Introducing Casgliad’s founder - Lowri Rhys Roberts

In our first blog, we will explore Lowri’s background, inspirations and how her career as an architect led to her passion for contemporary design and the subsequent development of Casgliad.

How a space makes you feel

Lowri grew up in rural North Wales in a traditional stone-built farmhouse, a typical arrangement of a centred front door and single window in each room. Built with shelter and practicality in mind, little consideration was given to the orientation of the building and how sunlight travelled through the spaces. 

Through this experience growing up, Lowri realised the impact that a space has, sometimes even subconsciously, on the way in which we feel and as an architect learnt how natural daylight, objects and different material textures can affect mood and impact on the way in which a space can feel. 

Design inspiration 

When designing, Lowri is inspired by the way in which beauty can be achieved through simple, minimalistic detailing, the use of local natural materials and the application of different textures and colours. She considers how the application of these important architectural design elements make practical spaces that excite and surprise, spaces that can elicit a sense of calm in the occupant and spaces and objects that evoke memories, a sense of identity and sense of place. 

Casgliad’s inception

Lowri’s own Welsh roots and sense of identity have always been a driving force in her design inspiration and were central to the creation of Casgliad. Lowri seeks to celebrate and champion makers and artists that are creating contemporary pieces with a deep-rooted sense of belonging, that are beautifully designed, crafted and made in Wales.

A Welsh Design Movement

Comparable to the Scandinavian design movement, Lowri envisages the development of a Welsh Contemporary Design movement. Where Wales can become a leader in well-crafted beautifully designed homeware and statement artwork with a simple palette of natural materials, colours and textures; a movement away from traditional Welsh symbols such as the daffodil, dragon, leek or Welsh lady being the only aspect of a piece that identified it as being synonymous with Wales.

Sara Griffiths