27 Feb 2024

The team at ABDA Design has put their extensive design knowledge, creativity and skills to good use by working on an exciting collaboration. R&S Robertson is a distinguished supplier of decorative lighting products for the contract hospitality market. To celebrate reaching a momentous milestone they have launched a new and innovative collection called “85 by R&S.”

This exceptional collection marks the culmination of 85 years of trading, and to celebrate this remarkable journey, the company embarked on a new and exciting design project in collaboration with 16 interior designers based in the UK. This included two of ABDA Design’s talented designers, Annie Wearn and Anabel Twitchell-Requena. Via online meetings, the duo shared some invaluable insights into the ever-evolving trends, favoured finishes, and lighting styles that are highly sought after in the world of hospitality design.

Once all the research calls had taken place it was over to the R&S Robertson team to turn this new knowledge into “85 by R&S.” This collection marries the timeless elegance of the Art Deco era with a contemporary twist. The pieces in this collection are adorned with captivating colour-washing, elegant matte finishes, intricate textures, masterful etched details, and the timeless charm of reeded glass. The new range has launched with five lighting families, each inspired by the places, people, architecture, and design that defined the iconic Art Deco movement.

Senior designer at ABDA Design, Annie Wearn said: “I love this collection and it’s really special to know we played a part in bringing it to life. It includes the classic black and brass lighting which hospitality designers often opt for but it’s the coloured lighting that I love most about this new range. It’s modern meets traditional so it ticks every box for a designer. These products are also really sturdy, and you can see and feel how good the quality is. There is also so much variety that they could be used in many different scenarios, especially as each product can be customised.”

Anabel Twitchell-Requena, designer at ABDA Design commented: “Annie and I are quite different in our design styles, so it was really beneficial for us to work together on this and share ideas. I think it was really good for R&S Robertson to get the research from interior designers and I really liked the approach they took in asking us lots of questions. It felt like it was just creative people chatting and was really fun to do. The end result is amazing, and I can’t wait to include some of this range in a future project.”

Michael Lawrence, marketing & product manager at R&S Robertson added: “We are so proud of the “85 by R&S” collection. We believe that looking to the future with a new and innovative range was the perfect way to celebrate our special milestone. For us to continue in this market for another 85 years, it’s vital we are talking to our customers and looking at future design trends. We are so grateful for the input from ABDA Design. The feedback since we launched has been incredible with a lot of love for both the Hudson and Phi ranges.”

View the full 85 by R&S Collection here.