What led you to start Arrange Studio?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and I’ve always loved the idea of starting my own company, having control over my time, and being responsible for what I create and sell. In 2016, I was finally able to turn this dream into reality and launched Arrange Studio. Initially, we focused on project work – designing retail, hospitality, residential and commercial spaces. But during lockdown I designed the Paradise lamp, so we became product designers too.
How would you describe the Arrange Studio aesthetic?
It’s an infusion of joy into a space through the thoughtful use of colour. Some people think adding colour to a space is easy: just go bold and bright. But it’s actually a nuanced process. Selecting the right hue and considering factors like lighting and reflections require careful consideration.
Why do you prefer drawing up designs by hand?
The reason is twofold. First, I’m not very tech-savvy, so I find it easier to lean towards the analogue side. But there’s also a unique element that comes into play when I’m drawing up a plan or sketching something that you don’t experience when working on a computer. There’s a sense of freedom to make mistakes, doodle, and colour outside the lines that you might not have in the more structured digital environment.
Where do you find inspiration?
Most of my products have originated from a need for something I couldn’t find. The idea for the Paradise lamp came about because I felt there was a lack of colourful lighting in the local design scene. It struck me as odd – our country is so vibrant and filled with colour, yet our interiors tend to reflect a more European or Scandinavian aesthetic.
The Macaroni bench, originally designed for my client Me&B, was conceived as a versatile curved bench that could be arranged in various ways – for instance, forming a wavy shape or a semi-circle. The Staple bench fits seamlessly at the foot of a bed or in an entrance hall or lounge. Its proportions draw inspiration from staples used to hold sheets of paper together. And then our Curvy rugs were inspired by Belgotex. Attracted to their company ethos and commitment to local manufacturing, we designed a range of organically shaped area rugs, complemented by colours we adore from their range.
You’re the mind behind some of the coolest retail spaces. How do you approach such a project?
I really love retail design because it strikes a sweet spot between the sometimes overly personal nature of residential design and the limited freedom in commercial spaces where there’s often a hierarchy to please. When I’m working on retail projects, I spend a lot of time in the planning stage. You have to understand the brand – its essence, ethos and the message it wants to convey to customers as they enter the space.
The key is to ensure that the design serves as a backdrop, elevating the products or brand without overwhelming them. It’s about creating a recognisable look that becomes synonymous with the brand. Two exciting retail projects I’ve worked on are Freedom of Movement and the Glow Theory store.
What’s next?
We recently launched the Paradise pendant and Paradise floor lamp, in addition to the Paradise table lamp, creating a little Paradise family, if you will. We also have a handful of ideas we’re hoping to move into prototyping soon. And I’m excited about the launch of Arrange Home, where we’ll collaborate with other designers on a homeware line. ❖
Instagram: @arrange_studio Website: arrangestudio.co.za