Surrey-based Jonathan Rowlandson Design have provided a unique design and build service for a range of top-tier clients including luxury department store Harvey Nichols, designer Vivienne Westwood and Toni & Guy hairdressing co-founder Toni Mascolo, for over 30 years now.
Having launched JRD in 1994, Jonathan brings a wealth of experience from his 3-Dimensional Design training to every project, whether a large statue commission like the “Metal Man” pictured here that stands impressively tall at 14 feet in the palatial home of Toni & Guy magnate Toni Mascolo or smaller one-off projects like art deco door handles, which can be used to instantly jazz up private homes or business premises.
The company, run by Jonathan himself, has risen to the challenge of every project, be it interior or exterior, and no job is too big or small. With an emphasis on innovative, contemporary design solutions combining a unique approach to metal items with wood, glass, stone and other materials. His range is vast and all projects are one-off independent designs.
JRD offer a range of furniture items too, including the much sought after Otolo range. The company also design and produce items sympathetic to their environment, be it a rustic bar restaurant with an artisan feel – normally providing seating, counters, bars, lighting, signage, etc. such as in the famous Dog Star in Brixton – or one-off sculptural items such as the tables for Vivienne Westwood with their unique, ornate designs and famous orbs – which take centre stage in her clothing stores in Clapham and New Bond Street.
Another exciting project for JRD came from department store Harvey Nichols where they requested a new vodka tower to be made to adorn the 5th Floor of the famous rooftop bar and restaurant to mark the introduction of their partnership with premium vodka brand Stolichnaya. Jonathan designed and built the impressive tower from scratch.
A huge project, that truly shows JRD’s scope of design work, was using distressed metals to fit with an exterior landscape when making a new railing for a local nursery school playground. The school wanted something unique that would stand out but also encompass that feel of nature and engage the children. Jonathan came up with the idea of getting the school children to design some bugs and insects that he would then go onto laser cut on metal and attach to the gates and railings.
JRD also do any house or business design improvements. Their recent “Chicane Stairs” project at Carlyle Square in Chelsea, involved working closely with the client, providing a range of initial sketches and prototypes. The chosen design was this striking geometric undulating chicane style staircase railing, using 6 different panels creating movement as you ascend and descend the stairs. There was also an impressive hanging light structure that complimented the railing.
Jonathan (or Jonnie as he is affectionately known to his many clients!) said, “Hardly any two projects are the same, we continue to provide new and hopefully better designs. Inspiration is limitless, as the world around you keeps on giving – nature is a big source of ideas, as it has been throughout the ages for other artists and designers – but how you use it will leave your own mark. Influences for designing can come from anywhere, looking up or down in London, checking the masons’ marks on curb stones, brutalist architecture of the Southbank, or some Wild Style graffiti.”
He loves the work he does outside too as there are gates, pergolas and perimeters that can all be improved with simple updated designs that can transform a home or business.
“With the exteriors of properties being now as considered as the interiors, it is a pleasure designing all structures to make outdoor living more enriching. We are not just a chair or table manufacturer, it is a broad church of design that we do, from a sculptural radiator to a 6-floor spiral staircase, all designs are as carefully considered as the next,” Jonathan added.
Hardly any two of JRD’s projects are the same, as they continue to provide new and better designs as their field and scope of work increases with every new project. As well global brands like Vivienne Westwood, Toni & Guy and Harvey Nichols, JRD have also worked with the esteemed banking giant Citibank, London and Weybridge based hairdresser Gustav Fouche and womenswear retailer Jigsaw.
With all that said you are definitely in safe hands with JRD! For any design consultancy or projects that you would like to discuss get in touch with Jonathan via the contact details below.
CONTACT
Phone +44 7941 340602
Email info@jonathanrowlandson.co.uk
www.jonathanrowlandsondesign.co.uk
