Lawrence Chalfin is the Chairman and CEO of Samuelson Furniture, a fourth-generation, family-owned company that has been crafting fine furniture for more than 90 years. Since joining the company in 1974, after studying at New York University and The Juilliard School, Lawrence has helped evolve Samuelson into a global manufacturer of high-quality, custom-designed furniture for hospitality, residential, and senior living environments. Today, the company partners with leading international hospitality brands and senior living operators, including Disney, Hilton, Four Seasons, InterContinental, Atria, Sunrise, and Inspir.
Under Lawrence’s leadership, Samuelson evolved from producing hand-carved reproduction furniture into a premier manufacturer of premium casegoods and seating for luxury hospitality environments. He also expanded the company into the senior living sector, developing furniture solutions for the full continuum of care guided by the philosophy of “Independence with Dignity.” Samuelson’s leadership in this space is further demonstrated through its partnership with the Ageless Living Collaborative, awarding Senior Living Design Scholarships to emerging designers. In recognition of his contributions to the hospitality industry, Lawrence received the NEWH Icon of Industry Award in 2021.
Lawrence has also championed product innovation across the company’s portfolio. Samuelson holds several patents, including those for CATCH and SOUND, its BUILD Walls platform, and a pending patent for Rock Stopper. The company’s achievements have earned significant recognition, including the Senior Housing News Memory Care Innovation Award, selection as a USA Today Top Pick at CES 2026, and the 2025 SHN Architecture & Design Award for Inspīr Embassy Row.
