Robert Nava’s After Hours: Pace Gallery

What inspired your designs and the company?

Was there a gap that you felt needed to be filled? RTH was born from both industry experience and personal frustration. After spending over a decade in high-end, collectible furniture, I saw firsthand the barriers that made great design inaccessible—long lead times, high costs and the misconception that expensive always means better quality. As both a designer and a consumer, I wanted to challenge these norms and create a brand that blends designer-level aesthetics with a more approachable, ready-to-go philosophy. Beyond that, I wanted to accelerate the merging of fashion and furniture—two industries that have been slowly converging into a broader expression of personal style.

You mentioned a heavy “fashion influence.” How does that manifest in the designs?

I believe your home should be as expressive and effortless as the way you dress. In my view, furniture and clothing are the same thing. RTH takes direct inspiration from how fashion brands approach design, presentation and marketing. Like ready-to-wear collections, our furniture is conceptual and thoughtfully designed, yet more accessible. The way fashion brands play with materials, color and form is something we incorporate into our pieces—whether it’s a bold silhouette, an unexpected material combination or a finish that feels as perfect as a great outfit. We also think about seasonality and freshness, rotating designs and colorways to keep things evolving, much like in the fashion world.

Are there particular art movements, architectural styles, or fashion designers that influence your designs?

A mix of inspirations find their way into RTH’s pieces. Architecturally, I’m drawn to a wide variety of styles. I’m a life-long fan of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, as well as other classic American architects. I also admire the works of modern masters with a completely different aesthetic, such as John Pawson or Vincent Van Duysen. In fashion, I’m inspired by brands that push boundaries while maintaining wearability—think Jacquemus and Jill Sander. We have a joke internally where if we're ever unsure about how to present something we say WWJD - of course referring to the one and only Jacquemus, not the historical figure.

How do you balance functionality with aesthetics in your designs?

For me, furniture should be both an everyday essential and an expressive object. While RTH pieces are designed with personality, we never sacrifice usability for our end customer. Every piece we create is meant to seamlessly fit into real spaces—our designs aren’t just for show, they’re made to be lived with and experienced. Material choice plays a big role in this balance; we select finishes and structures that are durable yet visually striking. The goal is to create pieces that enhance a space without overwhelming it. 5. Do you experiment with unconventional shapes or mixed materials in your designs? Absolutely. A huge part of RTH’s identity is pushing beyond traditional forms and expectations. You’ll see that in our mirrors, which go beyond basic to become sculptural elements. I also love the idea of mixing materials in unexpected ways—chrome with oak, stone with metals. There’s an interplay between hard and soft, structured and fluid.

Are there any crazy designs that you want to try? (Whether it be shape, materials, etc.) And have there been ones that you’ve tried and haven’t worked?

I have an obsession with classic details in clothing like buttons, stitching and fabric. I'd love to produce a mirror that incorporates some of these details. One concept that didn’t quite work was a mirror design inspired by Loewe's Pixel collection from SS23. We tried to create a mirror in this same vein but the samples never produced the same effect as our sketches or renderings. That said, failed experiments are part of the process. Sometimes they lead to even better ideas.

Are there current interior design/furniture design trends you see currently? What do you think will be next?

Right now, there’s a return to naturals, metals and structure which is in stark move away from the wavy design that dominated the past few years. People want pieces that feel tactile, personal and crafted rather than overly polished. Looking ahead, I think we’ll see a bigger embrace of mixed materials and unexpected textures.

What's your favorite piece of furniture in your apartment and why?

It’s hard to choose, but I’d say my dining table, which I made myself. It was a scrappy, personal project—made from leftover travertine scraps seamed together with thin white oak strips. The way the materials came together, plus the story behind it, makes it special. It embodies the idea of making something beautiful out of what’s readily available, which is a principle I try to bring into all of my work.

What was your last google search?

Most definitely something to do with Milan. We're making our European debut with 3 different installations and events during design week in April. If you combed through how many times I've googled anything Milan related this month you'd think I was moving there.