Random House has given itself a significant presence in the visual book segment with its acquisition of The Monacelli Press. Founded in 1994 by Gianfranco Monacelli, the press has a backlist of about 250 books on architecture, fine arts, interior design, landscape architecture, photography and graphic design. The company will operate as a standalone imprint of Random House Inc. with Gianfranco Monacelli continuing to head the operation from new offices at Random House’s New York office. Sales and distribution will move from Penguin to Random House July 1. Random deputy chairman and COO Edward Volini said RH welcomes Monacelli Press “as a unique publishing program within Random House and look forward to providing growth opportunities for our new colleagues’ business.”