About Ortiz Milano

Sophisticated. Modern. Luxurious. Ortiz Milano redefines luxury by fusing California Design with Italian Craftsmanship. Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz, the acclaimed and award-winning furniture designer, has partnered with Italian artisans to create a truly innovative collection of furniture and lighting for Ortiz Milano. The company’s global headquarters are located on the sunny coast of Southern California where Susan and Russ Ortiz lead a passionate team that focuses on customer service and on exceeding expectations. Further, Ortiz Milano has a European manufacturing office located in historic Milan, Italy.

While traveling in Italy with her co-founder, CEO, and husband Russ, Susan fell in love with Italian manufacturing. Seeing the exquisite materials, innovative processes, and unrivaled level of quality had her intrigued. They started to visualize a brand that mixes innovative designs with the timeless craftsmanship of Italian artisans that have been perfecting their craft in the same Milanese neighborhoods for well over two centuries. “Designed in California” and “Handcrafted in Italy” are two marks of enduring and global excellence. Ortiz Milano artfully combines them in a truly unique and innovative fashion.

Susan’s designs for Ortiz Milano are the embodiment of simple, sexy yet refined styles that have a distinct Californian style interpreted for the Global luxury consumer. Her inaugural collection for Ortiz Milano is deeply rooted in a 1970’s design vernacular interpreting these inspirations for the modern world. Moved by such design icons such as Joe Colombo and Carlos Scarpa, the Spring ’19 Collection is both transformational and a new departure in Susan’s evolution as a designer. Each design is initially conceived in her sketchbook and from there she begins the engineering process in AutoCAD. These concepts are interpreted into 3-dimensional renders using the world’s most sophisticated visualization software. Susan’s goal through her designs is to create a fashion-forward and bold brand that exudes both modern luxury and comfort.

Susan and Russ have collaborated on several successful business ventures in the past including two other thriving furniture brands; Shine by S.H.O and SHO MODERN. They live in San Juan Capistrano, California but are never happier than when they are traveling the world discovering great architecture, fascinating foods and creative local artisans. Come join them in their pursuit of chasing beauty from Italy to California and all places in between.