A Chat with Rob Bowen Design
Based in the heart of Florida’s ever-booming West Coast, Rob Bowen Design in St. Petersburg collaborates with a discerning international clientele to craft luxurious residential spaces across the Sunshine State.
For over 15 years, Rob has brought a global perspective to his work, sourcing bespoke materials and collaborating with master artisans. From contemporary villas to seaside penthouses, the studio is known for its refined, purpose-driven approach to design.
Each project reflects the client’s vision while maintaining the studio’s signature blend of beauty and functionality. Supported by a skilled team of architects, designers, and project managers, Rob Bowen Design seamlessly guides projects from concept to completion.
We sat down with Rob Bowen Design to chat interior design and why they choose Aqua Creations to illuminate their projects with custom services and lighting design work.
Custom Grace Kinetic Mobile Light by Aqua Creations in "Dark Silk" frames the entrance lounge of Rob Bowen Design's new office in St. Petersburg, Florida
Q1 — Tell us about your studio’s portfolio, what are clients looking for these days?
Lately, we’ve seen a shift in what clients are looking for. More than ever, they want interiors that are intentional, bespoke, and experience-driven. It's not just about aesthetics—it's about how a space makes them feel. They want rooms that unfold like a story, with layers of texture, mood, and artistry.
Some key trends and requests we’ve been seeing:
Custom, Handcrafted Pieces: Clients are moving away from mass-produced items and instead investing in one-of-a-kind furnishings, whether it's a silk-draped chandelier, sculptural stonework, or a hand-carved statement piece.
Warm Minimalism: While clean lines and architectural precision remain popular, there’s a move toward warmer, more organic materials—rich woods, honed stone, soft metals, and tactile fabrics that create a sense of comfort and depth.
Personalized Spaces: We’re designing fewer "perfect showpieces" and more lived-in, layered interiors that feel collected over time. Clients want spaces that tell their story, incorporating elements of travel, art, and heirloom-quality pieces.
Smart Integration: Technology is seamlessly woven into our designs, whether it's hidden speakers, automated lighting, or custom home systems that provide both luxury and convenience without compromising aesthetics.
Indoor-Outdoor Connection: Whether in a city penthouse or a waterfront estate, clients are drawn to designs that blur the lines between interior and exterior—expansive glass, organic materials, and curated outdoor living areas that feel just as intentional as their interiors.
At the core of everything we do is a balance of refinement and authenticity. Clients are craving spaces that feel effortlessly sophisticated, highly functional, and undeniably personal. And that’s where we thrive—creating homes and environments that don’t just look extraordinary, but feel like a true extension of the people who live in them.
Custom Grace Kinetic Mobile Light by Aqua Creations in "Dark Silk" frames the entrance lounge of Rob Bowen Design's new office in St. Petersburg, Florida
Q2 — Have you seen a shift towards custom and bespoke furnishings and lighting?
Absolutely—there has been a significant shift towards custom and bespoke furnishings and lighting, and I think it speaks to a broader desire for uniqueness, quality, and personalization in design. Clients are moving away from mass-produced, one-size-fits-all solutions and instead gravitating towards pieces that tell a story, reflect their individuality, and elevate their space in a way that feels truly one-of-a-kind.
One of the biggest drivers of this shift is the growing appreciation for artisan craftsmanship. More than ever, people are seeking out furniture, lighting, and décor that are handcrafted, thoughtfully sourced, and designed with intention. Whether it’s a silk-draped chandelier, a sculptural marble table, or a custom millwork piece, these elements bring a level of artistry and exclusivity that simply can’t be replicated by off-the-shelf products.
Lighting, in particular, has become a statement-making element. Clients are no longer thinking of lighting as just a functional necessity—it’s an opportunity to introduce drama, warmth, and personality. From hand-cast bronze fixtures to oversized silk sculptural pendants, the right lighting has the power to transform a space and define its ambiance.
No two spaces are the same, and custom pieces allow for a perfect fit—whether it’s adjusting dimensions, experimenting with materials, or designing something entirely new that aligns with a client’s aesthetic vision. In my projects, I often collaborate with artisans and fabricators to push creative boundaries, integrating unexpected textures, finishes, and structural forms that enhance the architecture and character of a space.
Custom Grace Kinetic Mobile Light by Aqua Creations in "Dark Silk" frames the entrance lounge of Rob Bowen Design's new office in St. Petersburg, Florida
Q3 — Describe your Art House project, what was the inspiration and vision for the layout and interior design scheme?
The Art House Project was an exciting exploration of minimalism with a bold, expressive twist. The client had a deep appreciation for contemporary art, and from the very beginning, we knew the design had to serve as both a gallery and a home.
The inspiration for the layout was clean, architectural precision—a canvas of pure, uninterrupted forms that allowed the artwork to take center stage. We leaned into a pared-back material palette but infused it with high-contrast moments of color and texture, mirroring the energy and vibrancy of the collection itself.
A defining feature of the home is a stunning silk sculptural fixture—a piece that embodies both movement and form. Suspended like a floating artwork, it creates an ethereal presence, adding softness and fluidity to the otherwise crisp, minimalist architecture. Its interplay with natural light and the surrounding art makes it a living piece within the space, shifting in tone and depth throughout the day.
The Art House Project is a testament to the idea that minimalism doesn’t have to be cold or stark—it can be rich, layered, and emotionally charged when infused with the right artistic vision. It’s a home that truly celebrates the power of art as a living, breathing part of daily life.
Custom Grace Kinetic Mobile Light by Aqua Creations in "Silver Silk" frames the Art House by Rob Bowen Design
Q4 — What led you and the client to choose the Grace Kinetic Mobile Light for the dining room?
The Grace Kinetic Mobile Light was chosen as a functional piece of art, seamlessly integrating movement, form, and light into the dining space. From the start, the client wanted the dining area to feel like an extension of their art collection—more than just a place to gather, but a space where design and artistry intersect in a dynamic way.
What made the Grace Kinetic Mobile the perfect choice was its sculptural elegance and fluid motion. Unlike a static fixture, it introduces a sense of weightlessness and balance, subtly shifting with air currents to create an ever-changing composition. It’s not just lighting—it’s an installation that interacts with the space, reflecting the minimalist aesthetic while adding an organic softness.
At its core, the Grace Kinetic Mobile Light embodies what this project is all about — elevating functional elements into art, embracing contrast, and allowing space and objects to engage in a continuous conversation. It’s a statement piece, but in the most understated, poetic way.
Custom Grace Kinetic Mobile Light by Aqua Creations in "Silver Silk" frames the Art House by Rob Bowen Design
Q5 — How do you approach lighting in residential design at Rob Bowen Design?
At Rob Bowen Design, lighting is more than just illumination—it’s an art form. We approach lighting with the same level of curation and intention as any piece of furniture or artwork, ensuring it not only serves a functional purpose but also enhances the overall mood, composition, and architecture of a space.
Our philosophy is rooted in layered lighting—a balance of ambient, task, and accent lighting that creates depth, drama, and warmth. We see lighting as a way to sculpt a space, whether through bold statement fixtures, integrated architectural lighting, or subtle, atmospheric glows that shift throughout the day.
What sets our approach apart is how we view lighting as art. We don’t just choose fixtures—we commission, customize, and collaborate with artisans to create one-of-a-kind sculptural pieces that bring personality and movement into a space. A lighting fixture should feel as intentional as a painting on the wall or a piece of handcrafted furniture—it should elevate the design and evoke emotion.
In residential design, lighting has to be adaptable, functional, and experiential. Whether it’s a Grace Kinetic Mobile Light in a dining room, a custom silk-draped chandelier floating in an entry, or a carefully positioned cove light that highlights architectural details, every decision is made with precision.
Ultimately, our goal is to craft environments where light doesn’t just illuminate—it transforms. It defines the ambiance, guides the eye, and creates an immersive experience that makes every space feel both inviting and extraordinary.
