Richard Higby
Online portfolio: www.richard-higby-design.com
Instagram: @richard.higby.design
5(ish) Questions for is a chance to discover and learn about St. Louis Creatives, Community Champions, and, well, just interesting people in and around our city. It's a deep dive into what they love and where their passion lies. It's an opportunity for all of us to see our region from a different perspective. This written interview is a peek into their lives and their outlook on St. Louis.
Meet Richard Higby, a Saint Louis-based creative entrepreneur with a degree in Aviation Safety who discovered a passion for furniture design and craftsmanship, leading to a thriving career in contemporary furniture design. Between custom architectural and furniture projects, Higby is a big supporter of the arts community and building a creative hub in Carondelet’s Patch Neighborhood while exploring a variety of other hobbies.
Hi, Richard Tell us about yourself.
I grew up at Lake of the Ozarks. I earned an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree in aviation safety and then spent some time traveling after college. I lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands, took a motorcycle trip around the U.S., landed in New Orleans and later in the Washington D.C. area, finally landing in Chicago to start my business. I found a live/work studio in the Flat Iron Building, an arts building in Wicker Park, and then spent the next 15 years creating custom furniture and millwork, building my business and expanding my knowledge. I brought my business to St. Louis’ Benton Park when we moved in 2010. Two years after arriving, and looking for new opportunities, I took a job with a global retail fixture company based in St. Louis. I spent the next 7 years traveling the world and working with some of the most recognizable global retail brands. Missing my time working in a creative capacity, I went back into my business in 2000 designing and building custom furniture, millwork, metal for residential and retail. Throughout our time in St. Louis, my wife, Ann, and I have lived in an 800 sq. ft. Carriage house in Benton Park. We are currently building a custom home at the front of that lot which has many custom elements and architectural details. We’re also involved in the broader arts community. We have two small buildings in the Patch Neighborhood where I have my shop and provide studio space for artists, musicians and other creatives, hoping to give back by helping other artists get their start, as I originally did in the Flat Iron Building.
Photos provided by Richard Higby Design. Custom Light Fixture, Side Bar and Window Seating.
How did you get started?
Final semester of college, when working on my internship in Kansas City and living in the City Market loft district, I walked into a modern furniture showroom called Soreal Design. I’d never been exposed to contemporary modern design of that level before. Mostly European brands. I was really taken by it. My career path changed on the spot. I started designing and making furniture and began researching the best city to start my business. Ultimately leading me to Chicago.
Photo provided by Richard Higby Design. Hive Modular.
What are some unique or innovative approaches you take?
I work in both wood and metals (as well as other materials). Everything I build is custom, specific to a client, business or space. I like to spend a good deal of time getting to know the end user and understanding the environment my work will exist in. I take a very custom approach, and many times use non-traditional techniques to accomplish our goal. Materiality and details are everything! My web site contains some of the images that demonstrate the breadth of my work.
How is your industry evolving?
Like all industries, technology has had a huge effect, but there has been a re-focus in the past couple decades on traditional craftsmanship. I tend to tailor my design and fabrication, using both technology and craftsmanship, based on materials, design and scope of project. Additionally, since the pandemic, people are spending more time at home, both entertaining and working, which has caused them to focus more on design for their home. At the same time, brick and mortar retail has become more competitive, which requires shops to create a better experience, with a big part of that being on the look and feel of the space. I think people’s tastes are becoming more sophisticated and, juxtaposing that, mass manufacturing has caused design products to become more trend based and commoditized. This creates an opportunity for those who can provide truly unique design solutions.
Photo provided by Richard Higby Design. Vanity in White Oak and Lacquer.
Photo provided by Richard Higby Design.
Palm Springs Fireplace and Media - Blackened Steel and Walnut.
Describe a project or idea (not necessarily your own) that has inspired you. Why?
It’s really an environment, material or client that inspires a project, specifically. Broadly, I draw much inspiration from neighborhoods I’ve lived in and visited. When my wife and I travel, we typically spend our time in neighborhoods that may have seen better prosperity in the past but are now going through a rebirth or renaissance. Many people in these communities are creative and see the possibilities that others overlook. There’s just this energy and optimism that’s so inspiring. The people, the architecture, the language may seem different from city to city and, but that same energy is always there.
What are some of your goals for the next year, or the next 5 years?
Over the next several months, I’ll be focused on my many projects through my business, but also on our custom home build for which I’m designing and making architectural metal elements, doors, stairs, cabinets, flooring, millwork, etc. ..….. It’s been really exciting, and we feel so fortunate to be able to finally do this.
My 5-year plan is to continue identifying great clients to collaborate with and bring my broad skillset to projects where I can have the most impact. I’d like to increase the number of free-standing furniture pieces I build. We also hope to expand our offerings for studio space and continue our involvement in building our arts community in the Patch Neighborhood.
What inspires you about St. Louis?
The amazing people, the diverse architecture across neighborhoods, history, the opportunity to make change.
What is a favorite neighborhood or favorite thing about the place you live or work?That’s a tough one, but I have to say Benton Park, where we live. I love the architecture, the people and how there are great restaurants and bars scattered randomly around the neighborhood.
What’s one hobby or activity you’ve recently discovered or deepened your interest in?
I would say that the line between hobbies and my profession is, at the very least, blurred. That said, I go through periods where I might take a deeper dive into certain areas of interest. In the past, it may have been brewing beer, certain genres of music, types of food, wooden boats. For the last few years, one of my obsessions has been brutalism in architecture.
Photos provided by Richard Higby Design. Credenza of Steel White Oak and Carrara Marble - In collaboration with Studio Lark.
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