Paul’s design path took a defining turn when he couldn’t find a window treatment that met both his sense of style and need for function. So he made one himself, a simple printed paper shade. When he shared the idea with his childhood friend Les Mandelbaum, something clicked. That moment sparked the beginning of Umbra, named after the Latin word for "shade." As Co founder and Vice President of Design, Paul helped grow Umbra from a single product into a global design brand. He personally led the creation of over 1,000 products, many of which became everyday staples and design icons. Under his direction, Umbra became known for making modern life more beautiful, functional, and accessible, with pieces that now live in homes and even museums around the world.