NOVOCASTRIAN: Where Heritage, Craft and Modern Design Intersect

SW is proud to introduce NOVOCASTRIAN, a British studio defined by meticulous craftsmanship, quiet confidence and a deep respect for its Northern roots. Their work sits at the meeting point of art and engineering, where material integrity, cultural heritage and contemporary design come together with purpose.

Born in North East England and shaped by generations of shipbuilders, metalworkers and makers, NOVOCASTRIAN brings provenance to the forefront of modern craft. Their philosophy is anchored in graft, humility and distinction, values that have been passed down through families who once powered the region’s steel, coal and maritime industries.

A Legacy Forged in the North East

The North East was once the workshop of the world, launching half of the globe’s ships at the turn of the 20th century and fuelling industry through the Great North Coalfield. For many within the NOVOCASTRIAN team, it takes only a generation or two to trace their lineage back to a shipyard or pit village. Craft, resilience and hard work are part of their DNA.

While the region’s industrial might may have waned, NOVOCASTRIAN stands as a modern tribute to that heritage. Their studio celebrates what the North East represents: precision, ingenuity and a deep pride in making.

From Family Workshop to Design House

The brand’s story begins with a family legacy of metalwork. Founder Richy grew up in Byker, spending school holidays in the workshop his parents built after the decline of shipbuilding. What began as a means for the family to support the local automotive supply chain became the foundation for a future design studio.

Years later, after studying architecture and working within London’s luxury interiors world, Richy experienced a defining moment. A bespoke metal lampshade he designed was priced far higher than its craftsmanship justified. Sending the drawings home, he received a prototype that showcased both superior quality and fairer value. This revelation formed the seed of NOVOCASTRIAN. Landed cabinetry, tables and early lighting prototypes followed, marking the beginning of a now-renowned design practice.

The brand officially launched in 2014, combining the architectural eye Richy honed in London with the fabrication expertise that ran through his family line.

Craft That Carries Culture

Metal is NOVOCASTRIAN’s obsession. In their North East workshop, raw materials are shaped through a blend of time-honoured techniques and innovative fabrication. Brass, steel and stone are treated with the care of fine art. Surfaces are patinated by hand. Edges are refined through hours of craft. Imperfections are celebrated as part of each piece’s identity.

The studio has grown into a collective of designers, craftsmen, engineers and artists. Some bring decades of expertise, while others, like the brand’s first apprentice Jack, represent a new generation of Northern makers trained in-house. Together, they continue the legacy of a region built on skill and graft.

A Decade of Evolution

Through collaborations, exhibitions and an expanding client base, NOVOCASTRIAN has shaped a distinct aesthetic: understated, refined and anchored in material honesty. Highlights in their journey include:

• Early icons such as the Slate Binate Coffee Table and Staiths Shelving, inspired by Victorian industrial structures.
• Collaborations with leading designers, including a piece showcased at the V&A Museum.
• Award recognition, including Best Newcomer at the Northern Design Festival.
• Expansion into surfaces, cabinetry and sculptural furniture.
• The Otterburn Chess Set and Chess Table, a statement of craftsmanship rooted in Northumberland’s medieval history.
• The Insulator Collection, the studio’s first foray into lighting, marking a new era of capability and ambition.
• Continued growth, including the evolution of their brass-wrapped cabinetry and collaborations such as The Hagstones with Britannicus Stone.

Each milestone reflects a studio that honours where it came from while continually pushing its creative and technical boundaries.

Crafted in England. Made for the World.

NOVOCASTRIAN’s workshop remains in North East England, but their work lives in homes, galleries and commercial spaces across the globe. They also maintain a permanent presence in London, working closely with architects, designers and private clients.

Every piece is made to order with an unwavering commitment to quality, longevity and artistry. For those seeking bespoke craftsmanship, their team travels internationally for installations, ensuring each project is delivered with the same precision and care that defines the brand.

A Brand Built on Provenance and Purpose

In an era of mass production, NOVOCASTRIAN stands apart. Their pieces are heirlooms. Their processes are intentional. Their identity is shaped by history yet fuelled by innovation.

SW is proud to spotlight a studio that embodies the values we champion: authenticity, excellence and craftsmanship with meaning.