Tomek Rygalik was born in Lodz, Poland in 1976. He grew up during the social and economic transformation. His outlook on design is a unique voice reflected from his background. The analysis of the material culture and resourcefulness are in the heart of his thinking. Through design he strives to achieve stimulating and longlasting functional results through minimal means, often by challenging the material properties, structure and by experimenting with new processes. The focus is on furniture, spaces and products. He studied Architecture at the Technical University of Lodz, and than Industrial Design at the Pratt Institute in New York (1999 BA/Hons). After his studies he worked with several design companies in New York City and the area. In 2003 he came to the Royal College of Art for Post Graduate studies (2005 MA RCA).
After graduating from the RCA, Tomek Rygalik joined the RCA stuff as a Research Associate. Currently he runs his own design studio in Warsaw. He also teaches at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw (PG13.pl) and lectures internationally. In 2009 -2010 he participated in Polish Industry first an International Design Competition, Future Classics organized by Comforty, by the jury consisting of among others Patricia Urquiola.
As a result Tomek’s prototype sofa Chopin was selected to the production. In 2010 – 2012 he held the position of the Comforty Art Director. Tomek Rygalik was awarded with numerous prizes and awards including First Prize Award in the 2006 International Bombay Sapphire Martini Glass Design Competition, BSI Environmental Design Award 2005, and Rosenthal Design Award 2004. He was also a finalist of The British Council’s International Young Design Entrepreneur of the Year 2007 competition. Over the last few years his work was exhibited in Berlin, Frankfurt, Lodz, London, Milan, Munich, New York, Tokyo, Poznan, Warsaw and Valencia.
