Richard Judd and James Papadopoulos

"From seashells to spiral galaxies, the patterns in nature inspire our designs. We attempt to bring this sublime energy into the objects we create. Slowing down is absolutely paramount as the division of art and life is blurred."

Richard Judd’s early work in architecture and the building trades led to the formation of Richard Judd Furniture in 1983. He opened Zazen Gallery in Paoli, Wisconsin, in 1997. James Papadopoulos, an artist and furniture maker from Chicago, moved to Wisconsin with his wife, Molly, in 2016 and began working with Richard to help construct his furniture. In 2021, Richard Judd and James and Molly Papadopoulos founded FORMA Custom Furniture in Madison, Wisconsin. The legacy of Richard Judd Furniture is at the core of this partnership.

In a world of immediacy, FORMA creates heirloom-quality furniture that instills slower moments of appreciation each day. FORMA draws inspiration from simple designs that highlight crisp lines, natural materials, and handmade traditions.

Richard Judd attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison from 1971-1973 and earned a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 1975. He was a guest lecturer at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1999, 2000, and 2003. James received his BFA in painting and Art History from the University of Illinois, Chicago and received an MFA in Visual Studies at the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon. James has been making art objects for the better half of 17 years. He honed his artistic, woodworking, finish carpentry, and welding skills working for art galleries and high-end furniture companies in Chicago and Madison.