A family practice built on museum standards
Since 1984, one approach: treat every rug the way a museum would.
The rug doesn’t know it’s not in a museum
That’s how the founder explains the standard he applies to every piece that comes through our Skokie workshop. The conservation chemistry, the hand washing, the controlled drying — it’s the same methodology he developed working alongside conservators at some of the world’s great institutions.
The fiber responds the same way whether the piece is in a climate-controlled conservation studio in Paris or in a dining room in Lake Forest. That is the founding principle of Ahmadi Rug, and it has not changed since we opened the workshop doors.
The people behind every rug
Ghorban AhmadiFounder · Master ConservatorAhmadi Rug began in 1984. Between 1984 and 1993, Ghorban Ahmadi performed conservation work for the State Hermitage Museum, the Musée du Louvre, and the British Museum. He returned to Chicago in 1993 and opened the workshop that has served the region’s rug dealers, interior designers, and homeowners ever since.
Meet the founderCredentialsConservation work for the Hermitage, Louvre & British Museum · IICRC certified · 42+ years experience
Bobby AhmadiOperations · Client RelationsRICA Certified AppraiserThe founder’s son. Joined the formal business in 2020. Handles all client intake, estimates, pickup coordination, and business development. When you call, you are speaking with Bobby.
Bobby holds RICA certification, so Ahmadi Rug can issue written appraisal reports for insurance and estate work, including estate appraisals for probate and insurance.
Contact directly
Four decades.
Three institutions.
One family.
Ghorban Ahmadi trained in Tehran, then spent nearly a decade performing conservation work for the State Hermitage Museum, the Musée du Louvre, and the British Museum. The same standards guide every piece that passes through our Skokie workshop today.
Bobby Ahmadi joined the workshop full-time in 2020, having spent years on the floor learning every service by hand before running any of them. He is the person clients speak with — every estimate, every pickup, every question about a rug in progress.
- 1984–1993
Museum conservation work
Ghorban Ahmadi spends nearly a decade performing conservation work for the State Hermitage Museum, the Musée du Louvre, and the British Museum.
- 2000s
Private conservation practice
Relocates to Chicago and builds a private practice serving rug dealers, designers, and homeowners across the Midwest.
- 2020
Next generation joins
Bobby Ahmadi joins the family business full-time. Skokie workshop expands to 10,000 sq ft.
- Today
Full-spectrum studio
Care, conservation, appraisal, and bespoke custom rug design under one roof — the only studio of its kind in the Midwest.
- 40yrGhorban Ahmadi — 42 years in rug conservation
- 10kft²Ahmadi Rug — Skokie workshop opened 2020
- 5.0★Google rating · 84+ reviews
- 3Museum institutions
RICA certification
Our insurance, estate, and pre-sale appraisals are written by Bobby Ahmadi, a RICA-certified appraiser. RICA is issued by The RUG Index, an independent registry founded by Babak Ahmadi.
Ready to meet the team?
Bring your rug.
Trade partners and clients are welcome at our Skokie workshop by appointment. See the dusting equipment, wash floor, and drying process firsthand.