. Among others, premier projects in the California desert, Texas, Miami, and Kauai's exclusive north shore, established a niche market for their bespoke offerings.
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