Glenn Gissler

Early life and education

Gissler was born in Lake Forest, Illinois, in 1957, and was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. By age 11, he had begun to explore the world of art and design through enrollment in a variety of painting courses – the commencement of a lifelong mission to experience art and design first-hand as frequently as possible. By the mid-1970s, Gissler began receiving formal training in interior design at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and commenced professional-level involvement in the field through work with the Board of the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.

Gissler attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison, transferring to the Boston Architecture Center (now known as Boston Architectural College) for a period of two years and ultimately attending the Rhode Island School of Design from 1980-1984. He graduated with degrees in both Fine Arts and Architecture, and is listed as a notable alumnus of the architecture department.

Career

Gissler began his professional career in the New York offices of interior designer Juan Montoya. He later worked as an interior designer for acclaimed architect Rafael Vinoly – generally focusing on office and high-end residential projects – and joined the American Society of Interior Designers in 1985. He established Glenn Gissler Design, Inc. in 1987.

Gissler's approach to interior design borrows heavily from his training in architecture, as well as his interests in 20th-century art, fashion, literature and sociology, and in objects as cultural artifacts. He unites architectural concepts with carefully considered applications of furnishings, fabrics and lighting, ultimately creating environments built around his clients’ personalities. Gissler’s notable clients include fashion designer Michael Kors, comedy club impresario Caroline Hirsch (of Caroline's on Broadway) and elite members of the business, financial, law and entertainment communities.

In addition to his work with his Glenn Gissler Design, Inc., Gissler offers educational instruction as a visiting critic at the Rhode Island School of Design, the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Parsons School of Design. He also sits on the Board of Governors of the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, and has taken a strong lead in building the institution’s collection of 20th century design through donations of objects by influential designers including Ettore Sottsass, Russel Wright, Aldo Rossi, Christopher Dresser and Raymond Loewy.

Since 1995, Gissler has been a member of the Designers Collaborative, a New York-based network of leading interior design professionals that works together to share ideas, news and trends that affect the industry.

Media coverage

Gissler and his work have been featured in both print and television publications, including the following: