Chris Bates is co-owner of Montage and the son of founder Howell Bates. As the second-generation owner, Chris has leveraged the business foundation laid by his father and expanded Montage’s position as the leading contemporary, classic home furnishings showroom in New England.

Chris joined Montage in 1965 as a sales representative. His territory included New England and upstate New York. His passion for design and knowledge of European and Scandinavian furniture companies along with his relationships with contract clients allowed Chris to gain an integral understanding of Montage’s growth potential.

Montage has enjoyed lasting relationships with such contemporary furniture icons as Cassina spa and B&B Italia for almost 40 years – a true testament to the level of quality and professionalism Chris insists on from every one involved with his company.

Moving to the Boston Design Center in 1983, Montage established itself as the pre-eminent destination for architects and interior designers interested in contemporary, classic design. Chris’ determination to maintain the highest standards possible in product selection and customer service quickly became hallmarks of doing business at Montage.

In November 2002, after five years of searching and planning, Chris’ vision of a landmark, retail showroom like no other became a reality. Montage’s downtown showroom was designed by internationally acclaimed architectural firm Elkus & Manfredi, and assisted by preeminent lighting designer Light This!. Boston Magazine and The Improper Bostonian have since recognized the 10,500 square foot furniture gallery in Boston’s Back Bay as being THE destination for the “Best Contemporary Furniture”.

Chris’ leadership in the New England home furnishings community was the impetus for the Walk-About Boston’s Design District event in October 2003, an evening where Bostonians visited area showrooms and enjoyed a festive gathering to celebrate a re-invigorate downtown retail area long known for design. The success of the first Walk-About ensures that this will become an annual event to benefit the many home furnishing retailers who are Montage’s neighbors.

Chris was born in Boston in August 1944. His wife Barbara is an interior designer. He has two sons, Peter and Erik (who works at Montage); two stepchildren, Jillian (who works at Montage) and Emily; and one grandson, Chance who represents the fourth generation of the Montage family.