Introducing Oasis. Born from a new collaboration with globally renowned firm Robert A.M. Stern Architects, this contemporary sculptural hardware collection features organic forms for doors and cabinetry. Timeless and sophisticated, Oasis takes anticipated elements of an iconic partnership and turns them into something unexpected. Inspired by historic architectural references and the Arts and Crafts movement, the unique offering juxtaposes the structural quality of doors and millwork with the inventiveness and artistry of jewelry, incorporating design techniques similar to gem cutting. The end result is a versatile collection that is both delicate and surprising.
Christian Nickum, president of Rocky Mountain Hardware, discusses the Oasis collection.
What’s the inspiration behind the new collection?
The concept behind all of our artisan collaborations is to select talented and well-respected designers to introduce unique pieces outside of what you’d typically see in the marketplace. For the Oasis collection, RAMSA (Robert A.M. Stern Architects) came to us with an initial idea of what they hoped to create. The resulting Oasis collection draws influence from several components, including the 20th century, historic architectural design, the Arts and Crafts movement and jewelry craftsmanship. These are evidenced throughout the collection in continuous and fluid forms, gemlike cut ends, organic shapes and the overall structural quality of each piece.
What was the starting point for this collection?
We first met Lauren Kruegel Siroky, RAMSA interiors design director and senior associate, at ICFF in 2019. Initially she and the RAMSA team presented three separate concepts, each with a different style and point of view. We were really drawn to the designs in the collection later named Oasis because they were so diverse compared to anything we’d previously seen.
How do you feel this collection pushes the brand forward?
When collaborating with artisans, we try not to give them limitations, as we find that an open approach inspires fresh ideas while prompting our design and production teams to achieve them within the confines of our casting techniques. Oasis is a direct outcome of this creative strategy. The collection is incomparable to other hardware you’d find on the market as well as anything we currently offer.
How does the collection build on or complement your other offerings?
All our collections are designed to seamlessly complement the rest of our offerings. Oasis is no exception and pairs well with many of our other escutcheons and door handles. We even showcased this mix-and-match capability by coupling the Oasis Raleigh lever with our leather designer collection in a new advertising campaign.
What about the collection feels fresh and exciting?
The fluid organic forms give Oasis a timeless and sophisticated feel unlike anything else we’ve seen before. The pieces fit so naturally in the palm of the hand—almost melting in the grip. Some are also embellished with an open ring that resembles elegant jewelry on any cabinet or furniture front.
How do you envision designers using this collection?
Oasis is designed to complement a wide array of environments and has broad appeal, as individual pieces and in its entirety. We envision these designs in a luxury residential project or a boutique hotel that relies on unique details to distinguish it. We would also love to see Oasis in a contemporary setting that shows how adaptable the pieces are to what’s new and trending in the world of home design.
Can the collection be customized? What options are possible?
Customization is one of the key attributes of Rocky Mountain Hardware. Designers can select not only the various items and sizes needed but also custom finishes. Our pieces continue to evolve based on the demands of each project—a different color, a few inches larger or even a slight modification to accommodate a custom door, for example.
