Hello, my name is Chad Rieder and Nord Lion has been years in the making. In high school, I found a passion for building and thoroughly enjoyed my woodworking classes. Later, I studied at North Dakota State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from the school of Architecture and Engineering along with a minor in Business Adminstration. Studying engineering ignited an interest in design and for seven years I worked professionally as a commercial construction project manager. But I found out that being a project manager was not creatively fullfilling to me, and so I made a change.

In 2010, I returned to college and two years later I received an Associates of Applied Science degree in Web Design with a certificate in Graphic Design. Along with my photography, I found a new outlet for my creativity. I had always been interested in modern architecture, but it wasn't until I studied graphic design that I learned about Bauhaus School of Design in Germany that started the modern design movement. I gravitated heavily towards that style of design and that is when I fell in love with mid-century and Danish furniture.

Nord Lion is an extension of me. My father's name is Leo and my middle name is Leo. My grandfather, who was a close friend to me and who I inherited so many traits from, was born under the astrological sign of Leo — along with many others in my family. Leo is represented by a lion and is a symbol of courage, strength, heart, and passion. Nord comes from being a product of the north country as I was born in North Dakota and Minnesota is now my home.

I design, build, and finish all of my products myself, primarily working with locally resourced solid wood. My goal is to bring out the innate beauty of the wood and to show respect for the tree by working to perfect each piece with high attention to detail. Ultimately, I want to provide you a piece of furniture that is not only beautiful and functional, but something you can admire for decades to come. If you're interested in having a project built, please email me and we can discuss the details. Thank you for your interest!