Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Middendorf

Hi Claudia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

Based in Rhode Island, I founded Mathilde and Claudia Middendorf Graphic Design (CMGD) as a designer, traveler, and San Francisco transplant. My studio, located in a renovated mill building overlooking the Blackstone River, is a space where my creativity flourishes.

At Mathilde, we specialize in hand-finished textiles for the home, where our work is a fusion of cultures, creators, and communities, bringing sensorial richness into the heart of every home. With a nature-inspired palette, beautiful details, and organic patterns, Mathilde pieces add warmth and timeless elegance to spaces, creating a lasting rhythm for generations to come.

I believe in the transformative power of design, and my graphic work doesn’t sway from this idea. My experiences at CCA and RISD have refined my skills and developed an iterative approach to creating functional designs. Graphics and textile forms coexist, emphasizing a balance between functionality and aesthetics. My hope in this approach is to allow the designs to be not only visually compelling but also practical and effective.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

I come from a family of risk-takers, particularly my parents, who have been a tremendous source of inspiration. My mother, for example, left her home country in Central America to learn English, despite already having studied accounting. Her determination in navigating life’s challenges, including the bold decision to start anew in a foreign country, continues to inspire me.

My father’s story is equally remarkable. He joined the military at a time when college seemed out of reach. After marrying my mother, he committed to pursuing higher education, balancing multiple jobs—firefighter, union representative, and house painter—while attending night classes at the local community college. He graduated from Golden Gate University with a Bachelor’s degree at the age of 50 and went on to work as a negotiator for the state of California. I’m incredibly proud of both of them.

Their courage and perseverance have shaped me into a risk-taker in my own right. In 2003, I moved from San Francisco to Rhode Island to attend graduate school at the Rhode Island School of Design at the age of 39. Inspired by my father’s commitment to lifelong learning, I forged my path as a designer, embracing my talents in both textiles and graphic design. Along the way, I’ve delved into entrepreneurship, constantly learning how to integrate my creative passions with sound business practices.

My growth as a businesswoman has been fueled by participating in accelerator programs, reading about business, engaging with other entrepreneurs, and designing my businesses with a clear vision of who I want to be. It’s an ever-evolving journey, but one that I find incredibly exciting.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I run two businesses: Mathilde, where we craft luxury modern linen quilts and curate hand-loomed textiles for our specialty pillows; and Claudia Middendorf Graphic Design, where we create thoughtful designs for the beauty and design industries. My love for design spans both ventures, allowing me to bring passion and creativity to each project. My journey with textiles began in graduate school, where I fell in love with the craft. Today, I’m fortunate to continue making heirloom-quality, hand-sculpted pieces, enabling me to work within the home industry—a field I am deeply passionate about.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?

To me, success is measured by my enjoyment in the design process and how it benefits my clients. Building strong relationships is essential, and working with my clients has been a rewarding experience at every stage. For our textiles, our commitment to slow luxury means we take care of every material as much as every human relationship involved in the process of creating our pieces. I feel fortunate to have collaborated with a wide range of clients in both industries.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mathildehome @cmiddendorfdesign
• Other: [email protected]