Creative, strategic PR and marketing for the design and architecture industries

Clients

Friends & Co has a client portfolio of global design brands who come to us for strategic, effective PR and marketing campaigns

What it is — ARCHITECT@WORK is a specially tailored trade show with a focus on innovation for architects, designers and specifiers. Friends & Co organised the Digital Summit for 2021 due to Covid.

Why we like it — The organisers curate with a very clear vision, and stick to their principles of having only the best and most innovative products. There is no other show like it.

architect-at-work.co.uk

What it is — An award-winning, Swedish lift manufacturer that has produced the world's first design-led, customisable, domestic lift, blending aesthetics with accessibility.

Why we like it — Aritco asked leading Swedish designer Alexander Lervik to design the first-ever residential lift as if it was a piece of furniture, using light and the latest technology to make it adaptable to modern ways of living, and the smart homes of the future.

aritcohomelifts.com

What it is — Industrial design studio Blond specialises in products, spaces and experiences with an impressive skills set that stretches from industrial design and packaging to graphics, UX, UI and CGI.

Why we like it — Founder James Melia has won a clutch of awards for his work with top global brands from Panasonic, Microsoft and Philips to Sony, Technogym and Bosch. He creates slick, ergonomic products, has great taste and high ambitions.

blond.cc

What it is — Flos is synonymous with truly iconic lighting design. Based in Italy, Flos works with some of the world’s greatest designers, like: Antonio Citterio, Piero Lissoni, Jasper Morrison, Konstantin Grcic, Patricia Urquiola, Marcel Wanders, Ron Gilad, the Bouroullec brothers, Michael Anastassiades, Vincent Van Duysen, Nendo and Formafantasma, to name just a few.

Why we like it — Flos is, and has always been brave and bold. Each lighting collection challenges the norm, and moulds form and function into something very exciting.

flos.com

What it is — An exquisite Canadian lighting and furniture brand run by Montréal native, Scott Richler.

Why we like it — The company’s collections of glamorous lighting and sculptural furniture are made in Gabriel Scott’s Montréal factory, and sold throughout the world. The London and New York showrooms are impeccable destinations for those looking for special pieces for incredible spaces.

gabriel-scott.com

What it is — A mighty yet nimble, award-winning lighting design consultancy working with some of the world’s foremost architects and interior designers in a variety of industries from hotels and hospitality, to residences and retail.

Why we like it — Collaboration, team work and improving life through light are at the heart of this world-class consultancy.

nultylighting.co.uk

What it is — This educational hub located on Somerset House’s River Terrace will host specialised talks, curated interviews and exclusive panel discussions focused on issues of reparations, repair, representation and resonance associated with the Diaspora. Designed by Ini Archibong, the visionary structure is inspired by conch and cowrie shells and will be a highlight of the London Design Biennale throughout June 2021. It will then move to New York City in the autumn and Miami in the winter for Art Basel.

Why we like it — The Pavilion addresses concerns around racial equality that have been absent for too long and acts as a platform for black voices and talent, recognising the contributions of people of African descent to the fields of art, design and culture.

poad2021.org

What it is — A Notting Hill-based, creative design house known for its comprehensive and cohesive interiors, branding, graphics and original art.

Why we like it — As soon as we met Anna and her team we were drawn to their can-do attitude, accentuated by an inspirational sense of creativity.

runforthehills.com

What it is — A London-based architecture practice headed up by Sarah Wigglesworth. The award-winning practice creates people-centred places that are joyful, inventive and resourceful.

Why we like it — SWARCH has always approached its work with a clear process and its thoughtful output meets the criteria of sustainability, high quality and usability in mind, hand in hand with excellent design.

swarch.co.uk

What it is — A European design brand that collaborates with emerging designers to create full collections which will include the heirlooms of the future. Prototypes are meticulously modelled to achieve the most elegant iteration of each designer’s vision and the finest materials are sourced to ensure each piece lasts as long as possible.

Why we like it — Owner Pavlo Schtakleff and his wife Amalia are real visionaries. Their mission is to recapture the more glamorous periods of the 20th century and they have some exciting collaborations and collections on the horizon…

se-collections.com

What it is — A young, innovative architecture, interiors and furniture studio with a workshop in the heart of London.

Why we like it — Led by the dynamic Joanna Simpson, this firm is going places. With lots of exciting projects on the horizon, we feel now is the time for the studio to shine.

simpson-studio.com

What it is — A hub of cultural discovery and exploration though art, design and craft, all in the heart of Marylebone, London.

Why we like it — The moment we walked through the door of the Georgian townhouse we were warmly greeted by founder Shiro Muchiri and made to feel right at home. Shiro has created a beautiful space across five floors with ever-changing collections that explore human heritage and encourage collaboration. The gallery also has spaces that can be hired out for small-scale events. SoShiro is a gem.

soshiro.co

What it is — Ultrafabrics is a range of premium, animal-free materials that are reshaping the world of performance fabrics, and come in hundreds of colours and textures.

Why we like it — Ultrafabrics is a unique material. The company's investment in innovation has resulted in a range of polyurethanes suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Its client list of luxury brands spans many industries, from residential and contract furniture, to upholstery for cars, yachts, airlines and private jets.

ultrafabricsinc.com

Past clients