Ron Rezek  designed the world’s first contemporary-styled ceiling fan, the Stratos,  in 1986. But his list of accomplishments in the design world is long  and varied, from lifeguard equipment to contemporary lighting.

Ron is a design entrepreneur. He has designed, developed, manufactured and marketed his ideas over the length of his four-decade career. His designs reflect his philosophy of “simplicity in form and economy in production.” They attract a large following of discriminating architects, interior designers, set designers and design-conscious homeowners.

As a young man, Ron learned directly from progressive designers who were his teachers: Henry Dreyfuss, Charles Eames, Neils Diffrient and Don Chadwick. He worked in the studios of Deborah Sussman and Frank Gehry. Ron received a B.A. and an M.F.A from UCLA. In his early career, he taught at UCLA’s art and architecture departments, the Art Center College of Design and Southern California Institute of Architecture.

In 1970, Ron designed a new kind of rescue float that is still preferred by professional lifeguards. That year, he started Surf-Saving International to make and distribute this equipment.

While continuing to teach, Ron participated in design exhibits where he translated his passion for simple design into modern light fixtures. In 1978, Ron started Ron Rezek Lighting. He maintained a showroom in New York and an office and warehouse in Culver City. In 2004, he sold the successful company to Artemide.

As a consulting designer, he has created designs for Design Within Reach, Artemide, Monarch Mirror, Del Rey Lighting, Fredrick Raymond Lighting, Halsey Lighting, Lavi Industries along with others.

In 1990, Ron launched Highlights, retail lighting showrooms in Santa Monica, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle and Miami. He designed each showroom to be a unique “gallery of lights,” featuring the best in modern design from many sources.

Ron is also a pioneer in ceiling fan design. In 1986, Ron designed the first contemporary-styled ceiling fan, the Stratos, which continues to define 21st-century ceiling fan design. He was granted patents for the fan’s design and mechanics.

In 1997, Ron started The Modern Fan Co. in Ashland, Oregon, which produces and sells only contemporary ceiling fans.

His ceiling fans have been widely used in hotels, restaurants, retail and institutional applications, and all types of residential projects.

Ron Rezek’s Philosophy:

“I don’t think contemporary means a stark white room. I think it means a tasteful alignment of important elements.”

“There are some designers who copy the Modernists who have come before. But I think ‘contemporary’ is the pursuit of the new.”

“People assume that all contemporary fixtures are more functional than traditional ones. That is because contemporary fixtures are easier to clean and they seem to be more utilitarian based on their appearance. And because of their simplicity and lack of ornamentation, they also have an alliance with the industrial look. But all of this doesn’t necessarily translate into function. The Modern Fan Co.’s fans are designed to be functional and energy efficient. This is part of being contemporary and pushing the edge. Energy efficiency is the wave of the future.”

“In a space with high ceilings, there is often a lot happening on the floor and eye level, but not much happening higher up. A well-designed ceiling fan, like a chandelier, can draw attention upward while improving the air comfort of your home.”

“Contemporary and traditional designs work well in a clean and orderly environment. An eclectic mix of personal artifacts and antiques can go beautifully with contemporary elements.”