Art by Arjo approached RE-VIVE to create the interior for their first permanent retail space, located within Leeds’ iconic Corn Exchange.
As an independent illustrator known for detailed architectural drawings and illustrations of places with a strong sense of identity, the brief was to create a shop that felt unmistakably Arjo while allowing the artwork itself to remain the focus. The concept centred around bringing together Arjo’s contemporary illustration style with the character and heritage of the Corn Exchange, creating a timeless retail environment that feels considered, distinctive and sympathetic to its setting.
The interior was designed as a backdrop to Arjo’s work rather than competing with it. A restrained material palette, carefully considered lighting and simple display elements allow the illustrations and products to provide much of the colour and personality within the space. Taking cues from the Corn Exchange itself, traditional forms and materials are balanced with cleaner contemporary interventions. The result is a space that feels established and permanent while still reflecting the character of an independent creative brand. Flexibility was also central to the design, allowing displays to evolve as new artwork, collections and products are introduced.
A vintage architect’s plan chest was sourced to form a focal point within the shop and became an integral part of the point-of-sale area, a subtle reference to drawing, making and the creative process behind Arjo’s work. Rather than filling the space with conventional retail fixtures, individual pieces were selected and designed to feel as though they belonged within the architecture, creating a more collected and characterful environment.
The finished shop brings together artwork, brand and place, giving Art by Arjo a physical home that feels distinctly their own while celebrating the setting of the Leeds Corn Exchange.
“It was great working with Callum at Revive spaces from start to finish, from understanding my thoughts, concepts, and the vision I hoped to create for my shop, to bringing this together in design concepts, 3D Visuals so that I could feel confident and assured about the finished look going into the build process. Their knowledge of products and sourcing of materials was brilliant, perfectly on trend and in style for what finish I was wanting to create.
Another big help was the sourcing of builders and tradesmen that could help bring this design together on site. The attention to detail in visiting the site before, during and after to ensure the whole process went as smoothly as possible was also brilliant. I would highly recommend them for anyone wanting to create a well-designed, high-end finish commercial project.”
Yusef Arjomandkhah - Founder of Arjo by Arjo