Showroom Spotlight: De Sousa Hughes

Next up in our Showroom Spotlight series – an interview with Erik Hughes and Geoffrey De Sousa, the owners of the acclaimed De Sousa Hughes Showroom in the San Francisco Design Center. De Sousa is our first stop for top notch contemporary furniture and lighting – representing lines such as Christian Liaigre, Caste, Kimberly Denman and John Pomp. Read on to learn about Erik and Geoff’s inspiration and their debut collections for 2019!

What prompted you to open your showroom?
Geoff and I opened De Sousa Hughes in 1999, after working together for several years with the great Agnes Bourne. We had a vision for a multi-line showroom that was modern and extremely well-edited, and that honored craftsmanship. Those are still our core design values, and its more exciting than ever to collaborate with the next generation of designers and makers.

What’s coming up in 2019?
We’re celebrating our 20th anniversary next year, so it’s been a great moment to reflect on our history, and the future! One of the most inspiring and fulfilling aspects of our work is discovering and developing new talents. We’ll be debuting several artful new collections this year, including new fabrics from James Malone, new wallcoverings from Fliepaper, PAULpaper, and Clay McLaurin, and we’re beyond excited to be launching Tibor, the collections of visionary midcentury textile designer Tibor Reich.

What is it about a brand or designer that excites you?
We are so inspired by innovative use of materials, quality materials and finishes, from woodworking to glassblowing to bronze casting to weaving. For example, next year we will debut the collection of Alexander Purcell Rodrigues, whose work marries traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge design in sculptural furnishings. We’re proud to be his first US showroom.

What’s the best advice anyone has ever given to you?
Trust your instincts!

Describe your showroom in three words.
Edited, modern, inspirational

Name three new furniture pieces that you are particularly excited about…
[1] We love Caste Design’s Boneau Dining Table, which is so sculptural and reflects the hand workmanship of traditional craft.

[2] The clean lines, edited use of materials, and quality details of Troscan’s Lars Chairs make them a favorite.

[3] Link Outdoor’s Adams Tables are fresh and versatile–great for use indoors or out.

What do you love about the design community in San Francisco?
The friendships, openness and mutual support. Beyond their wealth of talent, designers here have such an enormous commitment to causes, and are so supportive of local craft.

You can visit the De Sousa Hughes Showroom at 2 Henry Adams Street, Suite 320.