Q&A: Richard Jones, designer of the Kyoto collection

At Roger Lewis, we’re big on collaboration. It’s how we stay ahead of the curve. We harness the expertise of our peers, combine it with emerging sector trends and apply our craftsmanship to produce high-quality, commercial pieces.

For our latest range, Kyoto, which reflects the needs of both contemporary workplace and hospitality settings, we enlisted the creative prowess of Richard Jones. Taking inspiration from a vintage pin cushion for his pieces, British designer Richard combines a modern upright style with a surprisingly soft and sumptuous feel.

To celebrate the launch of the Kyoto collection, we sat down with Richard to talk about his broad experience and unconventional design process.

Here’s what he had to say...

1

YOU’RE KNOWN FOR YOUR COLLABORATIONS – CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH HOW YOU WORK?

“I work with a diverse portfolio of clients and really like the variety. I wouldn’t say I have a particular style, as such, but I take inspiration from the things I see around me. It’s usually an idea or a small detail (like a pin cushion, for example!) “I also love playing around with proportions – I’m very hands-on in that I like furniture that’s tactile. Choosing the right materials is important to me.”

2

SO, WHY ROGER LEWIS?

“The reason I wanted to work with Roger Lewis is down to the great reputation the business has built in the residential sector, and how the team is now applying their learnings to their commercial furniture. “I particularly like the ‘comfort’ factor and their attention to detail; their furniture has great character and I believe if you're happy to have something in your home, you'll be happy to have it at work.”

AND, FINALLY,

WHAT’S DISTINCTIVE ABOUT THE KYOTO RANGE?

“Roger Lewis’ furniture has real ‘soul’, which means it gets an emotional response from those that interact with it. And this isn’t solely reserved for the residential pieces, the element of comfort that is so crucial for Nick (design director at Roger Lewis), and the team, means it translates to the commercial pieces too.

“We’ve taken this ethos and weaved it into every piece within the Kyoto collection, alongside practical elements that are required for work and hospitality spaces. With the privacy chairs and sofas, in particular, we’re allowing architects and designers the ability to break down large open spaces, without adding anything that’s too overpowering, to offer some peace and tranquillity.”